Hot tips for the hot weather

[Roody]

It's 90F degrees here today...pretty hot for us, especially in June.

Does anybody have any good tips for dealing with cycling in the hot weather?

Those of us who are carfree or carlight often have to get out there and ride even in the hottest part of the day, so any suggestions will be welcome, I'm sure.

Also, remember that a lot of newbies lurk on this forum, so even simple tips will be useful to somebody out there. :)

[Portis]

http://www.polarbottle.com/

http://store.haloheadband.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

These are the two things i wouldn't do without. Of course cool cycling apprppriate clothing as well.

[jeff-o]

Drink lots of water/gatorade, wear sunscreen if you're going to be out riding all day.

[wrafl]

Hydration, apply sunscreen, proper cycle wear, frequent breaks to rest tired legs and to cool off, Gatorade to replenish lost electrolytes and pour water over your head once in awhile.

[pedex]

water

fitness

common sense

[jimisnowhere]

I just went to Marshall's and got a bunch of sweat wicking shirts for 12-16 bucks apiece. Is Marshall's a national chain? Either way these thngs are like being naked except you dry faster. Also stopping for a minute then going helps build up some sweat then evaporate it really fast, which cools you off.


jim

[squegeeboo]

Pedal as hard as you can to get out of the sun faster.

And if your of the opposite sex and attractive, wear less, I'd appreciate it...I mean it's the best thing for the heat.

[gwd]

Sometimes I ride just fast enough to generate a cooling breeze but no faster.

Ride real slow for a few minutes before your final destination to help cool down, when I stop pedaling I start sweating.

Know the trees along your route. There are some routes I take at midday because I know the likely stops for traffic lights have shade trees off to the side. Sometimes I'll stop 50 or more feet back from the intersection just to avoid sitting in the direct sunlight.

When the traffic light is at the bottom of the hill I'll stop at the top to wait for the green for a gravity assist startup.

[Wogsterca]

It's 90F degrees here today...pretty hot for us, especially in June.

Does anybody have any good tips for dealing with cycling in the hot weather?

Those of us who are carfree or carlight often have to get out there and ride even in the hottest part of the day, so any suggestions will be welcome, I'm sure.

Also, remember that a lot of newbies lurk on this forum, so even simple tips will be useful to somebody out there. :)

First and foremost water, you need at least 1L(just over 1 US Qt) per hour, bike bottles tend to run from ½L - ¾L, so if you don't have one of those water backpacks like a Camelbak(CB), know where you can replenish. What I often do, is carry a bike bottle of Gatorade, on longer rides (along with the CB) this allows me to mostly use water in the CB and still get a little salt and energy along the way. Problem with water, 1L weighs 1kg, this means on a 5 hour ride, your carrying 5kg or 11lbs of water. It may be easier to know where there are stores along the way, and carry cash. If you mountain or trail ride, carry some of those water treatment pills and a filter, so that you can use trailside water supplies. Many modern filters have treatment built in, they are not cheap though.

Now, there is a problem with bottled water, it's packaged in plastic, the plastic contains all kinds of toxic chemicals, some of these can leach into the water, typically if it's in there for a few hours, the amount of chemicals leaching into the water, is very tiny, your 5 year old bike bottle, probably doesn't leach at all anymore. However bottled water can sit in the fresh plastic for months, so the amount of leachate can be very high.

[gosmsgo]

Sometimes I ride just fast enough to generate a cooling breeze but no faster.

Ride real slow for a few minutes before your final destination to help cool down, when I stop pedaling I start sweating.

Know the trees along your route. There are some routes I take at midday because I know the likely stops for traffic lights have shade trees off to the side. Sometimes I'll stop 50 or more feet back from the intersection just to avoid sitting in the direct sunlight.

When the traffic light is at the bottom of the hill I'll stop at the top to wait for the green for a gravity assist startup.

I think you are sweating its just evaporating in the wind as fast as you can sweat.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Now, there is a problem with bottled water, it's packaged in plastic, the plastic contains all kinds of toxic chemicals, some of these can leach into the water, typically if it's in there for a few hours, the amount of chemicals leaching into the water, is very tiny, your 5 year old bike bottle, probably doesn't leach at all anymore. However bottled water can sit in the fresh plastic for months, so the amount of leachate can be very high.
Reference?

[kjohnnytarr]

Throw an extra shirt in your bag if you want to look "normal" when you get where you're going. A hat too, to cover your helmat hair.

[Cassiel]

I just always carry a change of clothes. It bulks up my bag a little more, but it beats sitting around soaked at school or work. I also have learned to carry a bottle of sunscreen with me, not just put it on in the morning before I go. By evening, evidently, it sweats or rubs off of you (I think they're usually only good for 6 hours max anyway, aren't they?).
I do my best to get any heavy riding done earlier in the day and I'm also finding that the fitter I get (I think someone already cited fitness as being helpful) the less I care what conditions I'm riding in.

