Pugs2xLove

I'll never wear a mask while riding, balaclava during cold weather to cover my head and neck but not mouth. You're in public for crying outloud!!!

Nachoman

Face mask for me only when stopped and next to other people.
After 6 weeks of solo riding during the initial 'stay at home order', I'm back to cycling as usual, including pacelining.

rsbob 

Never wear a mask while riding because I stay away from people. If I need to pass another rider, when safe I move to the left well in advance and stay left until I am well past them. I carry a procedure mask in my back pocket ‘just in case’ when off the bike. I stopped pacelining in March and if I ride with a friend we ride side by side when safe or keep 50’ separation. Am getting pretty good at holding my breath if I do need to get right behind someone to pass.

downhillmaster

Hi.
While riding my bike outside in the open I am still concerned enough about disease transmission that I want to wear a mask.
But I want to use a cheap one...

woodcraft

I've been using a Buff, cut off somewhat shorter.

You can pull it up with one hand as needed, deals with helmet straps etc. OK, cannot fall off, easy to wash, & seems moderately effective.

MoAlpha

No endorsement implied.

https://mycovidrisk.app

canklecat

Not necessarily.

In video studies of aerosol and droplet spray patterns, there is somewhat less spread from nasal exhalation in normal breathing, compared with talking and mouth breathing -- while sitting still. I haven't seen any video demonstrations under exertion.

Studies show a significantly higher risk of virus shedding through nasal passages compared with the oral cavity.

A single sneeze or snot rocket could produce far great risk of transmission than mouth breathing or talking.

And there are significant differences in nasal shapes, grooming, etc., that make generalizations difficult. It's generally considered better for our health to not trim nose hairs but many folks do so for appearance' sake. A beaklike schnozz with the nasal orifices pointing downward might produce less risk than a pug nose with forward facing nasal openings. That's all conjecture. I'm not sure anyone has done a methodical study. But you can bet someone will now.

There's also some borderline woo theories about nose breathing vs mouth breathing that's supposedly healthier and more efficient at producing nitric oxide that *might* suppress some viral spread. I wouldn't count on any of that without a peer reviewed study.

BCAC

I Paceline 3 times a weeks for a total of 6 or 7 hours. We all wear masks when going indoors. But not outside.

I do acknowledge there is a risk. Significantly reduced compared to close proximity for extended periods of time indoors, but still there. For those concerned about catching the virus from others in a Paceline, a N95 mask would be a good option.

ridethecliche

There's absolutely no chance I'd wear an actual n95 while exercising. That sounds absolutely miserable.

Same to the guy above talking about wearing one in a paceline. Guessing most folks here saying to just wear an n95 haven't done anything strenuous in one.

mdarnton

I wear an N95 when riding. Don't notice it at all, don't understand the fuss. Keeps my face nice and warm now that it's cold out. Often forget to take it off when I get home. Lots of studies show no loss of oxygen with a mask, including one of a doctor who went running with six and an odometer.

Uncomfortably warm in the summer? Yeah, that's true, but it's November now.

sean.hwy

Where did you buy it? I have not been able to get an N95 mask.

mdarnton

Whoops, sorry, my error. KN95.