BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

That experience sounds like a more intense version of what I feel like when I've gotten on a treadmill and run too long at too high a speed. (with breakfast, and lots of hydration, btw.) I'm not responding as a "more knowledgeable" person though - I just wanted to say sorry to hear you had this experience (sounds like it was scary when it happened) and also, congratulations on your first 2011 commute(!)

I had a similar experience last summer - in the midst of my most frequent bike-riding period, on a ride from Aspinwall to Tarentum and back along Freeport Road. We paused at Tarentum, I got off my bike, became immediately light-headed and nauseaus, thought I was going to hurl, the whole deal.

One of my companions gave me a granola bar and after a few minutes I was okay.

It was a Saturday morning, and I had skipped breakfast (I normally have at least a bowl of cereal before morning rides). I think NOT eating and riding on a empty stomach is what tanked me. I always eat at least something now before I ride.

If you have other health issues that may be a factor, you should check with your doctor. Hopefully it was just dehydration & hunger.

I also feel pretty crappy if I skip breakfast but take vitamins. They make me super nauseous on an empty stomach.

for a while I thought that my commute took longer in the morning (by ~20%) because of a net elevation gain. then I realized it was because I was trying to go from dead asleep to hauling my flabby butt across the suburbs on a bike in 30 minutes or less.

I do much better if I eat *something* - not a lot. I also do WAY better if I drink something, again not a lot (though lately I've been unable to drink enough, it's so dry). A glass of half OJ, half water, and maybe some carrots and cheese or some yogurt. I eat a real breakfast at work.

But, what pseudacris said too - if this keeps happening even after experimenting with eating and drinking, I'd look at other health issues, and look pretty fast.

Hope you find a quick and easy resolution, that's an aweful way to start the day!

Thanks everyone. And Pseudacris, that is good advice. I don't have any health issues that I'm aware of right this moment... but I am due for a physical soon.

Sounds like I should probably at least grab some fruit, granola bar or something similar before I head out.

you could be getting a cold or something and just not showing symptoms yet. i posted a story about what happened to me on pedal pittsburgh somewhere here.

Ugh, that is a depressing thought (a cold). I've managed so far to be healthy all winter despite everyone around me getting sick.

I just remembered another factor: When I picked up my bike to climb the 10th street stairs, I forgot to grab the handlebars. Cracked myself a good one right in the jaw. That was about 5-10 minutes before starting the climb.

I agree that it sounds like you were dehydrated and also your blood sugar probably dipped.

A little something before you leave would be good, but ideally not just the fruit and granola you mentioned. I would add some cheese or peanut butter as well to keep it with you longer.

Could be food poisoning, if it just happened once. Or maybe a mild concussion, if you hit your jaw hard enough?

I think it's simply overexertion - too much, too soon. your body was basically going into shock, dehydration/malnutrition contributed in some form, too.

I concur with the rest of the posters. Too much exertion on an empty stomach in a dehydrated and detrained state.

I'd suggest going up Williams to make it a bit easier. Continue up Arlington, very carefully navigate/avoid the tracks and make the third right (not Sycamore, not Mcardle)

Yes, it's one way the other way at that point but traffic will be going slow and at one point that road supported traffic in two directions so it's no undoable. It's also only one way for a pretty small stretch.

@Chris Mayhew Going up -or down- williams is a something I've never done, but its a goal. Thanks for reminding me

It's easier than Sycamore! I'd caution against going down since you'll be descending (and crossing at speed) T tracks.

Thanks everyone. I didn't cycle in today since I'm trying to ease back into it.

I did want to note that my ride home was smooth, pleasant and without incident, although I did decide to take the easiest route (of which I'm aware) home. [That would be jail trail to panther hollow to Neville to Ellsworth to Highland to 5th to Penn To Pennwood.]

So I'm thinking that it was combination of pushing myself too hard and lack of food/hydration.

"We paused at Tarentum, I got off my bike, became immediately light-headed and nauseaus, thought I was going to hurl...."

I get that same feeling just driving through tarentum

Just to follow up, in case anyone comes across this thread on google.

I cycled in today taking the same route. The only differences were 1) I had a light breakfast (whole grain english muffin w/ peanut butter & an apple), 2) I had 2 glasses of water and 3) I forced myself to take it slow up Mt Washington.

No incidents, other than being more drained that I was when riding more regularly on a lighter bike.

So I'm thinking everyone was right: hydration and having a little food in the belly.

Thanks all for the advice. One of my aspirations as a biker is to get to the point were I give more advice than I receive...and all of you are helping with that.