riding in the heat
#52
Sr Member on Sr bikes
I didn't read all the posts so I apologize if this was already mentioned. I lived and rode in and around Jacksonville, FL for many years and never really let the heat...regardless of the time of day...keep me from riding. You probably already do this, but make sure that you keep plenty of money (or credit card) with you so that you can purchase more fluids at the next convenience store. So many times I would decide to ride longer that I had planned when I set out and would inevitably run out of fluid. Don't forget sunscreen either.
Dan
Dan
#54
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Pull up at an intersection and it is like stopping on a grill ... baking heat from the 120-whatever degree pavement, plus body heat, plus the sun, plus the cars waiting with you for the light to change ....
There are parts of commuting I do not miss.
#55
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It's best during afternoon rush hour. Cars have been sitting at every intersection all day, blasting engine heat into the pavement ... and when the cars are gone, the sun takes over.
Pull up at an intersection and it is like stopping on a grill ... baking heat from the 120-whatever degree pavement, plus body heat, plus the sun, plus the cars waiting with you for the light to change ....
There are parts of commuting I do not miss.
Pull up at an intersection and it is like stopping on a grill ... baking heat from the 120-whatever degree pavement, plus body heat, plus the sun, plus the cars waiting with you for the light to change ....
There are parts of commuting I do not miss.
I'd rather be on my bike in that hot intersection than in any luxury or sports car on the road.
#56
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It's best during afternoon rush hour. Cars have been sitting at every intersection all day, blasting engine heat into the pavement ... and when the cars are gone, the sun takes over.
Pull up at an intersection and it is like stopping on a grill ... baking heat from the 120-whatever degree pavement, plus body heat, plus the sun, plus the cars waiting with you for the light to change ....
There are parts of commuting I do not miss.
Pull up at an intersection and it is like stopping on a grill ... baking heat from the 120-whatever degree pavement, plus body heat, plus the sun, plus the cars waiting with you for the light to change ....
There are parts of commuting I do not miss.
'Course, there is one traffic light in the county where I now live. I've never had the opposrunity to ride past it. Maybe I'll try it in the winter, when I need some heat!
#57
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I'm goinmg to try riding in a loose cotton shirt. Bike jerseys feel hot.
To those who thought it was impossible for me to be any fredlier.....guess again! (Now I'm wishing I still had my Venge, for full fred-effect!). And you know, wearing such a shirt gives one the opportunity to carry a pocket-protector......
To those who thought it was impossible for me to be any fredlier.....guess again! (Now I'm wishing I still had my Venge, for full fred-effect!). And you know, wearing such a shirt gives one the opportunity to carry a pocket-protector......
#59
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Ya know, all this time I was giving cycling credit for acclimating me to the heat; but now that you've reminded me of how it was in the city, I'm beginning to think that maybe moving to a very rural area, where I can ride for miles without ever coming to a stop, and where the balmy breeze caresses my skin as I pedal, may actually have more to do with it! (Last ride I did: 26 miles- saw maybe 5 cars....).
'Course, there is one traffic light in the county where I now live. I've never had the opposrunity to ride past it. Maybe I'll try it in the winter, when I need some heat!
'Course, there is one traffic light in the county where I now live. I've never had the opposrunity to ride past it. Maybe I'll try it in the winter, when I need some heat!
Yes, I concur, rural riding is a blessing and I am fortunate to live in a rural area. However, I do get many diesel pickups "rolling coal"
#60
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Yes, I concur, rural riding is a blessing and I am fortunate to live in a rural area. However, I do get many diesel pickups "rolling coal"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wfzUAF2X5s because I detained their progress.
#61
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I've been riding in some super hot weather the last few years. North Carolina summers were sticky and HOT and Denver summers are dry....and HOT in the desert. The one thing that I have noticed makes a HUGE difference.......drinking A LOT before the ride. I keep a full nalgene on my desk and try and down it a few times though out the day before a big ride.
