Training & Nutrition - Is there such a thing as cyclist's sore throat?

I'm a marathon runner who took up long-distance cycling this summer for the sake of variety. I really enjoy the time I spend on my bike, and over the past few months I've done four centuries and lots of rides in the 35 to 70 mile range. One problem I have noticed however is that a few hours after I've finished a ride, my throat is really sore. I thought this might be a symptom of overtraining, but the problem doesn't appear after I run; for instance, I ran 10 miles today in the late afternoon, but I haven't felt any throat discomfort in the 7 hours since. And I don't have any other overtraining symptoms; my resting heart rate upon awakening in the morning is normal, my mood is good, my muscles feel ok, etc.

I'm wondering if anyone has either had this problem or heard of someone who has. And of course I'm looking for ideas on solving it. Thanks.


PS I live in a rural setting, so pollution is not an issue. I also take a Camelbak with me when I ride, so hydration shouldn't be an issue either.

Read this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=584941

I have also experienced this, once about 30 yrs ago when I went on a run on a cool day and the other episode also related to running, about a week or 2 ago. In between I have done very little running. Both times I assumed it was from irritation from breathing (whether mouth or nose, air has to pass by the throat) fast, exposure to allergens (at a higher quantity due to rapid breathing) and infectious agents like viruses, chilling of the mucus membranes, drying, etc. There are multiple irritants that can be at play. What worked for me was simple soothing remedies, waiting for it to get better, avoidance of further irritation when it is already sore, and building up tolerance.