From the article: Staying Cool in Hot Weather Riding
Even on the hottest days, you'll still see people out on their bikes. How do they manage to stay cool and keep the trip pleasant? Find out here and share your own tips for beating the heat on scorching hot days. Share Your Approach
Cooling Down
- I love my Chilly Tube when I am out cycling! It stays cool all day and isn't messy like a rag. Check it out. chillythings.ca
- —Guest Sassie
Spandex sundresses
- Haven't tried the pricey technical fabrics. I can pick up a spandex sundress half price at K-Mart during the summer, some come a little longer or can be fit longer with a little altering, Queen Latifa posture bra for the ladies with Jane Russell full figures, and a big loose fitting shirt for puttinig over sundress when going into public places. Evaporative cooling sucks for hot, humid climates. Phase change cooling vest or accessories are much better and can be recharged in ice water.
- —Guest metal_rabbit
Wet and shady heat relief
- All day Texas summer mid-day road temps near 110 are no problem for me. Cover as much skin as you can with summer weight tech fabric & keep it wet. Cover arms w/sun sleeves (= summer version of arm warmers) or a long sleeve jersey. Cover head, ears, face & neck with something like the French Foreign Legion guys use in the movies. Cover the head under those vents. Long socks or calf sleeves cover most of the legs. Pack a 100oz Camelbak w/ice then fill with water. Add ice outside the bladder to keep contents cold & to melt onto your back. Use water bottles to keep clothes wet - a squirt cap one handed operation helps. Water on the head, arms, and legs really cools well. Cool from inside & out. Schedule breaks during the hottest part of the day & restock ice & water. Allow time to acclimate to summer heat over several rides - use such rides to test your cooling gear & technique.
- —Guest Flatlander
Sprinklers and Spray Bottles
- Go through running sprinklers!!!My bike has a convenient cup holder so I carry a spray/fan in it. Cup holders are at Walmart also.
- —Guest Gymboree129
hot foot?
- Water on my head and down the back of my neck helps. What do you do for "hot foot" when it hits you on the road?
- —Guest johnoliverfrokmorton
Other Successful Cooling Off Routines
- 1. Wear a looser-fitting, light-colored, full-zip jersey made of a technical material (e.g.: www.elevengear.com/satv.html). 2. Periodically spray your wrists with water 3. If climbing, take your watch and gloves off 4. Drink gobs of water. If possible ride while holding both the handlebars and a water bottle in one hand, which will make it easy to take frequent sips.
- —Elevengear
Cold Water Cramps
- Don't overdo it guzzling down a stomachful of cold water, which can cause you to cramp up. A few quick squirts of cool water on a ride, and I count on my sweat and clothing to wick away the heat.
- —Guest Dan, Charleston, SC
Lawn sprinkler
- Never pass up an opportunity to ride through a lawn sprinkler on a hot day.
- —Guest Diana B.
wet scarf
- use wet scarf or just a dry scarf on your head. The function is to prevent head sweat from being dry and consequently, makes your head still damp.
- —Guest tri
Cooling Off
- If I'm really overheating I look for sprinklers that are running. What ever gets wet will dry fast so it's no big deal.
- —Guest Ed
Bob
- I like to carry a spray bottle, (Pint or less) and give a shot at intervals. Works good here in the Chihuahuan Desert of NM. I heard freezing plstc. botles is harmful? Any comments.
- —Guest Bob Lamb
water and salt
- Watch covering your head with water when you are riding, the salt from sweat will flow in your eyes and you will not be able to see.
- —Guest miller2000
