Cycling during hay fever season? No problem!

With the beautiful weather coming, the idea of jumping on your bike and going for a ride is a great one. Yet there are plenty of people, like yours truly, who are less eager to go outside because of having hay fever. An itchy or stuffy nose, excessive sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, a dry throat (including an itchy cough) are just a few of the symptoms of hay fever that can quickly put an end to the fun of cycling. 

For some cyclists, cycling with hay fever is no longer an option. All those pollen in the air can cause hay fever sufferers quite a few complaints. And that's a shame, because these months of the year are lovely for cycling. Therefore, we have put together a number of hay fever tips for you in this blog so that you can enjoy your bicycle trip again.

In Europe, the hay fever season runs from approximately May to August, with the peak being in June. Then the hay fever symptoms such as watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and stuffy nose can really spoil your bike ride. Those who have suffered from hay fever for some time now know a little about which pollen bothers them most. 

7 tips for cycling with hay fever

To make sure that you, as a hay fever sufferer, can enjoy cycling even during the sunniest months of the year, we have a few tips for you.

1. Check the weather forecast

Keep a close eye on the weather forecast. The hay fever weather forecast quickly and clearly shows you whether it is suitable to go out for an intensive or light workout. For the current forecast you can also check the pollen radar

Is it windy outside? If so, it's best to stay inside for a while. When the wind is strong, there are often more pollen in the air. This is a good excuse not to have to fight the wind. Is rain predicted? Grab your chance! During and immediately after a rain shower, most of the pollen is out of the air and you can make some kilometers/miles.

2. Get up early!

Set your alarm clock early in the morning and jump on your bike. In the morning there is less wind and the pollen is spread less. This way you have less hay fever and your day is off to a good start. Are you not a morning person? If so, you can also go for a bike ride late in the evening.

3. Make sure to always wear cycling goggles

Cycling goggles make it less easy for pollen to get into your eyes.This in turn saves you from itchy eyes. Select a pair of goggles that fits tightly to your face, protecting your eyes from pollen.

4. Apply vaseline

This may sound a little crazy, but try smearing a small amount of petroleum jelly on the inside of your nose. It will make the pollen stick to it instead of going up your nose.

5. Seek out the sea or mountains

Along the coast and in the mountains there is often far less pollen in the air. This makes it the perfect excuse for a cycling vacation by the sea or in the mountains! For those readers who want to plan a cycling trip along the coast, always check in advance where the wind is coming from. The Dutch coast, for example, is a perfect place for hay fever sufferers because the wind here often comes from the sea. Not only is mountain biking on the beach very fun, but you will encounter very little pollen!

6. Avoid meadows and forests

If you are a bit stubborn and still want to cycle when it suits you or it is simply not possible to cycle on the beach or in the mountains? Then choose a ride where you avoid meadows and forests as much as possible.

7. Have a shower after your ride

After riding your bike, jump in the shower immediately and wash your sports clothes right away as well. The pollen sticks to the sweat on your body and clothes. If these pollen dry up, they can be released again and you will have hay fever trouble at home! That is why you should always dry your (cycling) clothes indoors instead of outside.

After following these tips, you can confidently grab your bike from your Stasdock bike dock system and hop on your bike. Hay fever should no longer be an excuse for not getting on your bike.

Is cycling with hay fever still not an option for you after these tips? Then visit your doctor or pharmacy. There are several medications that can help you. So hopefully you too will soon be happily riding your bike again during the hay fever season!