8 tips for cycling during hay fever season Bedford News

Pollen can cause problems when cycling (Photo: Adobe)

The team at recreational bike brand BobbinBikes have put together their guide to minimizing hay fever symptoms when riding two wheels.

Experts suggest planning the route to avoid areas where pollen is likely to be most prevalent and choosing the time of day when the pollen count is lowest.

Other tips include going straight to the shower when you get home to get rid of any pollen.

When cycling during hay fever season, plan your route (Photo: Adobe)

A BobbinBikes spokesperson said: “If you suffer from hay fever and like to get out on your bike, it’s worth checking out our tips for making a few minor tweaks that might make your ride less snorty.

“Simple things like changing your route and the time you go out are easy to do, and others require a little more investment like buying good wraparound glasses to protect your eyes from pollen.

“If you’re an avid cyclist or go out once in a while just for the fun of it, doing what you can to avoid pollen will definitely help you enjoy the hours you spend on your bike.”

Here are BobbinBikes.com’s tips for keeping hay fever at bay:

Cycling along the coast lessens the effects of hay fever (Photo: Adobe)

Try to avoid areas where there is likely to be a lot of pollen. Pollen is more prevalent in the countryside and if you know what pollen you are allergic to, stay away from those places.

Head towards the coast – pollen tends to be weaker near the sea, and it’s also weaker at higher elevations, so head for the hills.

Wearing wrap-around sunglasses when cycling helps keep pollen out of your eyes (Picture: Adobe)

Invest in good wraparound glasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes. They will act as a barrier.

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose. The pollen will stick to it rather than coming up through the nose.

Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the inside of your nose to help the pollen stick to it (photo: adobe)

Choose times of the day when the pollen is at its lowest. Most weather reports show pollen counts during the warmer months – it’s worth checking before you go.

Once home, go straight to the shower and wash your clothes. Your clothes, hair, and skin will all have picked up pollen grains.

Dry clothes and indoor bedding during pollen season will prevent them from picking up pollen grains, which will make your hay fever worse.

Choose the time of day when the pollen is at its lowest (photo: adobe)

Make sure you get enough sleep. Hay fever is an allergic reaction, but the body will react as if there is an infection. This consumes energy, so recovery may take longer.