General Cycling Discussion - Is it ever too hot to bike?

Forecast for today- high of 97, high humidity so we're looking at a heat index of 110. :( Sunny but hazy. We'd planned to cycle to the lakeshore today in the late afternoon/early evening hours. I'm wondering if we should delay until later in the week when we're promised some relief, with highs only in the mid 80s. Am I being a weenie? Does cycling in the heat, like hills and headwinds, build character? At what point on the thermometer do you all give up and stay inside cowering in the air conditioning? Actually, if we stay home, there'll be no air conditioning to cower in, 'cause we don't have any. So I suppose it's go out and be hot or stay in and be hot. My big concern is of heat exhaustion. Of course, we'll bring plenty of water along, probably both the hydrapacks and extra bottles as well.

This mission, should you choose to accept it, will require lots of sunblock, reapplied often, and gallons of water.

I have yet to let heat stop me. Currently, though, I'm not on my bike for more than 30 minutes at a time - commuting and errands only. I have, however, gone home, uphill, with 120 degree F heat indices on a few days. Very few afternoons here in the past month have been lower than 110 degree F heat index. Those days, I often finish my 24 oz bottle of cold water on my 5 mile, 25 minute ride.

I think you can be safe, assuming you have no physical limitations that might be factors. Water. Water. Water. Oh... water. You need to decide, I suppose, if you can enjoy yourself in that heat. If there is plenty of shade, this will be easier. My experience on the Lakeshore, though, never included much shade, but that's just where I have been.

Oh, and water, water, water.

Whatever you do, don't wear cotton.

Cotton Kills

:)

Jonathan

It's been hot here for weeks too, but we've been riding anyway. It really doesn't feel that hot when your riding to me. Once you get all sweaty and the air hits your wet clothing it seems to cool you. Just drink lots of water!:D

With a heat index of 110 - I'd be concerned about heat stroke... Maybe a spin with lots of fluids, all depends on your fitness level of course.

An aside, didn't the Vikings just have a player die of heat stroke yesterday? Even the pro's working under trainers can have problems....

Heat stroke is uncommon, but heat exhaustion is all too much with us in these intemperate days.

While suffering, even from a malady such as heat exhaustion, can build character indirectly, I don't recommend it as a steady plan of self-improvement.

A lot seems to depend on what you're acclimated to. The riders in Atlanta, for example, who seem to constitute about 60% of the Bike Forums membership :), do just fine in these conditions, for they are used to them year after year, long humid summer after long humid summer.

But it makes a difference living in a place like Kansas City, or Chicago, where summers are less predictable and one like this one only comes along every five or more years. There's not the same opportunity to adapt.

I couldn't give better advice than Jonathan gave, stressing sunscreen and water. (And if I had something besides cotton for my upper body, I'd gladly put it on! Yes, cotton is awful in this weather.)

Don't eat very heavily. Drink before you have the least thirst. Then drink some more. If you start to feel confused, try to get into someplace air conditioned and cool off. Be aware that confusion from heat exhaustion is a dangerous threat: it can rob you of your judgment in a matter of minutes. I know from experience.

Why not just go to a movie? Then again, if Chicago is as movie-impoverished as Kansas City, I've just answered my own question.

Well here in Tx. it is quite different than the north I can asure you. Right now it is 102 outside. The heat index earlier was 114. There are no clouds, so to stay in the shade while riding is a figment of the imagination. Call me a weenie but I ride in the morning's and late evening. After all in rural America who needs lights with this moon? Of course I could ride now but it would be a real slow pace. I do not have a whole lot of pavement out here, so 99.9% of my riding is off road.

Originally posted by dirtsqueezer

An aside, didn't the Vikings just have a player die of heat stroke yesterday? Even the pro's working under trainers can have problems....

Korey Stringer, right tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, passed away early this morning due to complications from heat stroke suffered Tuesday at training camp.

For more info, go to:

http://www.startribune.com/st/qview.cgi?template=vikes_a&slug=vike0802 or

http://espn.go.com/nfl/news/2001/0731/1233494.html

Hunter, you always come across as one tough guy, so it's reassuring to read that even you take precautions in this kind of weather! :)

The hottest conditions I ever rode in were 47 degrees celsius (which equates to about 118 on the other scale I think), the humidity was through the roof (as it always is in summer around here) but I never got a reading of that. As I recall, I consumed about 10-12 litres of water that day.

