supahjew

Yesterday I had to run an errand, so I took my hybrid and biked in 40 or so degree weather at an average of 20mph, and after a mile or so it felt like the back of my throat and down was just frozen solid, it was hard to breathe, and wouldn't go away until I...breathed warm air again...obvious...

But -- is there a way to prevent this, as I planned on biking a lot during the winter months?

Patriot

If the wind chill gets down below freezing for me, I wear a balaclava. Another option is go to the local ski shop, and get a light fleece neck warmer. They work great, and you can tuck them into your jacket collar to keep the cold air from blowing down the front of your chest, helping to keep your body heat in your jacket where it belongs.

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...&slitrk=search

bikewench

yup...

head cover that goes down the neck into the jacket...
no little air holes for the frigid to get into...

and I find that my breath is all it takes to keep my face warm...
and I ride in -15C
cold enough that my water freezes in my bottle by the end of my ride...

but...
if there is no snow or ice...
a frigid ride is outstanding.. !!!

puddin' legs

neck gaitor

SpongeDad

If this is happening at 40 degrees, you may have a mild condition akin to asthma that causes the airways to close down under stress, including cold dry air. This is actually pretty common. I have it, but it only comes up when I am really run down.

A neck gaitor or a balaclava may help a lot. If not, go see a doctor, especially if you have allergies (I think these are all hyperimmune reactions).

supahjew

It's not that my neck gets cold, but it's breathing in all that cold air.

SpongeDad

Then try one of the face masks or balaclavas that has a little cover over the mouth.

Ineedhelp

Or you can also go to home depot and get a box of those paper face masks used for woodworking. The advantage of these over a scarf is they do not sit directly on your nose/mouth. If you need more warmth, then wrap a scarf over the face mask.