Runny Noses on Rides

[Amira]

I'm glad IBrakeforPastry revived this thread or I would have missed it. Also a drippy nose sufferer. So far, I've made good use of my gloves when the need arises, but will think about other options suggested as well. I'm just glad to know I'm not the only one out there with this issue.

[zoom-zoom]

For those who use a bandanna: how hard are they to wash out? I would rinse it as soon as I got home, of course, but is there any special laundering techniques they would require? Are there different types?

I just use the plain cotton ones and throw them in the laundry. Nothing special.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I just use the plain cotton ones and throw them in the laundry. Nothing special.

That's what I figured. I suspect someone is out there selling some high-tech, feature-packed hankie

[zoom-zoom]

That's what I figured. I suspect someone is out there selling some high-tech, feature-packed hankie

If they're not, they should be...there's always someone who would spend $$ on a hanky if it's marketed as "gear."

[Grits]

As soon as the weather starts getting cool, I have this problem. Over time, I have found the best thing is to carry a bandana, like others have said, but the issue for me is how to carry it so it is easily accessible while riding. It is hard for me to reach around to my back pocket to get one and then put it back. If I am wearing shorts, I'll tuck it under the bottom hem so I can just pull it out and then tuck it back in. Today I had the idea to put a stretchy band of some type around my handle bar that I can securely tuck my bandana in. I'll have to see how that works out. In the winter when I am wearing a Buff around my neck, I have used it to blow my nose and then just try to fold it over so the wet part doesn't touch my skin. Gross, I know, but I don't care. I hate riding with a runny nose!

[zoom-zoom]

As soon as the weather starts getting cool, I have this problem. Over time, I have found the best thing is to carry a bandana, like others have said, but the issue for me is how to carry it so it is easily accessible while riding. It is hard for me to reach around to my back pocket to get one and then put it back. If I am wearing shorts, I'll tuck it under the bottom hem so I can just pull it out and then tuck it back in. Today I had the idea to put a stretchy band of some type around my handle bar that I can securely tuck my bandana in. I'll have to see how that works out. In the winter when I am wearing a Buff around my neck, I have used it to blow my nose and then just try to fold it over so the wet part doesn't touch my skin. Gross, I know, but I don't care. I hate riding with a runny nose!

I've started tieing mine around my wrist when on my CX or mtn. bikes. On my road bike I have a bento box that I use specifically as a place to stash my hanky.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Maybe we should start designing a cycling hanky.

What features would we need? Fabric: I think I'd like something like a very thin terrycloth. Soft against the face, absorbent, not too bulky. Something to conveniently attach it to something else, making it accessible when needed, out of the way when not. Any other ideas?

I think I'll just raid my rag bag and see what I find.

[OakLeaf]

Anyone tried one of those microfiber dusting cloths?

[zoom-zoom]

Anyone tried one of those microfiber dusting cloths?

I don't think microfiber would work, since it's not absorbent and would just smear snot around.

[limewave]

Maybe we should start designing a cycling hanky.

What features would we need? Fabric: I think I'd like something like a very thin terrycloth. Soft against the face, absorbent, not too bulky. Something to conveniently attach it to something else, making it accessible when needed, out of the way when not. Any other ideas?

I think I'll just raid my rag bag and see what I find.

My friend made me some cycling/athletic hankies out of wicking material. They are great. I haven't tried using them for blowing my nose but I have used them to clean my face, etc. after a ride.

[SFLiz]

So, yeah, this is a big problem for me. I say 'big' because it affects my rides as far as annoying me to the extreme. My nose doesn't stop the whole ride and it doesn't matter the temperature. My glove can't hold anything else after only about 30 minutes into a ride. I've thought about wearing a tennis wrist band, one of those terry cloth-like ones that look absorbent. I'm going to get one and try it because the continuous reaching back for kleenex is quite aggravating. I'll be enjoying a wonderful high when my nose opens up like a spigot and I'm shaken out of my euphoria.

[Becky]

My glove can't hold anything else after only about 30 minutes into a ride.

That's why I blow snot rockets. Very unladylike, I know, but it beats the constant wiping, snot-covered glove, and ensuing raw nose. I'm careful to either be at the back of the group or ensure that any trailing riders are several lengths behind before launch.

[fetchspot]

I have cut off the cuff of old socks (cotton) and slip them on my wrist when my nose runs. I get large quantities moved by air-blowing (been told it was a talent and I was good at it--sometimes any compliment is good) then catch the drips on the sock cuff. I can wash that after every ride where as I don't like to wear my gloves out with excessive washing.

Micro fiber is rough on the nose.

[Jo-n-NY]

My nose runs everytime I eat and ride my bike even on the trainer. I think it must be the way I breath. I never thought of the terry wrist band but it certainly sounds like a great idea. I also do good blowing the snot rockets when no one is around but this year I lead a few group rides a week and that is when it is very annoying. It is the worst once I switch to long finger gloves as I cannot get a tissue (actually bounty napkin as they work great)out of my pocket as easily.

[amb]

"That's why I blow snot rockets. Very unladylike, I know"

Me too sister, me too! I always have to ride in the back. My nose runs ALL year with just a little relief in the warm summer months. I'm quite good at not snotting on myself! I tried tissues early in my cycling start but they got so wet with sweat in my jersey pocket rendering them useless. The bandana sounds like a good idea but maybe not worth the effort. I'll have to give it a try.

I used to get super stuffy when I taught group aerobics - I guess it was something about talking a working out. I no longer have issues with any sport besides cycling. Maybe it's the wind in my sinuses.