Snot

[Melalvai]

This might be an amusing thread.

A month ago my husband and I attempted a metric century. It was his first metric, and our first supported ride. I've done long distances but never a supported ride. We finished 20 miles, before the rain and the cold got to me. From this experience, I concluded the best part of a supported ride is the SAG van that picks you up when you DNF.

What does this have to do with the subject heading? Well, one thing I remember noting with great interest was how as I got colder and colder, the snot dripping off my nose bothered me less and less. It wasn't long before I was not repulsed by wiping it off on my jacket sleeve. Then I was too cold to change position at all and stopped wiping it off. Then it was no longer dripping from my nose, but HANGING down my nose and streaming back in the wind.

The morning commutes have been a bit chilly lately, and the snot dripping reminds me of that ride. It got me started wondering if there's cyclist-specific products or tricks for snot! Obviously a hankie or kleenex in my jacket pocket would be handy, if I could remember it (and remember to take it out and wash it!)

[onimity]

Isn't that what the 'wiping surface' is for on cycling gloves? :)

Anne

[redrhodie]

Note to self....do not buy used armwarmers from Melavai :rolleyes: :eek: :D .

[ehirsch83]

snot rockets!!!

[HoosierGiant]

You know, I was just pondering that whole snot issue on this afternoon's ride in sub-freezing windchills. Normally I'm the obsessive/compulsive one -- pretty doggone picky about keeping all of my cycling clothes "perfect". But when it's cold outside, (And I do HATE THE COLD!) well then all bets are off! DH is over there wiping his nose/eyes every mile or so with his stash of paper towels, Kleenex, etc.; I'm like, what a hassle! Wipe it on the glove, wipe it on the glove and then on the tights, wipe it on the turtleneck. (Haven't resorted to the sleeve of my relatively new Showers Pass Elite jacket yet, but I'm sure that will change the first time temps dip into the single-digits. ;) )At some point I'll finally give up wiping and resort to sucking it in every few breaths. When that's no longer effective, I figure it's free to wander wherever it chooses. By that point I'm usually so cold I couldn't give chase even if I wanted to.

[r900]

Too funny! pinch and blow, pinch and blow! Oh, check to see if any one is following closely first!

[jusdooit]

I do snot rockets.........but they are pretty gross. Campmor has an item called the snot spot (item # 11666-F) that fits over your glove. I haven't tried it but may order one.

[emily_in_nc]

I carry a soft cotton (well washed to get to the soft point!) bandanna in my jersey (or jacket) pocket. Just can't get into the snot rocket thing. Bandannas are great because they don't shred like kleenex. Also great for hiking. I have a variety of colors. Bandannas rule!

Emily

[solobiker]

Some how my co-workers and myself got into this topic. It was too early in the morning for this conversation, just before 6am. Well anyway one says her DH "sniffs and swallows", which I find disgusting. My other co-worker does a "farmers blow" same as snot rocket and I prefer the glove or if I remember I use a hankerchief.

[Grog]

Snot rockets. Inelegant, but really the only way to survive in the cold during aerobic exercise for me.

The soft part of my gloves are helpful but they just can't handle everything...

[Zen]

When that's no longer effective, I figure it's free to wander wherever it chooses...

Heehee...reminds me of The Blob (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blob)

[SouthernBelle]

If you look back a little over a year ago, you'll find the thread where I announced my new found talent for snot rocketry. I am now a master (Mistress?).

However, I ride with a bandana tied around my left wrist year round. In the summer it's for sweat, winter snot. I still use the rockets though.

[li10up]

My nose runs and runs regardless of how hot or cold it is outside. I've mastered the rocket to the point of being able to launch without having to pinch a nostril shut. Two for the price of one!:D :o

[sgtiger]

I can't do a snot rocket to save my life. It just ends up on my lips and chin no matter how hard I blow. Ew! I sooooo wish I could. I do find that taking a claritan before going out for a ride helps cut down on the snot factor besides keeping my sinuses open.

[RolliePollie]

Too funny! pinch and blow, pinch and blow! Oh, check to see if any one is following closely first!


Yes, PLEASE be sure to look behind you first! I got snot rocketed by a lady on the bike trail last weekend. I was wearing shorts and a short-sleeved jersey so I felt the snot spraying all over my arms and legs. It was SO GROSS!!! She kind of apologized and I decided not to make an issue out of it. But what I really wanted to do was race ahead of her and snot rocket her right back!

