The problem of sweat in eyes while gravel riding
Gravel riding is a mixed-surface and challenging form of cycling that has gained immense popularity in recent years. Gravel bike sales and event participation have swelled over the last 5 to 10 years. Professional cyclists have left the road scene to pursue this exciting, relatively new, form of racing.
However, as with road cycling, one persistent issue that many gravel riders face is the problem of sweat in their eyes. This can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience, as the stinging sensation and reduced visibility can compromise your ability to navigate the terrain safely.
The discomfort and dangers of sweat in eyes
Sweat in your eyes while gravel riding can cause a burning sensation, blurred vision, and will interfere with your performance and the safety of you and the riders around you. This not only detracts from the enjoyment of your ride but also puts you at risk of accidents and injuries. Riding through loose gravel, rocky sections, and sharp turns becomes significantly more challenging when your eyes are stinging and your vision is impaired. Sweat can then drip down into your eyes, causing irritation, excessive blinking, and impaired vision.
Tips for preventing sweat in the eyes and having a better experience while gravel riding
- Wear a Sweatband or Headband: A well-designed sweatband or headband, like our Veo Strip, can effectively channel the sweat away from your eyes, keeping your vision clear, your body cool, and your ride more enjoyable.
- Use a Cycling Cap: A cycling cap can help shield your eyes and face from the sun which can aid in reducing the amount of cooling necessary and thus the amount of sweat flow your body produces. The Veo Strip is applied on the forehead between your cap or helmet and your sunglasses. It will not interfere with either, but rather gives you that extra layer of sweat protection, safety, and performance enhancement.
- Wear Sunglasses: Investing in a pair of high-quality sunglasses can shield your eyes from the sun, dirt, and dust kicked up from riding in a group on gravel and dirt roads.
- Stay Properly Fueled: Be sure to stay properly hydrated and fueled during your ride. Proper hydration will help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat and allow you to better cool yourself.
The benefits of wearing a Veo Strip
An innovative solution to the problem of sweat in eyes during gravel riding is the Veo Strip. This lightweight, flexible strip is designed to channel sweat away from your face, keeping your eyes clear and your ride more enjoyable. The Veo Strip's unique construction and sweat-diverting properties make it a valuable addition to any gravel rider's gear.
Veo is a slim, adhesive, lightweight strip with a channel that redirects sweat away from your eyes and glasses. You simply apply the Veo Strip to your forehead, where it interrupts the flow of sweat headed for your eyes, sending it instead to the sides of your face where it can fall harmlessly. One of Veo’s most important features is low skin coverage, so airflow over your skin promotes evaporation of sweat, which is how your body cools itself. Even a “breathable headband” cannot provide this functionality, since any fabric traps heat by preventing direct contact between air and skin.
Other gear and accessories to consider
In addition, there are other gear and accessories that can enhance your overall gravel riding experience. Consider investing in a high-quality gravel bike, a comfortable and supportive saddle, and wider tires with good traction that can handle the demands of the terrain. Proper cycling apparel, such as breathable jerseys and padded bib shorts, can also contribute to your comfort and performance on the gravel roads.
Explore the Benefits of Veo
Veo Strips can minimize distractions, protect your eyes from stinging and blurring, and let your body regulate its temperature in the way physiology intends.
- Veo Strip works with your body, not against it. It catches and diverts sweat but doesn’t trap heat.
- It can’t get saturated and drip sweat into your eyes like a typical cloth headband.
- It’s slim, lightweight, subtle, and effective.
- Once you fix it to your forehead, you can forget about it until your race or training session is complete.