We have a saying about cycling in the heat here in Australia. P*ss often and p*ss clear. That is a sign that you are drinking too much water, which is the one sure way to avoid drinking too little (something that must be avoided at all costs in all climates).

Another thing I should mention is sunscreen. Get some of the really spanky stuff that offers really high protection. Personally I will NOT risk being sunburned in the interests of "getting a tan" the way some people would. If you do get sunburned, you will need to drink more water still.

Chris

P.S. It's never too hot to cycle. ;)

Hmm...good question. I would usually cycle, when I'm really dying to get out there. I kind of get similar symptoms to "cabin fever" when I don't go out riding for a while, so usually heat doesn't stop me. However, there's this laziness factor that comes into play sometimes, and that's when I usually break down.

Caution, though, you should, definitely drink some water, or preferrably some sports drink. At my last marathon that I ran (it was quite hot), I drank plenty of water, but didn't hydrate with any sports drink that contained electrolytes. Usually, in races, I'd drink some form of sports drink, but unfortunately, I didn't plan accordingly that time. My friend also did the same thing, but she ended up in the hospital. I was pretty sick as well, and I really didn't recover for a few days. It was pretty awful. :(

Now, I try to keep water and/or sports drinks with me when I ride.

HillaryRose-- I think to ride or not to ride in this current heat is correlated directly to your level of fitness. Myself-I don't let it stop me, although , I do tend to not push as hard in extreme heat. I think there is no blanket answer on this. Know your body,know fitness level, And make sure you hydrate continuously on and off the bike. That said, even hydrated, you can over heat.
Ride long and prosper. Stan.
PS--I'm a Carlin fan also!!!!

HillaryRose,

You will always get lots of friendly and supportive advise, here.

I cycle in the heat regularly. But the potential for a) heat exhaustion, and b) heat stroke, is always there.

Heat exhaustion is related more to depletion of electrolytes (sodium, potassium). It is uncomfortable, but not deadly. Restoring electrolytes will bring about recovery.

Heat stroke is another matter. Temperature regulation becomes ineffective. The body temperature rises so high that brain tissue begins to die. It is life threatening. To prevent heat stroke, keep body temperature down. Ways to do this include cycling at an easy pace, drinking (I use very cold water, but cold water can pose a health threat of its own for asthmatics and those with atrial fibrillation, a heart rate irregularity, usually diagnosed by a doctor), taking breaks (in the shade), and knowing when to quit.
Check reference resources for all the potential symptoms of heat stroke to be well-informed beforehand.

All in all, while it's good to be prepared, cycling in the heat can be enjoyable and quite safe. I believe it's easier to stay cool on a bike than it is while walking or standing in the heat. :D

Temperature and humidity in the midwest like you experience in Chicago doesn't have to stop you. A bike ride is actually cooler than being static. Sometimes I go for a leisurebike ride to cool off.

The big sweat time is when you stop biking.

It is a different story in the southcentral region of the USA like Oklahoma and Texas - "no man's land" as the Spanish called it. "Unfit for human civilization" deemed Louis and Clark.

As Hunter eludes to, in Texas, the summer sun can kill you dead in a short while. In those locations, it is probably better to stay inside and watch videos of bicycling. Better yet, get on bikeforums.com and read/write about it.

I know you guys/girls will not believe this "system" for beating hot weather. I learned it from from some "old timers" and it DOES WORK.
I have some wool jerseys and undershirts I save for riding in very cold, (LS), and very hot weather, (SS). When it is very hot I keep cool by wearing TWO LAYERS of wool and keep them wet, (very important), with water from my bottles. Very often after the intial application of water my sweat is enough to keep the layers wet for quite a while. My skin will feel COOL TO THE TOUCH even in high 90 and 100+ degree weather. Keeping the wool wet radiates the heat away form my body much like a Burlap water bag cools water or a "swamp cooler"cools a room. The arabs wear wool robes for the same reason. The synthetic fabrics available now can do the same function when worn in layers but not as well.
Ride Cool
Pat

I used to dip my hat in water to beat desert heat. It is personal air conditioning.
If you are going to wear a wet jersesy, a long-sleeved on will cool you better and protect you against the sun. It may be worth rigging a helmet cover to keep the sun out of those helmet holes, and provide more evaporative cooling.
Remember that is is movement which cools you, but pedalling which heats you, so cruising along will be cooler than standing. The problems occur when you try to race or train in the heat.

