General Cycling Discussion - High Temperature = No Biking?

During the heat of the summer when the temperature is in the mid 90's or higher do you "rest" the bike for awhile?

Or are you a diehard biker no matter the temperature?

What are some suggestions to fight the heat while biking?

DIEHARD!!! Only thing I do differently is I keep it under 15 mph, and more liquids then normal. If it gets bad I stop and take a break, this is for going to school and work. If I am on a fun ride, I stop every 10 to 15 miles.

Good Luck,

GEEK

I'm still trying to ride, though late night rides seem more appealing, but with still working day time hours that's becoming harder to do.

It's 94 here today and I just got back from a short but hilly ride. I emptied both bottles twice and I'm still sweating but otherwise I feel ok. I think the key is drinking far more than you think you need.

If it's going to be that warm, I'll try to get an early start if I can. Drink lots of liquids before I even head out for a ride. If I can't get out early, I'll limit myself to knocking around the neighborhood and not going nuts (12-15 MPH). Or i do what I do every Saturday, take out my older road bike with the rack and pack and head out to all the garage sales I can find. That's usually good for a slow-paced 25 miles, with plenty of breaks so I don't collapse.

Ride no mattter the temp. Just bring more fluids on the ride. I have never been any where that has gotten above 125f but I find that it feels no different, to me and how MY body reacts, at anything over 105. Some of the best training days I have had were in 120f temps.

:beer:

DIEHARD!!! Only thing I do differently is I keep it under 15 mph, .....Diehard Wuss!!.

I just ride after midnight most of the time. No cars, agreeable temps - it's great!

Can't quit training just because it's hot. Unless you have medical conditions that stipulate otherwise keep going and keep pushing it (within reason - know your limits). After a while hot weather won't bother you anymore....

Your body really will adjust. I live in Virginia, land of 90+ heat and humidity. But I'm visiting Indiana. The daytime temps here are about 85 with low humidity. It feels almost chilly.

During the heat of the summer when the temperature is in the mid 90's or higher do you "rest" the bike for awhile?

Georgia, if we down h'yre in the South didn't ride when it was less than the mid 90's, we'd only get to ride at CHRISTMAS! Heat never stops me. Deluge rains & hurricanes do.

To survive in the heat, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink water before you ride, carry a generous supply of electrolyte replacement with you (I like Sqwinchers), and never miss a chance to stop and drink water!

Additionally, plan for the sun by using sunscreen on exposed skin. I don't ride over an hour or two at a time, and my hide is toughened enough by living here all my life that I don't sunscreen myself. But when I go on an "open road" ride, for more than two hours, where I can't count on shade, I wear a sombrero-type hat. I don't like sunscreen on my face because it irritates my eyes.

Finally, know the signs of heat stress and heat stroke! Ride with a partner and monitor each other's mental condition. If one of you "goes goofy," it's heat! Use your cell phone (you did bring one with you, didn't you?) to call for help.

Heat isn't too bad - you acclimate within two weeks. After that, you'll have no problem riding in high heat and humidity. Watch out for the West Nile virus mosquitos!

I'm a commuter. Rain or shine, baby. Heat or cold. Yeah, I'm pretty disgusting by the time I get to the office, but what else was deodorant invented for? I notice that I do get accustomed to the heat, plus, when you're rolling along, you create your own personal breeze. That darn heat sure catches up to you when you're waiting at a stoplight, though. It's absolutely worst if you get stuck behind a bus, then you have their heat, plus diesel fumes, plus they move really slowly, and you might not get a good opportunity to pass for some while.

I've been planning my recreational rides a little differently during these dog days, however, opting for rides in older parts of town with tree-lined streets, or through parks which have nice, shady roads. I agree with the above poster about sunscreen. I'm a fair-skinned lass and not into the fake-n-bake jerky look. Plus, it does seem to help me feel a bit cooler when my skin is not actually being cooked. Go figure.

I also never go out without both my water bottles filled, and if the heat is really high (over 95-ish) I will soak my head before I even go outside. I have very thick, long hair, and it works like a portable swamp-cooler for my head. That braid will hold some water for hours. If I'm going to be running errands or going on a long group ride after work, I will fill one of my bottles and sip extra water all afternoon. I'll try to suck down two bottles worth before I hit the road.

