Bike with Your Mouth Closed

Wow! Okay one thing I learned yesterday after being on the bike for 36 miles. DO NOT, even just slightly have your mouth open at all. It does not matter how much your mouth is open, you will be eating bugs.. I actually didn't even realize my mouth was open until something flew in it. My little sister has always told me that when I get the "concentrated look", I guess I open my mouth... So just like when eating food, keep your mouth closed ;) I have really been itching to do a ride around 75-80 miles.. My upper back is so sore, though. I really want it to feel better before going into this weekend.. I want to do a 50 mile back to back ride... I feel like I have to suck up all this warm weather before its gone... No, I'm not ready for cold weather... Kinda wish I could snap my fingers and my house would be clean.. I would rather do just about anything than clean my house when it is so nice outside...
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. If you do get really, really sore muscles. I completely swear by patches. Bengay makes them and most drugstores have their own brands. You can only put them on clean skin otherwise they won't stick very well.. They have menthol and other ingredients that almost provide immediate relief..I usually slap one on and then sleep with it and wake up to my muscles feeling some relief. Of course, I have to stop under estimating the power of stretching.... It is so easy to jump off of the bike or throw the running shoes aside march upstairs or talk with friends and never stretch.. I've done it. I think everyone has done it. You really pay for it later. I'm going to look up a few simple stretches that are good for both biking and running. I'll pass the information on.. Heck, in most cases having spent at least over an hour doing an activity. A little time can be spent on stretching. I'm writing this so I follow my own rules too!
Okay, running shoes today it is.. At least for now.. I might change my mind later ;)