Is the new multitasking called multimasking?

It certainly seems to be getting that way. We\’ve had it drummed into us for months: wash your hands. Sanitize surfaces. Practice social distancing; and Wear. A. Mask!

Do I wear a mask? I\’ve worn filter masks for years because of my sensitivities. I\’m tired of wearing the things, and tired of the constant expense. Working from home has given me a much-welcomed break from masks for hours a day.

Of course I wear one when I go into a store, or other public place, or walk somewhere. But on the bike?

It would be one thing if I plodded along at 6-7 mph for a few miles. It\’s quite another when I\’m pushing 15-16 mph for much farther. I\’ve seen cyclists who are wearing masks; and some who aren\’t masked.

OK, here\’s my excuse: I\’m generally riding solo, with not many other riders/joggers around. Masks are too smothery for real riding, and make keeping hydrated much harder.

When I push the mask away from my mouth, the risk of its covering my eyes is quite high. Who needs that while cycling? It isn\’t always easy to get that mask back into place when I have one hand too busy to help. I\’m not sure that having a bite valve to drink through would make much difference.

All these COVID-19 prevention measures seem like a lot to juggle at once. We have to become adept at multimasking.