I load up the CamelBak with ice and then add water till its full. 70 oz will last for one good ride. I also carry a 24 oz Polar water bottle filled with Gatroade or Powerade and ice.

Georgia, if we down h'yre in the South didn't ride when it was less than the mid 90's, we'd only get to ride at CHRISTMAS! Heat never stops me. Deluge rains & hurricanes do.

Thanks for the comment FarHorizon. The heat makes you think twice especially as you board your bike. But as they say "there is solidarity in numbers." Meaning I asked the question to really get moral support.

Meaning I asked the question to really get moral support.

My apologies - I'm a literal guy... Moral support sent your way with a prayer! Have a great ride!

I don't think of myself so much as a "diehard" as I do an "idiot" when I take a ride in the Very Hot (> body temp; my arbitrary threshold). Sometimes I do hard climbs just to make sure I'm still a moron. :)

I wouldn't care if it were 120 (I have ridden in 120 temps before) I ride any time I can..

I have knocked myself out with heatstroke and heatstroke/dehydration migraines, so either I get out before 8:00 am, or after 5:30 pm, or I limit myself to quick errands (~3 miles round trip). Call me a wuss. I know my limits, and I'm not about to put myself in a dangerous situation.

I don't think of myself so much as a "diehard" as I do an "idiot" when I take a ride in the Very Hot (> body temp; my arbitrary threshold). Sometimes I do hard climbs just to make sure I'm still a moron. :)So... Did you feel like a moron today, 'nother? Or did sanity take over and recommend you not climb West Alpine?

So... Did you feel like a moron today, 'nother? Or did sanity take over and recommend you not climb West Alpine?
hehehe, I was actually feeling kind of smart today, and: a) started the ride early in the morning, and 2) did a fairly easy climb (portion of your route . . . starting at the reservoir, Mt. Eden -> Pierce -> 9 E -> Skyline -> Page Mill -> Foothill, 33mi).

It is *STILL* F'in hot out there!!!

We've had a few heatwaves within the last few weeks with temps hitting 40C (104F) with the humidity. Didn't stop me from riding.

Just make sure you're staying hydrated.

No mater what the temp is I just ride. When it's close to 100 I take it a little easier, and bring as much water as I can carry, and drink almost all the time. If you continue to ride in the heat over weeks, you can adjust to it. I have read that your body will actually make more blood plasma. After enough experience you can go hard for a little bit and feel when it's time to back off and cool down. Ride in the shady side of the street whenever possible, if you get too hot try to recover on the bike with the breeze from gently pedaling if possible. Coast down a hill to cool off if you need to. If you get very tired, go inside an air conditioned building. This is one time when trying to tough it out and ride home no mater what, could be a big problem.

Heat wont stop me. I usually ride to the gym, then to the lbs, then around town at about 4 PM. Last week, the average around that time was prob like 106 :) Good stuff!

But I usually drink more, and dont push myslef superhard.

I am looking at buying a bicycle these days. The dealer says "yeah, the riding season is almost over." That sounded crazy to me. I see myself cycling September to June. I'll take July and August in the mornings & evenings only. I think it's funny that anyone considers *this* the riding season.

I am looking at buying a bicycle these days. The dealer says "yeah, the riding season is almost over." That sounded crazy to me. I see myself cycling September to June. I'll take July and August in the mornings & evenings only. I think it's funny that anyone considers *this* the riding season.


I agree, in September on into October until is turns cold I will be riding more frequently than now.

Tomorrow is going to be 90+, and I am looking forward to hitting the trail after work. We have had a bunch of 90+ days this year, and I get out every time. As long as the lightning is not flying I am going to ride. I think as long as you drink enough throughout the day, and keep drinking on your ride you will be fine.

Remember this; if you feel thirsty you are already becoming dehydrated. I let myself dehydrate once when I was in the Navy, and believe me it sucks big time.

Anyhow this weather is like it will be at the end of next month when I am at Myrtle Beach, so I feel like I am acclimating myself.

Keep riding, and keep drinking LOTS of water.

Ride naked when it's hot, then jump in the lake.

