Author Topic: Do You Ride When You Are Sick? (Read 9706 times)

FJR1300 · « **on:** December 03, 2013, 07:40:35 AM »

It's really nice here again today and I wanted to ride into work, but I've been dealing with a sinus infection. When my mind isn't 100% I feel like I'm taking an extra risk by riding, so I take one of the vehicles.

Physically I am fine, so maybe I'm becoming a wimp as I get older or maybe I'm getting wiser.

Cablebandit · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2013, 07:49:46 AM »

As long as the helmet still fits on my head.

I don't really get sick. I could see it being pretty bad riding with a bad head cold though.

CosmicCowboy · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2013, 07:56:58 AM »

Generally, no. Iget pretty bad sinus infections and there is no way I'd want to ride when my head is so foggy.

hambonee · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2013, 08:32:55 AM »

Only time sickness ever held me back was when I had some crap in my lungs and was having major coughing fits...I just generally don't get that sick and if I do I am going no where be it in a car or on a bike..

Black Hills · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2013, 08:34:42 AM »

I feel no more/less safe in a car than I do on a bike

Scratch · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2013, 08:35:22 AM »

Quote from: FJR1300 on December 03, 2013, 07:40:35 AM

It's really nice here again today and I wanted to ride into work, but I've been dealing with a sinus infection. When my mind isn't 100% I feel like I'm taking an extra risk by riding, so I take one of the vehicles.

Physically I am fine, so maybe I'm becoming a wimp as I get older or maybe I'm getting wiser.

I'll go with "wimp".

Papa Lazarou · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2013, 08:35:57 AM »

I rode with flu once, around 300 miles-but then I wanted away from where I was, quickly.

I find riding is brilliant for clearing up the crappy end of colds.

SLK50 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2013, 08:43:13 AM »

Ride with a sinus infection? Oh. Hell. No.

Why not just beat me with a bat.

bomber · « **Reply #8 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:13:51 AM »

yeah, I do . . . .

Unless sick includes a broken limb (ribs don't count) or recovery from some ofr of surgery, then, no, not always.

Black Hills · « **Reply #9 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:43:31 AM »

Quote from: bomber on December 03, 2013, 09:13:51 AM

yeah, I do . . . .

Unless sick includes a broken limb (ribs don't count) or recovery from some ofr of surgery, then, no, not always.

lol.. yea, I broke my hand once. I would go to the garage everyday and try to pull the clutch in. When I finally could do it I went for a ride

bomber · « **Reply #10 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:51:59 AM »

Quote from: Black Hills on December 03, 2013, 09:43:31 AM

Quote from: bomber on December 03, 2013, 09:13:51 AM
yeah, I do . . . .

Unless sick includes a broken limb (ribs don't count) or recovery from some ofr of surgery, then, no, not always.

lol.. yea, I broke my hand once. I would go to the garage everyday and try to pull the clutch in. When I finally could do it I went for a ride

mxvet57 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 03, 2013, 10:09:18 AM »

Quote from: Scratch on December 03, 2013, 08:35:22 AM

Quote from: FJR1300 on December 03, 2013, 07:40:35 AM
It's really nice here again today and I wanted to ride into work, but I've been dealing with a sinus infection. When my mind isn't 100% I feel like I'm taking an extra risk by riding, so I take one of the vehicles.

Physically I am fine, so maybe I'm becoming a wimp as I get older or maybe I'm getting wiser.

I'll go with "wimp".

That was my choice to.

CosmicCowboy · « **Reply #12 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:30:28 AM »

Quote from: SLK50 on December 03, 2013, 08:43:13 AM

Ride with a sinus infection? Oh. Hell. No.

Why not just beat me with a bat.

Better than flying with a sinus infection. Trust me.

chornbe · « **Reply #13 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:31:37 AM »

Quote from: CosmicCowboy on December 03, 2013, 11:30:28 AM

Quote from: SLK50 on December 03, 2013, 08:43:13 AM
Ride with a sinus infection? Oh. Hell. No.

Why not just beat me with a bat.

Better than flying with a sinus infection. Trust me.

Popped an ear drum doing that.

Spanky · « **Reply #14 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:42:29 AM »

Rode home from Toronto sick last year. Did not enjoy it, but it beat walking. I would not leave the house on a bike if I did not feel well, but I would ride home that way.

cultureslayer · « **Reply #15 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:42:53 AM »

I've learned the hard way that I shouldn't ride when I'm feeling a certain level of crappy or beyond. I could have ridden today but took the car instead because I'm still not completely over a stomach bug I've had for a couple days and I was lightheaded this morning (probably from barely eating the last two days).

