Question: I get a bruise on my lower lip after almost every ride. I can’t figure out what causes it. No one is punching me! Any ideas? — Brad W.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: Are you crashing so hard you don’t remember?
If not, I’ll bet you’re hitting your lip with your bottle nozzle when you take a drink. It’s easy to do. You have to tilt the bottle to your lips, pull the nozzle loose so you can drink and suck down some liquid — all while bouncing down the road.
To avoid looking like you’ve gone 5 rounds in the ring, opt for bottles with soft rubber nozzles rather than hard plastic. Another option is to use a back-mounted hydration system. The bite valve is usually soft and pliable so won’t abuse your lips.
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