#62
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Hmmm, like everyone said. Drink water before the ride and during. I only have one bottle rack on my bike but I have an XL size bottle in it. If you can have two bottle racks even better. If you can get a light colored helmet instead of dark, to reflect the sun's rays away more than dark/black. Maybe some light colored dry wick/microfiber shirts to keep cooler. Suntan lotion, polarized shades.
#63
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SE is a big area. Going to assume you're below TN/NC, not in FL, and not along the coast. Those areas have can have very different conditions.
It is still mid spring. It gets much much hotter and much much more humid. That said, there are typically only a handful of days where it is too miserable to ride. You'll know these days.
It is still mid spring. It gets much much hotter and much much more humid. That said, there are typically only a handful of days where it is too miserable to ride. You'll know these days.
#64
Me duelen las nalgas
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In noticed a friend was wearing white long sleeves and full length leggings under his shorts and jersey for his first century+ ride this weekend. I wasn't there but he looked pretty fresh and energetic at the finish line, judging from the video and photos posted on Facebook. I'll have to ask him next time I see him whether the full length white duds helped. After a couple of cool weeks this weekend was unexpectedly warm and sunny, so it would be a good test of full length lightweight clothing for sun protection.
A few times this spring when the temp was in the 80s I wore my long sleeve Champion wicking fabric shirts. They aren't bike jerseys, just generic athletic tops, very thin and breathable. Felt quite comfy, although the safety orange jersey felt a bit warmer than the fluorescent yellow. I may order another in white or other light color to try again.
A few times this spring when the temp was in the 80s I wore my long sleeve Champion wicking fabric shirts. They aren't bike jerseys, just generic athletic tops, very thin and breathable. Felt quite comfy, although the safety orange jersey felt a bit warmer than the fluorescent yellow. I may order another in white or other light color to try again.
#65
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My comment covers two areas of riding in the heat in the southwest.
I'm a former 29 year Las Vegas, NV resident & now a Tucson, AZ resident so you can safely assume I'm familiar with riding in the heat. I have a two-fold response to your comment.
(1) Hydration - Carry enough liquid to stay hydrated. Not staying hydrated is a major consideration when riding in 100+ temps. So drink liquids more than you really think you to while riding.
(2) Sun Screen - DO apply sunscreen before & during your rides. The sun will give you sunburn without it so play it safe and apply sunscreen ever few hours.
I also apply moisturizing body lotion to my exposed skin when I arrive home after a ride. When the temps are 100+ and you've been riding in the sunlight your skin will thank you.
Again, my two major items are hydration & sunscreen!
I'm a former 29 year Las Vegas, NV resident & now a Tucson, AZ resident so you can safely assume I'm familiar with riding in the heat. I have a two-fold response to your comment.
(1) Hydration - Carry enough liquid to stay hydrated. Not staying hydrated is a major consideration when riding in 100+ temps. So drink liquids more than you really think you to while riding.
(2) Sun Screen - DO apply sunscreen before & during your rides. The sun will give you sunburn without it so play it safe and apply sunscreen ever few hours.
I also apply moisturizing body lotion to my exposed skin when I arrive home after a ride. When the temps are 100+ and you've been riding in the sunlight your skin will thank you.
Again, my two major items are hydration & sunscreen!
Last edited by RoadRider4321; 05-07-17 at 01:12 AM.
#66
Banned
One word ... Siesta ..
Take a break , stay in the shade until the evening.. start early in the morning .
Take a break , stay in the shade until the evening.. start early in the morning .
#67
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I'm in Florida, and it gets hot. I try to avoid taking longer rides between 11am and 3pm. However, I often do take shorter errand-related rides in the middle of the day.
I wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, broad-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses to protect from the sun. And I bring at least 20 oz of water to protect from dehydration.
I wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves, broad-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses to protect from the sun. And I bring at least 20 oz of water to protect from dehydration.