[cranky]

Do longsleeve wicking shirts keep you cooler than shortsleeve, if the sun is beating down on you?

[wahoonc]

Do longsleeve wicking shirts keep you cooler than shortsleeve, if the sun is beating down on you?
IMHO yes. I work outside and wear long sleeved shirts year round. I usually wear cotton rather than wicking but that is my personal preference.

Aaron:)

[gerv]

On the weekend or days off work, leave as early in the morning as you can. Try to get back before noon. Eat a light lunch and have a nap after. Then, if you have something else to do, save it for after 6:00pm

[Wogsterca]

Reference?

This should get you started http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/Out-Of-Diet-PG5nov03.htm

[I-Like-To-Bike]

This should get you started http://www.mindfully.org/Plastic/Plasticizers/Out-Of-Diet-PG5nov03.htm
Thanks for providing the source of your info. mindfully.org is quite the site for a certain type of info. I found the article on the home page explaining the site and the Real Reason why the WTC fell even "better" reading! And just as unbiased/agenda free. Again thanks but I think I will still keep refilling my 1½ liter water bottles with water and a couple caps of condensed lime juice; and sleep well at night.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp

[Ekdog]

I oppose drinking bottled water. All of those plastic bottles are an ecological disaster, and study after study (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0224_060224_bottled_water.html) has shown that it is not healthier than tap water, and it can be as much as 10,000 times more expensive.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/images/060224_bottled_water_big.jpg

[cyclezealot]

92 is about as hot as I can tolerate. After getting heat exhaustion last year, I now take a camelbak. But, my usual response is to leave like at 6:30 am and back by 10 at the latest. Or ride at night.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I oppose drinking bottled water.
I reuse and refill my PET plastic bottles with tap water and concentrated lime juice. You opposed to that too?
BTW, how do you carry water while cycling?

[Ekdog]

I reuse and refill my PET plastic bottles with tap water and concentrated lime juice. You opposed to that too?

How many times can they be refilled before you have to go out and buy some more? Wouldn't it be more practical to just use a permanent plastic or metal water bottle?

[Ekdog]

BTW, how do you carry water while cycling?

I just use one of these:

http://www.chinatraderonline.com/Files/Gifts-and-Crafts/Bottle/Water-Bottle/Aluminum-Drinking-Bottles-21064356462.jpg

[I-Like-To-Bike]

How many times can they be refilled before you have to go out and buy some more? Wouldn't it be more practical to just use a permanent plastic or metal water bottle?
About 6 months of daily refilling. Costs 50¢ each with water. Investment: $2.00/year to have two bottles available at all times.

No, it would not be more practical for me to use/refill off-tasting, smelly "permanent" plastic bottles or expensive, heavier metal bottles.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

I just use one of these:

http://www.chinatraderonline.com/Files/Gifts-and-Crafts/Bottle/Water-Bottle/Aluminum-Drinking-Bottles-21064356462.jpg
What's the largest size? At what cost?

[Ekdog]

I don't remember exactly how much they cost, to tell the truth. I've got a metal one and an insulated plastic one that keeps liquid cool. I don't think I paid more than five or six euros for either of them, and they don't impart a taste. The plastic one did at first, but I washed it out with a mixture of water and vinegar, and the taste went away.

[hotwheels]

what's that company's name? I can't read the address.

[Roody]

Sometimes I ride just fast enough to generate a cooling breeze but no faster.

Ride real slow for a few minutes before your final destination to help cool down, when I stop pedaling I start sweating.

Know the trees along your route. There are some routes I take at midday because I know the likely stops for traffic lights have shade trees off to the side. Sometimes I'll stop 50 or more feet back from the intersection just to avoid sitting in the direct sunlight.

When the traffic light is at the bottom of the hill I'll stop at the top to wait for the green for a gravity assist startup.
I agree that trees are our friends. So it's good know your alternate routes. Shady route on a hot day, sheltered route on a windy day. It's good to know where the drinking fountains are too. You don't have to carry as many bottles if you know where to refill them every few miles.

I love my backpack. It even keeps me warmer in the winter. But it is hot in the summer, and it makes your back all sweaty. Good time to switch to panniers or other bike bags.

How about more frequent rests when it's hot? Where do you all like to rest to beat the heat?