I am not opposed to snot rockets though... I just wish I could do them! I have tried, but the snot just goes all over me. So I carry Kleenex in my pockets or tucked up under the wrist of my jerseys and I'm pretty good at blowing my nose while riding. Or else I wipe it on my gloves and my sleeves. Eeew. Luckily it seems to wash out quite nicely.

[alpinerabbit]

I carry a soft cotton (well washed to get to the soft point!) bandanna in my jersey (or jacket) pocket. Just can't get into the snot rocket thing. Bandannas are great because they don't shred like kleenex. Also great for hiking. I have a variety of colors. Bandannas rule!


In the old world, these items are still known, and sit crisply ironed, in gentlemen's pockets or breast pockets, as hand-kerchiefs.

Yes, they still exist. Monogrammed even. An atavism from the pre-paper towel era.

in fact the classic bandanna is a traditional pattern used by peasants in the 19th century....

[TriMom217]

another vote for the snot rocket and also making sure there is no one too close behind you.

On last Sunday's ride I let one loose to the left just as I was overtaken by another ride. He was the first other rider we had seen all day and I had no idea that he was there! It's the first time I wish I had heard "on your left!"

[ATL Laura]

Earlier this year I had a string of ear and sinus infections and my doctor prescribed snot rockets (she is a cyclist too). Apparently all the sniffling caused that stuff to build up in my head and cause problems. So now its always snot rockets for me...doctors orders :)

[Brandi]

Wow this thread is cracking me up! Just coming in on this and reading all these comments about snot is sooooo funny!
I was born with a box of kleenex in both hands! Now I just use my glove! Sometimes snot rockets (feel like I am in Jr high saying that). I have a kleenex under the left band of my shorts and a bandana in my camel back (which I wear on every ride) so I am fully covered. When I haven't been. yes I have used my jersey! Or my dh's. We have been together for 20 years! jk by the way....:D

[Susan126]

I can't snot rocket to save my soul. DH is a champion at the art of snot rocketing. In the winter I also make sure I am at least 4 bike lengths behind him! For me it's my glove or one of the many hankys that I own. Soft and cottony. I do love the idea of a bandanna wrapped around your wrist. I'll have to try that on my next cold weather ride!

[lph]

I can do snot rockets fine if I have enough build-up, but during everyday winter sniffling they're more like weak snot spraydribbles... I have to check my bike jacket before I go into stores to make sure it doesn't look too gross. The right sleeve especially tends to pick up all sorts of unusual spots. The gloves are free game, though - that's what all that soft fleecy stuff is for!

[CR400]

Wow I was just thinking about this on my ride today. It was kind of warm 39. I live where it gets into the single digits in late January and early Ferbruary. Anyway, I tend to use my cycling gloves or just plain winter gloves. If I don't have gloves or my coat sleeve in the winter, I suck it back through my nose and then spit. I have been known to let it drip until I get grossed out if I am alone, especially at night. I tried snot rockets once and wore it, better off spitting.

[nic840]

Growing up playing sports/running its just something you learn to deal with... we call it the "farmer blow" or snot rocket.

Wednesday I rode to pick up my daughter from pre-school. My two girls were happy clams back there in the trailer, it was a cool beautiful day.
I was crusing along and had to rid my nose of its contents...not remembering that they were back in the trailer...Ooops!
I started apologizing profusely to my kids and they had no idea what I was talking about. I felt horrible...but then I justified it by remembering that I clean up their snot on a daily basis. It was pretty funny explaining the snot rocket to a 4-year old. She seemed amuzed and grossed out at the same time! Hee Hee!

I am usually good about looking behind me too... the trailer was just low.

[shootingstar]

For alot of accumulation (and if the glove is uh, full), I just stop and spit or blow my nose. Hence, I always make sure I have some kleenex in each of my multiple cycling jackets before I head out.

I guess I can't get into perfecting snot rockets...you see my immigrant mother has this incredible peasant style of spitting loudly from throat...always done in bathroom. Thank God.

So my childhood memories of snot, throat clearing, spitting styles, get uh, clouded. So I want to do it more discreetly.... Next generation does try to do things differently... :p ;)

If you don't understand what I'm talking about,...go to a big Chinatown or go visit China, particularily rural China and witness serious phlegm clearing style....

