cbuddy2005

yep

BikeWNC

Here in the Southern Appalachians we get bad air transported from points SW and NW of us. Atlanta shares their mess with us as do the coal plants in the Tn. and Ohio valleys. When the winds blow consistently from those directions and we don't get regular thunderstorms to scrub it clean we get orange conditions in both ozone and particulates. The high ridges are much worse than the valleys because the lower elevations are mostly local source. I avoid orange days though it is rare to have those conditions everywhere in the area at the same time. I can usually ride either in the valley or up on the mountain in green conditions though it will always be cooler up at higher elevations.

locolobo13 

Short answer. Yes.

Long answer. If I didn't ride every time there was a moderate or worse air index here I wouldn't be in as good a shape as I am. I grew up with asthma and have allergies. Yet I feel better for riding. If it happens that I feel my lungs burning while riding I will re-evaluate at that time. Until then.

Smogsteve

I try to not ride outdoors on bad air days. We get quite a few every year starting about now. My nickname (smogsteve) comes from when I grew up in the San Fernando Valley. During the summer we would play in the Green air, Visability about 100 meters. My lungs pay for it now. At 17 yoa VO2 max of 81, 25 yoa Cat2 Vo2 max 85, 61 yoa 10m miles a year VO2 of 64. Smog is just like smoking just say no.

BlazingPedals

All I can say is, 'aving bad 'air is better'n 'aving none at all.

CrankyFranky

I've had lifelong asthma n beaucoup allergies. I only stop riding when my lungs or eyes are burning, though for me, I certainly don't push too hard when there's an alert issued.