Finally: sun’s out, nice cycling weather, but the air’s full with pollen. To many people this is not a problem really, but for people with allergies this can get incredibly annoying. There is not an eternal solution, unfortunately, but cycling with hay fever is perfectly possible. We have made a list with some tips so you can enjoy your rides.
The Hay Fever season is at its peak between May-August. Just those months that are also the best cycling months. But allergies shouldn’t be the reason to not go cycling anymore.
Choose the right moment
Be a bit creative with choosing the right moment to go cycling. It is perfectly possible to ride with hay fever, but be prepared to go out at different times, despite the weather being nice.
People who have been suffering from hay fever for some time probably know which trees/plants cause the most symptoms. With special allergies apps you can find out which plants flower when, and how the situation is in your region.
Tips cycling with hay fever
Apart from a convenient app, there are more ways to make rides more pleasant. We have listed a few tips against hay fever.
- Look at the weather forecast. The pollen forecaset quickly shows you if it’s the right time for an intense or light ride.
- There are fewer pollen in the air early in the morning. So plan your rides so you’re back home before 09:00 am.
- Always wear glasses during cycling. Glasses keep everything out of your eyes. The closer to your eyes, the better.
- With strong winds there are more pollen in the air. A great excuse to not have to battle the wind anymore.
- Rain? Great! During and directly after a shower the air is clean so you can go pile up some miles then.
- Close to the sea and at high altitudes there are (much) less pollen in the air. Perfect excuse for a cycling trip at the sea side or in the mountains!
- The weather’s too good to stay inside? Plan your route to avoid woods and pastures.
- Hop in the shower directly when you get home, and also wash your clothes immediately. The pollen stick to the sweat on your body and clothes. If that dries then the pollen are also in your home!
- You still have symptoms? Visit your GP to ask for some anti-histamines.
- If you do have meds already, then take in mind that some of these are on the doping list, so if it’s relevant for you then keep that in mind.
Het bericht Cycling with Hay Fever – 10 Tips to Continue Riding verscheen eerst op Mantel.
