Should I ride with a cold?

[Bad JuJu]

I've got the scratchy-throat, stuffy-head feeling that presages a cold, so I'm dosing myself with Zicam and other good stuff, along with plenty of fluids. But the weather's actually pretty nice right now, so I'd love to go out for a ride, but don't want to risk getting a full-blown cold.

What does the brain trust here at TE forums say? Should I ride with a cold getting started, or preserve my body's resources to fight off the nasty invasion?

[limewave]

From what I've understood, you can exercise (ride, run, whatever) when you have a cold---unless it's in your chest.

[TsPoet]

From what I've understood, you can exercise (ride, run, whatever) when you have a cold---unless it's in your chest.

Agreed, I think exercise HELPS. But, protect your chest/throat from the cold. Make sure you are doing what you feel - if you feel too rundown, don't force yourself.
But exercise cures everything, including the common cold

[Blueberry]

I would ride slowly. If you start coughing or get any feeling that something has moved into your chest, stop. I would NOT push yourself - you don't want to run your body down - you just want to energize it to fight the cold

[Grog]

Symptoms from the neck up: ride.

Symptoms below the neck: stay home.

I also find that mild exercise helps clearing up my airways. (Beware of snot rockets and other flying secretions though...)

Just don't get tired. Your body needs energy to fight the cold.

The reason why we get colds in the winter is because we stay inside so much more!!

[mimitabby]

fresh air and a little exercise should make you feel better. If it doesn't, go home.
I think you're the best judge of what you should do.
I ride sometimes when I don't feel so good, and sometimes when i'm done, i feel better than i did when I started!