xiyangshen

So I have not been able to get a really effective snot rocket.
I envy those of you who can pull this feat off with ease.
My question: To clear the left nostril, do you
A: Block the right nostril with your left or right hand?
B: Do you aim it over or under your right or left shoulder?
My attempts so far have netted me snot on various body parts that I'd rather not have it on.
Words of wisdom from the experts?
I shy away from asking someone on the road, "Hey man, that was a really great snot rocket, how do you do that?

CliftonGK1

I've done this enough that I'm now ambidextrous with it. I can use one hand to alternately block a nostril and clear the other, without making a mess of myself.
The easiest way I've found for starting out is the cross-over. Left index finger used to press/block right nostril while tilting head toward the right (aiming nostril toward left), keep your left elbow in and fire away. Reverse for opposite side.

dOOBER

well growing up my dad was the end all snot-rocket person. i think because he always worked outside and never really cared. You have to be dedicated when you do it if not you'll just blow snot all over your face and clothes. So the way to do it is on a bike if your blowing your left nostril, plug your right with your right hand, lean over to the left and down but make sure the opening of your nostril is horizontal with the ground so it goes straight down and not back. Then blow hard at one full motion till it clears.

PS it might take some practice and you have to have the right buildup in your nose for it to work right. IE to runny not enough pressure.

That was fun.

m4ximusprim3

I pretty much use the same method as Doober's dad passed on to him, except I go over the arm, not under.

For a right-shot:

1) Left hand pinches left nostril
2) Lean right over the right arm, tilting top of head head back and to the left to ensure good clearance over the arm/shoulder
3) Blow like hell.
4) Reverse everything to clear the left.

The thing to remember is that your nostrils point down farther than you think so the lean/tilt is important.

onyourback

Don't forget to consider the wind! Heavy cross winds can ruin a normally effective technique.

kgriffioen

Pretty much this and in addition take a deep breath and also dip the shoulder that you are shooting over a bit.
By the way its perfectly normal to admire a good shot. It's something to be proud of.

thdave

Practice off the bike. It's a bit trickier on the bike but the practice will pay off.

dgk02

There are also biological factors to consider. I have no problem blowing beauties out my right nostril but the left prefers to trickle down my arm. Either I just can't get up sufficient pressure (maybe that blue pill would help?) or there is some congenital defect that feeds back the pressure into my ear. That side sometimes gave me trouble when scuba diving so it very well could be some actual physical problem. I'm not explaining this to my doctor though.

mikewille

Also don't practice in the house.

CliftonGK1

The real trick is developing the balance of pressure and technique to blast one and not get it caught up in your moustache/beard. Nothing's much grodier than showing up at work with a frozen booger spear plastered to the side of your face.

RaleighComp

A good headwind helps.

m4ximusprim3

I just imagined your reflection in the window, helmet and all:

"So, are you gonna ask him? You know, about the left nostril snot rockets?"


And then maybe you, after having had "the talk", blowing snot rockets through a tire swing.

xiyangshen

This is one reason I like to show up early to work. To, you know, clean up. Going home is another story. Not very sexy showing up with snot on your face/shoulder/thigh/shoe,etc. My wife is a skier and can blow rockets with the best of em. Her only advice was to practice... but not around her.
I will go forth with the advice of this thread tonight!
Chilly weather means lots opportunities to blow.

Pedaleur

You're over-thinking this. No, I don't mean that sarcastically. If you _think_ about it, then you worry about what could go wrong, then you've already lost.

Blowing a good snot rocket is like pulling the table cloth out from under dinner. Boom! Wham! Out! Think about it and you're done for.

genec

Practice practice practice... you should be able to do either under or over arm... as the need arises.

Cassave

Just don't do it at a business lunch in a nice restaurant.

Andy Mail

I'm in tears over here!

JanMM

There are less-disgusting ways of dealing with snot:

QuickityJacks

I'm convinced that I'll endo the first time I try this.

AdamDZ

You mean.... carrying your snots in your pocket is less disgusting than leaving them on the pavement???


A.

PS.: The real problem is that once you get used to this you may be inclined to do this everywhere else

JeffS

Oh yea... carrying it around in your pocket with you is much less disgusting.

rhm

My technique, for the right nostril: make fist with right hand, thumb up, at approx. shoulder level; bring forehead down and turn the head to the right; block the left nostril with right thumb; blast off!

By the way, it's good form to make sure no one is drafting you first.

EKW in DC

I still need some practice myself for sure, but I've been getting better of late.

Yes, in that case, this is preferable to a bandana or a snot rocket... LOL

First time I've heard that in any other context besides getting a good workout!

Good point!

m4ximusprim3

So, thanks to this thread, I made a valuable piece of self discovery this morning. I cleared the right to the right, as described above. Then, as I was setting up for the left, I realized that I also clear the left nostril to my right! I've never thought about it before!

When I do my left, I keep my left arm on the bars, hold my right nostril with my right hand, and then still shoot right, sorta under my raised right elbow. I think I do this so I'm never looking left, which can lead to going left, which can lead to becoming a bloody smear on a semi.

Thanks, Xiyangshen, for helping me better understand my riding habits. I'm forever in your debt.

HowardBollixter

But, Santa does it in the house!

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!