Does anyone feel less healthy since they started riding in traffic? I'm pretty sure I'm more healthy and fit regardless of where I ride, but apparently it's an erroneous assumption+.

On Saturday I did some 4.5 hrs in heavy weekend traffic, part of it next to a freeway. Later that day I felt as expected - tired. In my ignorance I attributed it to riding a bike for 4.5 hours (duh!), but someone has suggested that it might in fact be CO poisoning (among other toxins). I'm still having a hard time reconciling with the idea that I'm going to die sooner now that I can ride to Snowbird in 42 minutes than when I had to stop and rest half way up before completely giving up. What a paradox. I think I'll retreat to riding on my residential street, forget challenging myself, and die of a colon blockage at 97.

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P.S. This post is about breathing traffic not violating it.

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polskakielbasa.blogspot.com

After reading Cliff Claven's notes on the other thread I became really worried but realized as my wife always tells me I have an addictive personality and so I decided it's useless to try and give up all the toxic fumes.  Oh well, I guess a resting heart rate of 50 and a wife that "appreciates" my fitness means I'll just keep sucking all those fumes and killing myself.  Oh wait, maybe my wife just wants the Life Insurance...Hmmmm.......

I may take up bowling though cause I could definitely use working out my one arm and eating those greasy fries!

Have fun all!

ks

PS - What's ironic is I've played the Sax and Clarinet for 10+ years and in my 5 years as a cyclist my lung capacity only seems to get better!

 

I don't check my lung capacity frequently (never), but larger capacity may not be that good for you. Think about it. The amount of toxins you breathe in now is so much greater than before. I'm actually thinking of putting on some fat just to discourage myself from such unhealthy activities as 3-4 hour bike rides in traffic. ~

FYI, I went for a hike on Sunday, away from traffic and bad air, only to become a feast from some 20 horseflies. Now I'm full of toxins that I can actually feel in my body. So much for undisturbed nature and fresh air! Warning: DO NOT HIKE MT. AIRE IN SHORTS for the next couple of weeks. Strangely though, my wife was largely spared.

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polskakielbasa.blogspot.com

Hey I have an idea. Painter's masks with filters. The perfect solution for riding in traffic!

Also for the horse fly toxins now rampaging through your body, you should mix 2 parts deet, 2 parts water, and 2 parts calamine lotion. Totally works for cleansing your body of bug toxins and stops the itch.. Now I am not a doctor, but I heard of this working one year at scout camp. The kid that did this was totally fine after a month in the hospital. So I know it worked for him. Feel free to verify this information by calling Camp Chewonikee in northern California and ask for Scout Master Big  Al. He will let you know all the details. I think he is the grand Poobaa of the local Water Buffalo organization. He was always offering his miracle enemas.

Thanks for passing the words of wisdom about the bug toxins. As it stands my immune system is predictably getting the upper hand already. The spots may still be visible at the Draper crit next weekend. Watch for me trailing some 30 feet behind the cat. 3 pack.

Perhaps we ought to have a place in this forum for such gems? Medical, mechanical, etc. solutions that are a result of many years of painful experiences. Just a thought.

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polskakielbasa.blogspot.com

You know that is a great idea. We should have a serious forum for that. I know there are alot of techie types who have good experience, and some more health oriented guys who could share wisdom. I am always willing to learn from those more educated in those areas.

First question;

Energy drinks? (monster, RedBull etc) Worth the 3 bucks before the race/ride? Or do they actually hamper performance.

Cottonwood:

Hey I have an idea. Painter's masks with filters. The perfect solution for riding in traffic!

 

 

When I lived in WVC, I used to ride alot down the road behind the college (2100 west, maybe).  I quite often encountered a guy that was an obvious commuter (flannel, pants with cuffs, panniers, etc).  He also wore a heavy duty filter mask.  I finally caught him going the same direction one day (usually saw him going the other way) and asked him. 

"Smog."

Hhhmmm....

I just don't see how any smog along the road could be any worse than anything else in the valley, but I'm an uneducated fat-ass, and probably just deserve to die from toxin inhalation, anyways...