For the record, we ended up going. We set out later than we had planned, at about 6:30. It had cooled down to a more reasonable 90 degrees by then. Plenty of water all around. I drained my 48oz hydrapack long before the ride was over. Then when we got back into town, I bought and guzzled two 16 oz Smart Waters (water with electrolytes and fruit flavoring. No sugar).

We had a great time, though we felt like we were in a lot more danger of collision when we were on the lakeshore bicycle path than when we were on the streets.

Originally posted by HillaryRose
For the record, we ended up going...

...We had a great time, though we felt like we were in a lot more danger of collision when we were on the lakeshore bicycle path than when we were on the streets.

Why anyone of any experience would attempt to mix cyclists with anything but other road vehicles is beyond my comprehension! ;)

Originally posted by MichaelW
I used to dip my hat in water to beat desert heat. It is personal air conditioning.
If you are going to wear a wet jersesy, a long-sleeved on will cool you better and protect you against the sun. It may be worth rigging a helmet cover to keep the sun out of those helmet holes, and provide more evaporative cooling.
Remember that is is movement which cools you, but pedalling which heats you, so cruising along will be cooler than standing. The problems occur when you try to race or train in the heat.

I used to put water in my hat when I mowed lawns. It drove me crazy though because the water would evaporate and turn into humidity and me me even hotter.I can stand the heat, but when the humidity gets up there, I start to wish I lived in Antarctica.

Originally posted by fubar5


I used to put water in my hat when I mowed lawns. It drove me crazy though because the water would evaporate and turn into humidity and me me even hotter.
That's the problem I have with dousing my T-shirt with water. It feels good for about five seconds, and then it seems to be worse than before I did it, because it's just more humidity, and no more cooling. I know, I need to get a real jersey, but I can't afford it now.

Originally posted by JonR

I know, I need to get a real jersey, but I can't afford it now.

I think Nashbar has some good deals right now. But I know what you mean how how you feel about not being able to afford the bike gear you want and need....it is an agonizing experience.

Speaking of Nashbar, did you ever find out if they were taken over by another company?

Naaah, I have ordered stuff online in awhile. I've been trying to get as much stuff from my LBS as possible.

Originally posted by HillaryRose
For the record, we ended up going. We set out later than we had planned, at about 6:30. It had cooled down to a more reasonable 90 degrees by then. Plenty of water all around. I drained my 48oz hydrapack long before the ride was over. Then when we got back into town, I bought and guzzled two 16 oz Smart Waters (water with electrolytes and fruit flavoring. No sugar).

We had a great time, though we felt like we were in a lot more danger of collision when we were on the lakeshore bicycle path than when we were on the streets.

Hey, Hillary! Good for you! It's great that you were able to go out and ride! Yeah, sometimes I drink that Propel Fitness water that Gatorade makes, and it's pretty low in sugar--well for a sports drink. I guess it's only available in certain states in the U.S. I've never heard of Smart Waters though...is that only available in your area?

Smart Water is made by a company called Glaceau. If I remember correctly, the fruit flavored stuff is called Fruitwater and the plain without flavoring version is called Smartwater. Around here I have to go to the Whole Foods to get it, so maybe there's some schmancy organic market like Whole Foods in your area that stocks it. They have a website www.drinkbetterwater.com but it doesn't really give much information, just a flashy animated advertisement basically. I hate web pages without content. But I like the Fruitwater. It comes in cool flavors like raspberry-lime, watermelon and guava-pineapple.

Its very hot with gobs of humidity over here in eastern NC. I put in a 22 mile ride this morning while a bit cooler. I took plenty of water and I took breaks in shady areas when I felt I needed them... 1 at 10 miles and another at 16 miles. I have not been back into riding for very long so I certainly don't intend to over do it.

I did not put on sunscreen and thankfully it was early enough that I doid not get too much sun... but I shouldn't take chances like that.

Originally posted by s_boy
I did not put on sunscreen and thankfully it was early enough that I doid not get too much sun... but I shouldn't take chances like that.

Generally, if I'm gonna be out after about 9am in summer I put it on as a rule. However, my most active hours of the day are usually well before that.