I live in Michigan-they don't call it the great lakes for nothing :D

I'm hardcore - no difference other than consuming more fluids. I'm candidly not even aware of the heat, and it is in the 90's everyday here in FL. I hope the folks that I will be time trialing against in the fall are home having their mommies wipe their wimpy brows! :D

I'm hardcore - no difference other than consuming more fluids. I'm candidly not even aware of the heat, and it is in the 90's everyday here in FL. I hope the folks that I will be time trialing against in the fall are home having their mommies wipe their wimpy brows! :D

I hope that would provide some consolation for the fact that you live in Florida. :D

Ooh I'm riding in the heat. I ride with my shirt off and take lots of liquids and an extra bottle to waste cold water on my back. Unlike many I look d^mn good with my shirt off. L :)))L

Its been really hot these past few days for here, 95 degrees sometimes. I still went on my daily rides though, if I take a certain route to get where i need to go, its almost all downhill but another 5 miles. So that means little effort, more time, but also lots of wind which feels nice

Here in Fresno the temps have been topping 100 and moving close/above 110 for the last two or three weeks. We'll get a bit cooler day here and there but its really hot right now. Gotta love that big smog blanket during the summer... :( I've looked down at the city from the nearby mountains and its disgusting. Some days the city is just a nasty brown smudge.

Today it is only 90F right now at 12:48P and it feels refreshing almost :(

Ride! Even up here in Rochester we've been in the 90s more than usual and the humidity is always 100%. (Damn them Great Lakes!) If you think riding is tough in the heat try running. I bike in the heat so I don't have to run in it!!!

I did a 60 mile ride this past weekend in temperatures around the mid 90F (or could even be higher). I felt as if I was biking with a bunch of hair dryers blowing at me. Eyeballs felt dried out. Went through about 150 fluid ounces of water. I normally consume fewer than 75 fluid ounces of water on my solo centuries in the much cooler, SF Bay Area (coastal regions not the inlands)... BTW, when I started the ride the temperature was in the low 80's and I saw a bunch of other cyclists on the road. When I was coming back, it felt much, much hotter...and there were no other cyclists on the road. I think I would try to avoid cycling in such hot temperatures...at least reduce the distance. The heat makes me fatigue much sooner too because the body is not as efficienct in such hot temperatures.

I commute,so hot,cold,whatever I'm riding. That said,I have cut back on my fun riding because of the heat. I just don't like hot weather.

Despite this,I did an unintended ride yesterday. I was looking for a fast rain bike(read:excuse to buy another bike :rolleyes: ) and found a sweet deal on a Sirrus(that makes 10,got my dime :D ). It was really hot,and I had a long walk from the Metro to the dealer to pick it up(Spokes,in Alex VA),so I was just going to put the bike on the Metro to get home. But by the time I made it down King St to the Metro station,I was having too much fun and said sod it. So I rode down to the water,hopped on the MUP until I hit the Key bridge,and then rode up hill to home at the Cathedral. Seat hurt cause I didn't have my bike shorts,and I drank most of my water on the walk,but the fun was worth the sweat! :)

Sorry guys.I am a wuss.it got hot and I stopped riding.I am to old and fat to ride in the heat right now.I will build up to it soon but not just yet.I just went and played 9 holes of golf today and was sweating like a pig (who thought of that saying?)
I would ride of a morning but Iam to lazy to get my butt out of bed.I am hoping that changes as I loose the weight and my energy level goes up.the heat does get to me to easily but that is ok.I still enjoy my rides when i go on them.

It's ALWAYS very hot and very humid (with maybe the exception being the height of winter) here in Houston. Like everyone else stated, just remember to hydrate often and take breaks when needed.

On the spur of the moment, I met my wife for lunch yesterday (very casual restaurant) after riding about 25 miles around the city, and even though I gave myself about 20 minutes to cool down, I still felt drenched when I walked in. I went to the restroom to clean up, but I felt like everyone was eyeing me. Note to self: bring towel next time.

Diehard. Especially with warmer weather. I don't know what it is (I was born in the wrong part of the continent I think) but hot, humid weather seems to help me bike better, longer, harder and more. Heck, I prefer touring in hotter weather. Maybe it's just so I can get that look when I tell them I did 165KM in 45 degree C weather (not including humidex). :D (that's the brag effect).

103 on the thermometer when I headed out Friday afternoon. Only mid-90's Saturday and Sunday, but heat index around 105. I go through a bottle of water or sports drink every 40-45 minutes on average. Sweat like a pig the cracker-boy. You can ride when it's hot.

