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Quick Tip: Spit Politely on Group Rides

Sometimes you need to expectorate and/or expel the contents of one’s nasal passages on a group ride.

That’s not a pretty picture, but it gets even uglier for the rider behind if you don’t use proper technique.

When spitting, you need to direct it downward with force. Otherwise, the wind could catch it and douse those to your rear.

The best position is with your hands on the hoods. In one choreographed movement, dip your head slightly, turn it an inch to the left or right, and blow that wad under your elbow as the leg on that side reaches the bottom of the stoke.

If you have trouble hitting that window between your elbow and leg, tuck in your elbow, turn your head a little more to the side, and take the next-to-the-shoulder route.

If you’re in a paceline, spit to the right side off the road (in drive-on-the-right countries; opposite for the others). If not, do it to the side least likely to dampen or offend those around you.

Clearing one’s nose is a little trickier. It’s not a bad idea to wait till you’re at the rear of the group. Or pull out, away from other riders, and check your clearance.

Again, think downward with force. Push your right nostril shut with your right index finger, turn your head to the left, and blow your left side clean. Then reverse directions. To keep the bike on a straight line, hold the handlebar on top next to the stem.

Practice a little and soon you’ll be spewing like a pro!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colleen says

    November 17, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    LOLOLOL!!!! Getting the trajectory correct can be an art in itself. I am going to have to show my daughter how to do this properly. She is 8 and in the spring, we are ditching the “kid” bike and getting her a road bike. I can’t wait until we can do long rides together.

    Reply
  2. Alex Pline says

    November 17, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    I “blow, wipe and throw” with my thumb and forefinger and fling it to the side out of the path of riders in the paceline behind me. This gets the most out and away quickly.

    Reply
  3. JR says

    November 18, 2016 at 3:33 am

    I use the left index finger placed on the bridge of the nose to close the right nostril and blow under the left elbow – reverse for the other nostril. Seems to be the most downward for me and keeps “stuff” off my jersey shoulders.

    Reply
  4. pakcyclist says

    November 18, 2016 at 9:20 am

    I just use a handkerchief.

    Reply
  5. Jim Langley says

    November 21, 2016 at 12:33 am

    Actually, fingers aren’t required to blow your nose. Just blast both pipes at the same time and keep both hands on the bars. It’s quicker and safer that way and not any messier.

    Reply
    • Kimberly says

      May 30, 2019 at 5:18 pm

      That’s my method of choice.

      Reply
  6. larry english says

    May 30, 2019 at 5:47 am

    yet another plus for ‘not bothering to ride in pace lines ever’

    “i’m just riding, i ain’t racing”

    wle

    Reply
  7. Eric says

    May 30, 2019 at 6:13 am

    I get out of line, pull the phlegm into my throat and spit it out to assuring it doesn’t hit anyone behind me. If you hit me, you’ll get a invective filled warning. Do it again and…….I suggest you don’t do it again.

    Reply
  8. Kerry Irons says

    May 30, 2019 at 8:20 am

    My experience is that the only way to avoid spraying those behind you is to have an appropriate gap. This can be after coming around a corner or climbing a hill. Even if your snot rocket avoids hitting them, there will likely be a little spray that they can feel. It’s all part of the paceline experience, but ugh. Also best to blow “with the wind” regardless of which side of the road you’re on. Planning ahead and doing your business at the back is the best practice.

    Reply
  9. Richard Matz says

    May 30, 2019 at 4:19 pm

    The hell with the back. Do a thirty second all out Sprint and get your business done.

    Reply
  10. Brian says

    June 2, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    I regularly pilot 3 tandems for different people – there are a lot of flies this time of year. The stokers have just had to take pot luck so far as I make no attempt to aim downwards when getting rid of them. I will give it a try though.

    Reply

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