I finally got my Trek 1500 for my birthday. Its my first and ive put about only 20 miles on it(got it 2 days ago.) After a the couple of rides I get a headcold. Is there anything to do about this?

Head colds come with the bike--that's why I only ride steel frames.

No, actually the old saying about colds is still pretty much true: If you go to the doctor, follow his advice, get plenty of rest and take vitamin C, you'll get over it in seven days. If you ignore it, it will go away in about a week. There's no real treatment, other than stuff to relieve symptoms (Tylenol for headache, decongestants as needed. Antihistamines aren't helpful, though they're found in many "cold" medications.
I did hear something on NPR the other day about a fairly forceful irrigation of the sinuses helping to flush out the virus and clear up the congestion, shortening the period of suffering. I was only about halfway listening, but I think it said to use something like an ear syringe (like a high-tech turkey baster) to force water (maybe a saline solution) up your nose. It will swirl around in there, flush the sinuses and eventually come down the back of your throat to be swallowed or spit out. You'd want to check the details at www.npr.org, though--I really wasn't listening very closely.

I did hear something on NPR the other day about a fairly forceful irrigation of the sinuses helping to flush out the virus and clear up the congestion, shortening the period of suffering. I was only about halfway listening, but I think it said to use something like an ear syringe (like a high-tech turkey baster) to force water (maybe a saline solution) up your nose. It will swirl around in there, flush the sinuses and eventually come down the back of your throat to be swallowed or spit out. You'd want to check the details at www.npr.org, though--I really wasn't listening very closely.

It's a saline solution - salt water. Doesn't sound like much fun, but if this is an ongoing problem, it might be worth trying. I guess people are also making devices to help in the process. The research shows that it really does work.

That said, the key thing to avoid when you're sick is hard workouts. If it is above the neck, there is nothing wrong with a good aerobic workout. In fact, it really helps drain the sinuses and prevents infection of the otherwise impacted junk that settles in up there. What they used to say back in the '50s is still good advice - plenty of rest, plenty of fluids.

I like to use a lot of Listerine. Gargle to clean out your throat. Take a coulpe of Advil for fever. I take two muti-vitamins to ensure healthy levels and drink lots of water. My family of 5 all have colds right now. My 5 yr. old brought it home from school. So far the above has kept me working and on the bike in moderation.

I find that riding with a headcold first thing in the morning helps loosen things up and get it moving (though this is better when it's warm out). If I keep riding regularly through a head cold, it generally seems to clear up a little faster. Just watch where you shoot the snot rockets!

(Chest colds are a whole different story of course.)