Commuting - chewing gum?

I feel as though chewing gum keeps my face noticeably warmer, maybe because that's what I would expect because it makes complete sense. Whether the difference would actually be that noticeable is the question, either way it's more comfortable.

I also feel like cinnamon gum would be even "warmer" than the minty stuff I've been using, let's hope so.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

I can not go on any ride without chewing gum. I can ride while forgetting my water bottle but not without a piece of gum.

i have never really tried it out...seems like chewing gum would warm the face some

that's a new one

Urghhhhhhhhh ! More rubber ! Save the environment and pollute it at the same time ! I love it :notamused:

That being said, I think it is a smart idea. I could barely speak because my face gets frozen in the morning ! I am gonna try that tomorrow :D

But what if you fall and choke on your gum!!!! It's be just as bad as going without a helmet or sunglasses, or body armor or a lucky rabbits foot!

I think I would be annoyed if I had to breathe through my mouth and I had a piece of gum in my mouth.

I would think that chewing gum while breathing heavily might be risky. Never really tried it, so I can't say for sure.

Seems like a balaclava is a better idea.

I don't know if I can chew gum and ride at the same time.
I never tried it.

I seriously hurt my throat a few years ago and my doctor recommended that I start chewing gum to increase my saliva production and provide lubrication. I've been doing it ever since and it really works. I like the fruit-flavored, sugarless kind (trident mostly).

I don't ride while chewing gum because for some reason, it makes me less thirsty. Ergo, I drink alot less water and get dehydrated.

I feel as though chewing gum keeps my face noticeably warmer, maybe because that's what I would expect because it makes complete sense. Whether the difference would actually be that noticeable is the question, either way it's more comfortable.

I also feel like cinnamon gum would be even "warmer" than the minty stuff I've been using, let's hope so.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Don't you know that bicycling requires 100% attention paid to sight and hearing? You need to read the safety advice offered so often by cycling safety experts on BF. Competent cycling leaves no slack for something as distracting as chewing gum! Chewing gum while cycling should be punished for being a crime against humanity. You are obviously high up on the Darwinian culling list, eh? Besides it's far more righteous to enjoy the natural flavors of your own saliva while cycling then something unnatural and manufactured.

Yeah, but can you blow bubbles at 20 mph?

Nah - it would stick to my beard, and who wants to chew that much that you have a full face covering.

:)

Chewing gum exercises the face muscles, which increases blood flow to the face, which in turn
warms the face.

BUT the risk of inhaling the gum due to heavy breathing or a fall simply make this habit dumb at
best. :notamused:

I'll wear a face mask or something else but I don't want to die a slow choking death.:eek:

I would think that chewing gum while breathing heavily might be risky. Never really tried it, so I can't say for sure.

Seems like a balaclava is a better idea.

This actually IS a bad idea. I used to chew gum all the time until I was hammering a hill hard. Ended up in the pavement on the shoulder with the gum half way up my lungs. That being said, I still chew gum while riding, but as soon as I start heavy breathing I toss it.

While the issue of moving more blood through the facial muscles struck me right away at the same time I would never risk it due to the likelyhood of inhaling it at some point. Unless you've got a regular riding companion that knows the Hiemlich maneuver this seems like a great way to choke to death.

Go with a balaclava instead or even just pretend to chew gum. If you don't want the thick ski style balaclave motorcycle and snowmobile shops should carry the silk balaclavas that fit under helmets. They are a lot thinner and almost as effective as the ski balaclavas. However they don't have mouth openings. If you know someone that knows how to use a sewing or serging machine it would be super simple to add a mouth opening.

Wow, I haven't chewed gum for years. It kind of bothers me. I think I'd rather have my face a little cold.

I do at night. I live in an area (delta) with great clouds of mosquitoes and the gum keeps my mouth shut and bug free.

I've found that chewing gum slows me down, for some reason i feel like it makes me have less energy while biking

I can't understand why

I'm sure I'll be the lone ranger on this one, but I usually ride/train with a big cheek full of Red Man chewing tobacco. Don't ask me why, I just do.