I still ride in the chicago summer, but I stay off the roads as much as possible, there are a lot of forest preserves with trails here. and
I've found that if my water is to cold it just makes me feel hotter. so I carry a camelbak of tap water (skip the ice) and a bottle of frozen gatorade, when it's liquid again, that's my cue that I need the electrolytes, but I drink from the camelbak every 2-4 miles

I have no problem riding up to 110 degrees, it's sitting at a light in the turn lane and not getting the arrow that is miserable! Climbing can be pretty miserable though in these temperatures. Fortunately the temperature drops quickly with any real climbs.

This morning's commute was not so hot, but this afternoon the heat index is supposed to be around 110. It's very, very humid here. So I'll drink water all day and ride home on the slow side if that's what I feel like. I prefer the heat to the cold!

commuter here also... I actually like the Heat. I will even go out at noon and ride for a couple hours during the heat of the day. I am dreading the winter months here in Colorado....arrrrrrrrgh

I just recently moved to Avondale, AZ (phoenix suburb - southwest valley) and I still ride in the 110+ degree weather. Ironically, I wear more clothes when it gets that hot. Your body can lose water very fast at those temps. I don't unzip my jersey 'til I'm done (tried it unzipped and almost passed out). My legs stay cooler in knickers than in shorts, too!!

I tend too eat more before riding here and, of course, drink more fluids. I take Cytomax with me to replenish electrolytes during my ride.

dré

Climbing can be pretty miserable though in these temperatures.

So in the heat yesterday, I was toting my daughter to camp on the trail-a-bike. The most direct route is a 15.8% grade hill. Quite a workout! So we get there and I say, "Where's your backback?" We had to ride home, fetch the gear, and haul back up the hill again. I don't believe she'll be forgetting her backpack again any time soon.

I just recently moved to Avondale, AZ (phoenix suburb - southwest valley) and I still ride in the 110+ degree weather. Ironically, I wear more clothes when it gets that hot. Your body can lose water very fast at those temps. I don't unzip my jersey 'til I'm done (tried it unzipped and almost passed out). My legs stay cooler in knickers than in shorts, too!!

I tend too eat more before riding here and, of course, drink more fluids. I take Cytomax with me to replenish electrolytes during my ride.

dré

Yup, I'm in south central BC, it's a desert here. So we get lots of high summer heat and very low humidity, the way I like it.

I ride all year round, only thing I change in summer heat is more water and I have to wear a something on my head under my helmet !

I have a Ghisallo helmet and for some reason the sweat bands on the brow of the helmet don't meet in the middle, which is right above the bridge of my nose!

So if I don't wear a bandana or something I get a stream of sweat down my nose - how's that for irony, the hotter it is the more I have to wear head covering under my helmet.

I've never dealt well with the heat, so I'm trying to take it easy. The breeze I read of earlier seems to be little to no relief.

It's supposed to get up to 102 here this afternoon and I get off of work at 4:00PM. I've been chugging water all day and judging by my frequent trips to the can, I think I'll be alright.

Yesterday on the way home, I got stuck in a line of traffic. So I stood up for maybe a minute and when I sat back down to get moving, my seat had already heated up to roasting temps.

Time to go to the can, then refill the water bottle. We've got an ice machine here at work and I'm thinking about dumping some ice in my jersey pockets before leaving. I'll be drenched by the time I get home anyway, so what's the difference?

A little heat never kept me from a ride, but I do usually try to get out in the morning.

How do you guys handle biking in 110F temperatures??? Even with the temperature in the mid 90'sF or maybe close to 100F, it was extremely hot already. The metal frame of my bike was too hot to touch (I didn't realize this until I finished the ride and loaded up the bike. I got off the bike at one point in the middle of the ride for about five minutes to take a break...the saddle was too hot for me to sit on afterwards (had to pour a bit of water on it to cool it down). I also noticed that after the ride the tape holding the bartape was all distorted (as if it was melting).

Okay, so my face started tingling today on my way home (100+ degrees so they say, I don't know for sure). It was hot, the wind was hot, my water was hot but I drank it anyways. I think if I had to go any further than my 14 miles I might have had some troubles of the passing-out kind. I'm going to look up tingling face and heat and see what I find. So even though I like hot more than cold, today was really hot.