Dan K · « **Reply #16 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:53:51 AM »

Quote from: hambonee on December 03, 2013, 08:32:55 AM

Only time sickness ever held me back was when I had some crap in my lungs and was having major coughing fits...I just generally don't get that sick and if I do I am going no where be it in a car or on a bike..

Usually, same here - but now that I have a modular helmet again, I can just lift the front and spit that crap right out onto the road and keep on rolling.

- Dan

bluepoof · « **Reply #17 on:** December 03, 2013, 12:09:50 PM »

If it's commuting, I take the car. A planned day ride, eh, that would depend on the day and how I was feeling, I think (i.e. if I were sick and it was also cold or raining, I'd probably skip the ride).

Obviously on long tours sometimes you just have to ride while sick. I have fond memories, kind of, of being utterly drugged up and high as a kite on some kind of Canadian extra strength nasal spray and riding through British Columbia hallucinating about moose. I wound up sleeping on a picnic table just outside of Chetwynd.

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #18 on:** December 03, 2013, 12:17:08 PM »

If I feel like the trip will be a chance to rest, then I don't ride, I drive.

2RR2NV · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2013, 04:29:01 PM »

Quote from: Spanky on December 03, 2013, 11:42:29 AM

I would not leave the house on a bike if I did not feel well, but I would ride home that way.

same here. I've rode enough to understand when my body says "aw, hell no!!!" and i don't ride. especially if I am tired. dropped bikes twice because i was tired and was new to the whole being tired while riding scenario. Being tired and/or being sick, nope, stay away from the bike if home. if at work, well, no choice. gotta get home somehow.

another weird situation that I won't ride is if weird things are happening to me as the day progresses.... like dropping something that i KNOW i had a firm grip on, or just a number of bad things happening in a row. THEN i stay off the bike too. I know it sounds weird, but if my mind is not right, that means my riding won't be right. or Full Moons. people are just F'n nuts during Full Moons.

PatM · « **Reply #20 on:** December 03, 2013, 04:36:49 PM »

Same here, riding and cold medicine don't mix. I may drive but I won't ride unless I have to.

doc4216 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2013, 06:28:32 PM »

If I have a migraine or am super exhausted then I won't. Sometimes after my trainer destroys me in a workout I will be so sore that I won't ride. But since I got the tiger that doesn't happen to often.

I'm NOT Carl · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2013, 07:41:20 AM »

I don't get sick all that often, not even sinus infections although I do get dried out sinuses which can be ice-cream headache painful. So when I'm not feeling "well", I'll take the bike on purpose and I immediately feel better

Sick? I stay home.

Carl

bomber · « **Reply #23 on:** December 04, 2013, 08:18:19 AM »

Am I the only one that is just a tad concerned to read things like "no, I won't ride while jacked up on cold medicine . . . too dangerous," and realize this person may be the guy in the truck coming up behind me?

If so, never mind ;-}

Cablebandit · « **Reply #24 on:** December 04, 2013, 08:19:38 AM »

Nope. I really wonder what these people are taking though. Doesn't sound like over the counter stuff.

Black Hills · « **Reply #25 on:** December 04, 2013, 08:42:10 AM »

Quote from: bomber on December 04, 2013, 08:18:19 AM

Am I the only one that is just a tad concerned to read things like "no, I won't ride while jacked up on cold medicine . . . too dangerous," and realize this person may be the guy in the truck coming up behind me?

If so, never mind ;-}

exactly, so its better to drive something that will injure others as opposed to something that will most likely only injure yourself?

bomber · « **Reply #26 on:** December 04, 2013, 09:09:58 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on December 04, 2013, 08:19:38 AM

Nope. I really wonder what these people are taking though. Doesn't sound like over the counter stuff.

And, they ain't sharing!

Bad manners!

I'm NOT Carl · « **Reply #27 on:** December 04, 2013, 09:14:13 AM »

Well, on a bike I spend a lot of time paying attention to my surroundings to avoid being in an accident (or on purpose). Riding sick would reduce my awareness thereby leaving me a lot more open to being injured or killed. Part of it is that riding a bike is a bit more involved with clutch and shifting, brake and throttle, rear brake. Plus gear like the helmet will be distracting, especially if you have a headache or sinus infection. Heck, a sneeze will fill the shield with phlegm leaving you in even more danger as you try to clear it (or just deal with flipping up the shield before sneezing).

With a car, or truck, I am a bit more comfortable. Less riding related stuff to distract me. I'm larger so folks are more likely to see me so I'm less worried about someone coming into my lane by surprise and me having to react. I can add heat, wear a scarf, and even sneeze and blow my nose without a problem. I can drink tea when driving to help relieve any discomfort and I think, be a safer driver.

