General Cycling Discussion - What to do when your sick?

I have a Bad case of the flu and havent been able to ride my bike in a couple of days. I feel so guilty. What do you guys and gals do when you are sick? Massive chest cold. I feel like crap. :cry: :(

Just recouperate and get back on the bike when you feel better. That's all you can do.

Rest, check with your doctor if you don't get better in a reasonable time, and ditch the guilt. Remember this truth: Riding a bike is a pleasure, not a duty. "John 8:32 - And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Paul (who's not a Christian, but can twist Bible quotes to suit his purposes!)

Don't compromise your recovery- it could result in a longer down time. Rest, recover and ride when you're ready!

Koffee

Wow! As a bike commuter, I medicated and road on when I had a bad cold. I did stop any additional riding until I felt better, which I hope will be any day now. :)

vitamin c

Lotsa fluids, lotsa rest.

But I know the feeling. You get into a daily groove, and when it's short-circuited, whether by illness or other circumstances, it's hard to "get your groove back". Don't feel guilty; that only de-motivates you when you recuperate. When you're ready, get back on and don't look back.

Just keep pounding back that water. Flush that bug out.

I'd go for small rides around the block, basically coast around.
I commuted once while I was sick and fell asleep on the bike and needed to be on the cell headset with my gf to keep me awake. Definitely never do it again.
Stay home and rest, you won't regret it later.

All of the above.

A friend told me this nifty little saying - if it's in your head, go ahead, in the chest, better rest.

Get better soon.

All of the above.

A friend told me this nifty little saying - if it's in your head, go ahead, in the chest, better rest.

Get better soon.

Yeah I heard somewhere too you can exercise if the pain's above the neck. If it's below the neck, better stay home.

And a lot more Zinc.

For anything in the chest it is recommended you stay off the bike or away from any sort of cardio exercise. If it is just head congestion it depends on how you feel. Sometimes I get sinus headaches that just put me down to where I can't function. Other times they are not that bothersome, I take a decongestant and I'm on my way.

But for chest congestion & colds take the time to get better.

I have to say since I took up biking end of last summer, I didn't get sick this past winter, even missed my annual streph throat battle, first time in years. Got one sinus infection, but despite riding in belowing freezing conditions didn't actually get a cold or flu. I attribute it to riding. As for the sinus infection a little pseuphedrine and rode anyway! Don't think I would if I had a chest cold though.

Not that I'd recommend this, but one day in my final year at university I was feeling pretty sick. Situation was, a day off simply wasn't possible given the workload of the time. I rode in anyway, and actually vomitted while riding. Strangely, I instantly felt better as soon as it was out of my system. For the next 16 hours I put in one of my most productive days ever.

Do not ride....I did a 40 mile hill only ride on a flu and that knocked me down. When i felt a little better I did a 72 mile ride and that caused an even worse relapse....a little flu took 5 weeks to recover from all because I couldnt sit stilll. TAke my advice just rest up...and when you do ride again go easy and build up.

If it's a chest cold, then they say you shouldn't exercise (anything below the neck - chest cold, stomach flu, etc.), but if you must, then make it light duty. I wouldn't get on a bike & ride around in traffic, but maybe a walk outdoors if it's warm enough. You'll feel better if you move around a bit, rather than lying on the couch all day, but don't overdo it. Listen to your body. It needs rest to heal right now. No guilt in being sick. You'll enjoy your ride that much more when you're up to it. Take care of yourself.

i have the same guilty feelings when i'm not riding. i usually end up going for a ride anyway...and almost always regret it later. as most everyone has suggested it's better to just get some rest....but sometimes that's soooo hard to do (especially for me since i keep my bikes in my room so i'm always looking at them!)

Thanks for the info. Yep its a chest cold.:(

Stay off the bike until you feel better.
An illness will wipe out lots of your fitness; that can't be helped. Make the first few times on your bike recovery rides, maybe 1hr of gentle, low-gear riding.

Get well soon Steve, so we can ride!

I have a simple rule I brought with me from weight lifting.

If its only in your head, keep going.
If its in your chest rest until its gone.

Its worked for me for almost 10 years, so I plan to stick to it.