[KathiCville]

I don't think I work up quite enough snot to launch a rocket---more of a steady, annoying drip! My favorite gloves lack a snot-friendly section, so I'm thinking of getting one of these "wristies" (below) to handle the task. Washable AND they add a bit of warmth to a winter ride, without interfering with shifting.........

https://www.wristies.com/shop/

Could be just the ticket for the fastidious or rocket-challenged........:)

[KayTee]

I have to use all options to offload nose contents on bike. This is a year-round problem for me. Most of my friends know not to ride too close behind me, but it's tough when you're in a paceline. So often I tie a soft bandanna loosely around my neck and grab up and use the pointy part of the triangle whenever I have to do a quick, no-consequences-behind-me blow. Or sometimes I use a Snock - cut an end off an old cotton tube sock, pull it over your arm, and have at it! Just remember to pull it inside-out on your arm (or off) if you have to make a store stop, as you will be asked about it!

[li10up]

You can also get the sports wristbands. Put one around your wrist and toss in the laundry basket after the ride.

[Melalvai]

It's been a few days since I checked back on this thread, as I hoped some amusing, entertaining, and education followup! Thanks! I like the wristies & snocks. Particularly snocks because that is no cost. The snot rockets...will wait until another day. When no one is watching. Or behind me!

[SnappyPix]

Another snot rocket launcher here, but I often have problems with lift-offs. I've never been the most co-ordinated of people, and often I end up snorting out a wonderful Muffin The Mule impression, with only an unattractive dribble to show for my efforts. :o

[RoadRaven]

Thank you Snappy!!!!
:D :) :D :) :D
Muffin the Mule... I knew what I was doing had an offical title!

My snot rockets are usually successful (though rather pathetic if they were compared to some I have seen in terms of projectile siaze and trajectory :p )

...but... sometimes the snorking park of launching goes wrong and I do the honk-snort thing... so now I will be able to rest easy when my snorkability is compromised :cool: because I will know the sound has a meaningful and appropriate name!

(There must be doctral research in these snot rocket threads... :rolleyes: surely???)

[SnappyPix]

RR, I do believe the official description is known as "doing a Muffin". :)

http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk/tv/children/muffin/muffin-col.jpg

[anakiwa]

I think there was a thread about this last winter too..

For really long cold workouts- Atrovent nasal spray works great (you do need a prescription).

Happy winter everyone.

[RoadRaven]

RR, I do believe the official description is known as "doing a Muffin". :)


Ahhh... :rolleyes: now I can rest at ease and no longer stress about I need to explain myself :D
Cheers
;)

[bikerHen]

I'm another snot rocket impaired person. I just keep sucking it in until I start to feel like I'm drowning, then I stop for a blow. I live for the handy tissue. Carry them by the pack and use until full and dripping. I can judge the temp by the number of tissues it takes to get to work. :rolleyes:

Wearing my big gloves makes nose blowing a real challenge but if there's a will there's a way. Sadly I've gotten it down to a science. And while it can be a bit messy it can be done. Anyway, it beats drowned in your own snot. :eek: :D bikerHen

[Geonz]

I simply must wonder how often those rocket-impaired souls actually practice :rolleyes: :rolleyes: I can usually do that but I'd imagine it requires a certain consistency in the rocketing fluid as well as an appropriately sized nostril. I'm a left- nostril person so it's not so good if the wind doesn't cooperate.

[kelownagirl]

Snot rockets are gross. I use a kleenex, lots of them actually. Maybe I'm just not a real cyclist... :rolleyes: I even find the title of this thread gross. :o

[lph]

This snot rocketeer (hey, I like that title :D ) can't imagine how you manage to use kleenexes while on a bike! They're paper tissues, right? I can imagine myself pawing for one out of a pocket (?), and having them rip to shreds before I even get them out. Even then I'd probably miss and snork all over my glove instead... :rolleyes: Maybe in summer, with shortie gloves, but for me snot is mainly a winter problem.

[SouthernBelle]

Those of us who are advocates of rocketeering should post this at least once a year. Imagine if this gift were lost to our children. It is out duty to insure that this skill is passed to the generations that follow.

