Do You Still Ride When Sick?
- Thread starter Darktone
- Start date
I think it helps to speed recovery from colds as long as you don't overdo it - the movement, fresh air, and exertion seem to help.
If it's something minor like a cold or a headache I'll still ride but anything worse and it's just not fun anymore. I'll still commute if I have to but I definitely avoid the trails when I'm sick, it's too hard to concentrate and stay aware.
The worst for me is cycling with a sore throat, especially when it's cold. I always end up breathing hard enough that my throat dries out and starts hurting even more. Having a stuffy nose sucks for the same reason.
Usually when I'm sick I push myself too hard and make the illness worse so I've been trying to be more mindful of that.
The worst for me is cycling with a sore throat, especially when it's cold. I always end up breathing hard enough that my throat dries out and starts hurting even more. Having a stuffy nose sucks for the same reason.
Usually when I'm sick I push myself too hard and make the illness worse so I've been trying to be more mindful of that.
I used to all the time when it was my preferred method of transportation. I don't so much anymore. My health issues are of the type where I can't do much when I'm sick these days. If you are reasonably healthy overall, a moderate or light amount of exercise can be a good thing even when you have a cold or minor illness.
I try to avoid going out when I've got a cold. Fortunately, I'll only seem to catch a cold every 3-4 years or so. Therefore it's not something I experience often. But I have cycled with the flu and I've got to admit that it's not a pleasant experience.
When I was younger I used to ride no matter what, but these days if I'm not too well I usually rest instead and give it a break.
Sometimes it can do you good, blow the cobwebs away so to speak, and you can come back feeling a bit better but I've also had times when I've been on the verge of collapsing when I've got back, because instead of pacing myself and making allowances for the fact I'm not well, I've tried to power through and ride as normal.
Sometimes it can do you good, blow the cobwebs away so to speak, and you can come back feeling a bit better but I've also had times when I've been on the verge of collapsing when I've got back, because instead of pacing myself and making allowances for the fact I'm not well, I've tried to power through and ride as normal.
It really depends on the severity of the illness and the riding conditions at the time. Weather can be a big factor when sick.
Colds and seasonal illness: yes. I generally ride easy, but sometimes find a couple hard efforts feels better than the illness ****.
I do get pretty miserable migraines and those will keep my off the bike.
Recently I injured my Achilles' tendon and that has kept me from riding more than any illness ever has.
I do get pretty miserable migraines and those will keep my off the bike.
Recently I injured my Achilles' tendon and that has kept me from riding more than any illness ever has.
Yes.
Well I don't really get sick, but I do get hungover. A simple hangover can't keep me out of the saddle.
Well I don't really get sick, but I do get hungover. A simple hangover can't keep me out of the saddle.
I think it depends on how ill you are. Obviously if I'm unable to get out of bed then it would be unwise to ride, however if I am just feeling a little bit unwell I will sometimes still go out, because exercise can boost your immune system a little bit. But on the whole you do have to look after yourself. If you're not well, and you know you're not well, don't push yourself before you're ready.
I do but not very vigorous. It's a good idea to exercise while being sick in order to give you that extra strength.
