Call it foggy goggle syndrome.
You're out for an early ride on a cool brisk morning or perhaps it's a sticky summer day in the South. You first notice the moisture in the upper corner of your goggles. A few minutes later the dew spreads to the other side. Before long, your vision is impaired requiring a pit stop.
Sure you can wipe off the rain forest inside your riding goggles but expect this to continue for the duration of your ride if you don't take further action. Also know - you could have prevented this annoying interruption by wearing the correct goggles.
Foggy goggles occur when moisture is present like sweat and/or humid air and when warm meets cold. It happens most often on cold days (wet or dry) when your body temperature rises and you become a rolling sauna. Watch the steam fest inside your goggles when you come to a stop. They'll fog up faster than the bathroom mirror during a hot shower when all that heat and moisture rising from your body hits the cold air.
The other culprit is warm, humid weather. Without adequate ventilation it doesn't take long for the moist air inside your goggles to adhere to the lenses impairing your vision. You'll stop and dry the inside of those goggles all day if you don't take steps to prevent or at least mitigate the problem once it starts.
You've probably heard of several tricks to prevent or eliminate foggy goggles. But it's likely you're confusing dirt bike riding with swimming. Spit works, so does toothpaste apparently, as well as some shampoos and even shaving cream. The problem is you need to RINSE this stuff off. Not exactly something you can do out in the field or that you'd want to do with Motocross goggles.
Therefore, just prevent this headache from the start by wearing goggles designed to avoid the foggy problem. Dual-pane goggles like the Accuri Enduro by 100% or the EKS Dual Pane Vented Lens work exceptionally well. Other goggles like Fox Racing's Air Space Goggles incorporate a venting system that retains air flow thus preventing the steam effect by allowing moisture to escape.
Yes, these style of goggles cost more than ordinary goggles with less features but if you experience fogging regularly or live in parts of the country that hastens the fogging effect it's well worth the investment.
No need to quit riding! Clean off the moisture and spray on some anti-fog treatment
OK, maybe you already have a favorite pair of goggles or the fogging issue happens just a few times a year and doesn't justify the expense or need for an extra set of goggles. The next best thing is to spray a fog blocker or anti-fog cleaner on your goggles before riding. The anti-fog spray costs just a few bucks, takes up little room in your tank or travel bag and works pre-ride or mid-ride after the moisture accumulates inside the goggles. Simply spray the lenses with the cleaner and wipe off.
A third option exists if you own goggles that offer a dual pane replacement lens. This alternative allows you to upgrade without buying an expensive new set. Check out the available options for dual lens replacements.
Foggy goggle syndrome is typically an off-road riding problem since the riding time is much longer than practice laps or races in Motocross. But depending on your body type, the sweat and heat you produce might cause foggy goggles regardless of weather conditions and ride length. If this describes your experience consider an upgrade in goggles, replacing the lenses or just grab an anti-fog spray.
