Funny......but not so much fun.

[popeyespal]

Okay....For three days now I have been trying to think of a tactful way of asking this....didn't come up with one so here goes.

I have been training for just over a week now on the Nashua River Rail Trail http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/nash.htm. Purchasing a decent pair of biking shorts solved my most immediate and painful problem.

Temperatures are in the 30's-40's with a light wind. When I ride I am very comfortable as far as warmth goes but I just can't seem to stop my nose from running!!! I don't want to be wiping my nose on my fleece or gloves.

What do most of you do to prevent/combat this problem? Is this something I can expect to stop once my body has "cleaned up" a bit and I get healthier?

Sorry for the topic but I have to find a hygienic way to solve this issue. Right now I am carrying kleen-ex and having to stop every mile or so to quickly clear up and continue on my way.

Thanks for any advice.

[DaveB]

It's a very common problem and not likely to go away as you get fitter, only as the weather warms up. 

Notice most riding and skiing gloves have an absorbent patch on the back of both thumbs.  It's there for a reason.

The only convenient method is to use your gloves and wash them often.

[CyclesafeSr]

Farmer's blow.  Beware of overtaking roadies. 

[John Nelson]

Wind makes your eyes water. The fluid is drained away by your tear ducts into your sinuses. Hence, your sinuses run when riding.

[BrianW]

Huh. Never knew that. Makes sense!

[johnsondasw]

Farmer's blow.  Beware of overtaking roadies. 

We call them snot rockets.  Every season, all ride long, every 5-10 minutes or so.  Of course, you have to watch out for your buddy behind you or you won't be partners for long.

[tonythomson]

You're right it is not pleasant but a fact of life I'm afraid whenever the temps drop.  Try a wrist band - easier to keep clean. And wear wrap around glasses with or without prescription lenses that helps with the eyes.

Don't be embarrassed about asking those and more delicate matters as long distance tourers all have to face the same problems.

Keep up the training very envious as stuck indoors with a static trainer deep snow outside.

[knolltop]

Farmer's blow.  Beware of overtaking roadies. 

+1
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do .......................

[geegee]

and when it gets even colder, you'll be getting snotcicles 

[bogiesan]

Tearing is a natural reaction to all that cold air hitting your eyes and, as noted, the lacrimal sinuses receive drainage from  the eyes (that's why, to prevent many colds and infections, you want to keep your hands out of your eyes, mouth, and nose. They're all connected by wet and slimy ducts.)

Try wearing ski goggles.

bogiesan

[Westinghouse]

Family Dollar Store / Dollar general Store / probably elsewhere: Anti mucous pills. Cheap and somewhat effective.

[Tandem4Rider]

I use a balaclava and that does a really nice job.  Frequent washings are a must.  You'll also find it is more comfortable when you ride, particularly when the temps drop lower into the 20s and below.

[SOARHEAD]

Hey Guys -
I have this same problem when I'm riding. I went to my doctor & asked him if there was something that he could prescribe for me that would help. He said there was, and Ive been using it for about a year now. Works well.
It's called Ipratropium Bromide (Nasal Solution). Also called Atrovent.

Might be worth a try.

Ron

[popeyespal]

I appreciate all of the input. For me, one of the purposes of riding a bike is to maintain health so putting any of the suggested chemicals in my body is a non starter.

I tried wrap around glasses today and noticed some improvement.

Thank you everyone.