It does not waste our valuable resources. It fertilizes the ground (though it does have to wash off the pavement first).

I propose that we form an world-wide organization to insure that this skill is not lost to those that follow us. International Rocketeers United.

You may send your contributions to me.

[Aint Doody]

Go, Southern Belle! It would be a crime if the following generations were not schooled in this ecological art.

[OakLeaf]

yeah... as sports and P.E. get phased out of the schools, kids won't learn how to spit either. We have to teach them to spit first, then to snork.

[SouthernBelle]

I have to admit I'm not a good spitter. Must practice.

[kelownagirl]

This snot rocketeer (hey, I like that title :D ) can't imagine how you manage to use kleenexes while on a bike! They're paper tissues, right? I can imagine myself pawing for one out of a pocket (?), and having them rip to shreds before I even get them out. Even then I'd probably miss and snork all over my glove instead... :rolleyes: Maybe in summer, with shortie gloves, but for me snot is mainly a winter problem.

It isn't easy. :D I buy individual packets of tissue because they are all folded up one at a time. I put some in every pocket. I have some neatly folded in my bento box for easy access too. My nose runs anytime it's less than about 20 celcius. I tried the snot rocket a couple times and made a mess. And it wasn't that effective. I've become very adept at blowing on the the go now although mostly I wait until I hit a traffic light or have to stop for some other reason. :rolleyes: :D

[silver]

Finally had time to read this thread!! lots of fun!! I'm not too good at snot rockets, I do them but still find that I have to wipe up the mess. I either wear a bandana tied around my wrist or a sweatband. This is in addition to the wiping surface of the gloves. it all gets used.

Actually, I'm designing a snot drain. I'm going to call it Silver's Snot Drain. It will be ultra lightweight and use the lightest grade plastic tubing available. It will have carbon clips. it is a system of tubing that will drain the snot down to the bike frame and then down to the road. It will look like the tubing that is used to give oxygen in the hospital. I'm also thinking of a way to use the same system for urine too. I've been working on the details this year as I've been riding my 6,000 miles.


;)

[OakLeaf]

Finally had time to read this thread!! lots of fun!! I'm not too good at snot rockets, I do them but still find that I have to wipe up the mess. I either wear a bandana tied around my wrist or a sweatband. This is in addition to the wiping surface of the gloves. it all gets used.

Actually, I'm designing a snot drain. I'm going to call it Silver's Snot Drain. It will be ultra lightweight and use the lightest grade plastic tubing available. It will have carbon clips. it is a system of tubing that will drain the snot down to the bike frame and then down to the road. It will look like the tubing that is used to give oxygen in the hospital. I'm also thinking of a way to use the same system for urine too. I've been working on the details this year as I've been riding my 6,000 miles.


;)

OMG Silver that is SOOOOO disgusting! I'm visualizing a knot of drains hanging under the bottom bracket like the airbox drains and crankcase breather on a motorcycle.

Email me when it's available, I'll be your first customer.

[lph]

I propose that we form an world-wide organization to insure that this skill is not lost to those that follow us. International Rocketeers United.

You may send your contributions to me.

Excellent move, Belle. I would now like to be adressed as Chief Snot Rocketeer. My contribution of a wellworn hanky is in the mail ;)

[ChickWithBrains]

I definitely found snot rockets gross but was amazed at how well they worked for DH and was annoyed all the time by my kleenexless self's constant sniffing and drip-catching. I'm a complete convert now. Just have to wait until you've got enough to rocket, and then let'er rip. Way less fumbling than tissues. I'll never go back.

[Pedal Wench]

Some how my co-workers and myself got into this topic. It was too early in the morning for this conversation, just before 6am. Well anyway one says her DH "sniffs and swallows", which I find disgusting. My other co-worker does a "farmers blow" same as snot rocket and I prefer the glove or if I remember I use a hankerchief.

I recently had surgery on my nose and asked my doctor when it was safe to start blowing my nose again. He said never.:eek: He says that he recommends the sniff and swallow approach. I'm having a really hard time as it's getting colder.:mad:

But, I prefer your doc:

Earlier this year I had a string of ear and sinus infections and my doctor prescribed snot rockets (she is a cyclist too). Apparently all the sniffling caused that stuff to build up in my head and cause problems. So now its always snot rockets for me...doctors orders :)