Chris

The heat advisory was hot enough for Chicago today that I almost considered driving instead of using my 2 bicycle/1 train commute to get to my current client. Then I imagined sitting in the car at the side of the Eisenhower Expressway, waiting, waiting, waiting for a tow truck coming to take care of an overheated car. So I ended up doing my usual bicycle/train combo.

On a hot day, I'd rather be on a bike than cooped up inside a car.

Well, drinking enough water and taking it easy can allow you to safely ride in some very hot weather. Last Friday, a Dept. of Roads worker came across a cycler from Canada who was passed out on the side of the road. He was still clipped to his pedals! He had been working an area with a lot of hills with a temperature of over 100 degrees and high humidity. I guess the DOR guy revived the rider with some water, then a farmer stopped and they put the fellow in the farmers air conditioned pickup untill he was feeling better, then I guess he pedalled off!
In this heat (103 for my trip home last night) I just pick a speed that allows me to spin real easy, and in 7 miles, I consumed an over-sized bottle of water!
Lets just all be careful out there...remember, this is supposed to be fun!!

The most important thing is to listen to your body. If you start really stuggling, like seriously, in the heat, you really should ease off for a while until you relax a bit.

Chris

talking about riding in the heat. I went out at 2pm yesterday to get 60-70 miler in. I dont know what the temp was but it didnt seem that hot. Later I found out that the heat index was around 110. Had lots of water(72oz camelback and 2 25oz water bottles. I made it to my destination about 33 miles away ( Carlyle Lake Carlyle IL.)and I didnt feel all that bad. I stayed there for about an hour or so. stopped and bought a gatorade. Then I headed back. As soon as I started back I knew I was more tired than usuall for 33 miles and after about 5 more miles in the sun ( there where not a lot of trees for shade Just wide open cornfields) I started to feel totally beat. found a small tree for some shade and rested. every time I tried to stand i would get dizzy. I got back on my bike and road a couple of more miles and found a barn and rested in the shade there for about half hour. I was about 7 or 8 miles from the next town and eventually made it. Called my wife and she came and got me. Had 52.73 miles in and was totally sun beat.

I've never felt that beat before. Even on my longest ride which was 106 miles.

by JonR
I know, I need to get a real jersey, but I can't afford it now.

Jon,
Sierra Trading Post and Nashbar have some great deals on jerseys, depending on your size. They start at $7.95 at STP and $12.90 at Nashbar.

I bought one of the Nashbar jerseys and the quality is well worth the $29.95 I paid at the time. Curses, $12.90 is a better deal.

I've never bought a jersey from STP, but I've never been disappointed by other products I've bought from them.


Now back to the original question.
I have never not ridden because it is too hot. Maybe I just haven't been anywhere with really hot weather.
Last summer we had several days in the mid to high 90s, but this summer has been mild. Only 3 or 4 days with temps over 90. :D

So... no, it is never too hot to ride. Just drink lots of water and don't forget the sunscreen.

Is it ever to cold?

What did you have to eat and drink before the ride? This is just as important as what you consume during the ride itself.

Chris

chris L

I had a plate of spaghetti. not to much and big glass of water. never did get hungry on the ride.

Originally posted by heybulldog
I had a plate of spaghetti. not to much and big glass of water. never did get hungry on the ride.

What Ron H said above is good advice. Water and sunscreen are very important. I'm not sure of the exact size of a "big glass", but I do know that in summer around here it's not unusual for me to go through 10 litres of water in a day.

I also think sports drinks like Gatorade are overrated.

Chris

Originally posted by heybulldog
Is it ever to cold?

When I was in Calgary I drew the line at -25 degrees celcius (-13 farenheit) but I was only riding recreationally at that time (unemployed). I probably would have ridden in any temperature if necessity dictated eg. commuting to work.

I did try to get a job as a bike courier, and was pretty much offered the job on the spot simply because I rode to the interview through a blizzard. It was only my lack of a visa that foiled it (curse those law abiding Canadians!).

Is it ever too hot? I'm from the same part of the world as ChrisL and I concur with him that it's never too hot.

It is possible to be too unprepared though.

This is a good question with the Hotter 'N Hell Hundred coming up in Wichita Falls next week. Their web site has a great presentation on the perils of dehydration and heat stroke. Check it out at www.hh100.org.