By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
I’m running today’s column as another “Summer reminder” of the particular issues that we face in these prime riding months. Last week I featured a primer on sunscreen. This week, bee (and similar) stings, and how to deal with them.
This topic came to mind last week when I heard my wife scream in the backyard. She had just tangled with a wasp – and lost. I went out to see what the commotion was about, and I immediately took charge, telling her exactly what she needed to do.
I’m somewhat of an expert on the topic, as I have been stung twice while riding in the past couple of years, and another two or three times while building a fence out back.
The following relates one of those stings while riding, along with detailed information about the 3 categories of stings, and the treatment options based on the severity of the reaction.
Riding Stings Happen Out of the Blue
Bee stings while riding are an unfortunate, largely unavoidable, and nearly inevitable nuisance at the very least. At worst, they can cause extreme swelling and discomfort. Because they happen more often than we would like, and are potentially dangerous, it’s helpful for all riders to refresh our memory on what to do if we’re stung.
John Marsh is the editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of “less than podium” talent, he sees himself as RBR’s Ringmaster, guiding the real talent (RBR’s great coaches, contributors and authors) in bringing our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That’s what we’re all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John’s full bio.
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