Which is not to say I would do that anyway but it depends on just how sick or tired I am.

Carl

Mr. Whippy · « **Reply #28 on:** December 04, 2013, 09:19:41 AM »

Quote from: dm_gsxr on December 04, 2013, 09:14:13 AM

Well, on a bike I spend a lot of time paying attention to my surroundings to avoid being in an accident (or on purpose). Riding sick would reduce my awareness thereby leaving me a lot more open to being injured or killed. Part of it is that riding a bike is a bit more involved with clutch and shifting, brake and throttle, rear brake. Plus gear like the helmet will be distracting, especially if you have a headache or sinus infection. Heck, a sneeze will fill the shield with phlegm leaving you in even more danger as you try to clear it (or just deal with flipping up the shield before sneezing).

With a car, or truck, I am a bit more comfortable. Less riding related stuff to distract me. I'm larger so folks are more likely to see me so I'm less worried about someone coming into my lane by surprise and me having to react. I can add heat, wear a scarf, and even sneeze and blow my nose without a problem. I can drink tea when driving to help relieve any discomfort and I think, be a safer driver.

Which is not to say I would do that anyway but it depends on just how sick or tired I am.

Carl

This is my logic.

I feel I can drive safe (enough) when I'm too sick to ride safe (enough).

giaka · « **Reply #29 on:** December 04, 2013, 06:57:47 PM »

If I am congested no, I do not ride.

Skee · « **Reply #30 on:** December 04, 2013, 07:52:31 PM »

It's more a mental thing with me. Not the illness; the decision on whether or not to ride.
Things don't go well when I don't feel enthusiastic about riding.
If my head's into it, I can ride in almost any condition; at least I believe I can.

Riding when you have a fever can be a real big mistake; instant hypothermia.

kneescrubber · « **Reply #31 on:** December 04, 2013, 09:20:15 PM »

I don't get sick.

You sick fuckers need to stay away from everyone else. Move to Australia or Paraguay. How do you think contagious sicknesses contage?

I'm NOT Carl · « **Reply #32 on:** December 04, 2013, 09:29:49 PM »

Quote from: kneescrubber on December 04, 2013, 09:20:15 PM

I don't get sick.

You sick fuckers need to stay away from everyone else. Move to Australia or Paraguay. How do you think contagious sicknesses contage?

By moving to Australia or Paraguay when we're sick?

Carl

M.Brane · « **Reply #33 on:** December 04, 2013, 11:18:14 PM »

If I don't feel like riding I don't. Doesn't matter if it's because I'm sick, tired or just don't feel like my head is in the game. I try to keep riding fun. I can deal with it if it isn't, but I try to avoid that when I can.

Andrew · « **Reply #34 on:** December 05, 2013, 08:31:54 PM »

Quote from: M.Brane on December 04, 2013, 11:18:14 PM

If I don't feel like riding I don't. Doesn't matter if it's because I'm sick, tired or just don't feel like my head is in the game. I try to keep riding fun. I can deal with it if it isn't, but I try to avoid that when I can.

I am with you on that, I don't have to ride I have other choices
When I choose to ride I do and when not I don't

Cablebandit · « **Reply #35 on:** December 06, 2013, 07:16:50 AM »

Since I always wear all my gear, it's usually more a matter of whether or not I feel like changing into riding gear.

Justin · « **Reply #36 on:** December 06, 2013, 08:56:08 AM »

Quote from: Cablebandit on December 06, 2013, 07:16:50 AM

Since I always wear all my gear, it's usually more a matter of whether or not I feel like changing into riding gear.

Or how fast you can get the gear off, depending on the type of sickness.

HipGnosis · « **Reply #37 on:** December 06, 2013, 03:08:12 PM »

It depends what you consider 'sick' - as sick/healthy isn't a black and white concept.
I don't consider myself sick unless I'm on the couch under multiple blankets with the coffee table scattered with meds, kleenex, drinks and remotes. Then I'm not driving anything.
When I had a problem with my shoulder - I rode to physical therapy at least once - but not the fist time.
My riding kit includes a few pseudoephedrine as weather changes sometimes mess up my sinuses.

Flyer · « **Reply #38 on:** December 06, 2013, 04:12:44 PM »

Any meds beyond coffee or aspirin, I'm OUT!
I would sooner stay over an extra day than go at less than full focus.
I'm sometimes randomly attacked by migraine, so I've learned to play my cards pretty close.

FJRider · « **Reply #39 on:** December 08, 2013, 09:24:45 AM »

I won't ride if I don't feel I'm in my best condition. I would rather be sick at home than sick in an ambulance.