[wrafl]

[How about more frequent rests when it's hot? Where do you all like to rest to beat the heat?[/QUOTE]

I usually find a shade most often under a tree to rest and cool off. I wore this morning an Alpine Design brand of long sleeve shirt (to reduce sun burn on my arms) which I bought couple of days ago and it was so comfortable that I believe I need to pick at least 2 more from Sports Authority. It's called "dri-logic" which means it wicks away perspiration, speed up moisture evaporation and offers comfort during any type of physical activity in hot weather. Regular price is $30.00 but it is on sale for $14.97. Most bike jerseys go for at least $30.00 and more at LBS but if you are near a Sports Authority, go check it out.

[bike2math]

Keep the thermastats high or better yet turn off the AC altogether. Your body will aclimate and be able to deal with heat on your bicycle better.

[Buglady]

Buy fresh sunscreen every year. It DOES expire... which I found out the hard way! Also remember that on overcast days you can still get burnt (learned that the hard way too).

Good dark sunglasses are very necessary as well.

If bringing more than one water bottle - freeze one the night before. It will melt at least partway by the time you need it and it will stay nice and cold :)

Cotton bandannas are great for soaking in water and placing on your neck or forehead to cool off.

As appealing as that cold beer at the end of the ride is, don't drink it until you've downed at least another litre of water and cooled off a bit. Unless you want to get very tipsy (and sick) very quickly!

Learned all of these hiking in the West Kootenays one summer (40C and dry as dust)

[TimJ]

Now, there is a problem with bottled water, it's packaged in plastic, the plastic contains all kinds of toxic chemicals, some of these can leach into the water, typically if it's in there for a few hours, the amount of chemicals leaching into the water, is very tiny, your 5 year old bike bottle, probably doesn't leach at all anymore. However bottled water can sit in the fresh plastic for months, so the amount of leachate can be very high.

The plastic used for bottled water hasn't been proven to be unsafe in any way, really. Polycarbonate can leach stuff, it was found out accidentally when some harsh detergents were used to clean a mice cage, but the couple studies that have been done seem to suggest it leaches very little unless it gets physically degraded, like if you scratch it (on the inside) or use harsh cleaners to clean it. Polycarbonate is the stuff nalgene lexan bottles are made from.

The problem with bottled water isn't safety, it's the useless commodification we've all accepted. Water comes out of the tap and it's more highly regulated and monitored than bottled water and is perfectly safe to drink. But, somehow, tons of people think they need to buy water- pay some multinational corporation outrageous sums for something they can get by turning on the faucet. And of course most plastic water bottles end up in landfills.

I remember when the whole "don't reuse your water bottles!" scare was on the news. My wife and I saw it and she turned to me and said, "Holy crap. It's like water bottlers wrote that story so you'll always reach for a new bottle rather than reuse one."

Bottled water is safe, but it's a complete scam.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/nalgene

http://www.jhsph.edu/PublicHealthNews/articles/Halden_dioxins.html

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp

[Ekdog]

what's that company's name? I can't read the address.

I just pulled that image down from the internet. I got my water bottles from my local bike shop. I'm sure there are dozens of different ones available there in Southern California.

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Bottled water is safe, but it's a complete scam.
Agreed, but the bottles are very useful for refilling with tap water or any drink of your choice. Light, cheap and add no taste or smell. I especially like the 1½ liter size for cycling because I can easily handle them with one hand. My water bottle carrier will hold a 2 liter soda pop plastic bottle but those wide bottles are too difficult to handle with only one hand. I do use the 2 liter bottles for tap water refills (with added lime juice) at work where I can chill them in the refrigerator and don't have to play the "who emptied all the ice cube trays without refilling" game.

[wheel]

Well I am a little different, so just bear in mind I am in a arid climate.

Use a wet t-shirt
Time your sun exposure
use public swimming pools along or the end of your commute.
Use fitness or clubs to shower at the end or along your route.
Run through sprinklers you find along the way.
ride at night
Keep track of your hear rate.
cycling shorts
Find parks along the way for shade and water
Go shopping with your commute (AC)
Use the bus rack to limit exposure

[Wogsterca]

Thanks for providing the source of your info. mindfully.org is quite the site for a certain type of info. I found the article on the home page explaining the site and the Real Reason why the WTC fell even "better" reading! And just as unbiased/agenda free. Again thanks but I think I will still keep refilling my 1½ liter water bottles with water and a couple caps of condensed lime juice; and sleep well at night.
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp

Oh yes, look at the source of that information, the International Bottled Water Association, they couldn't possibly be biased could they?:rolleyes:

As a sensible, and reasonably intelligent individual, I will admit, the truth is probably somewhere in between, plastics are made via combining chemicals, and if that combining isn't perfect, some of those chemicals could remain in the plastic, and be able to leach out. Take a new empty bike bottle, and open it, take a good sniff, thats not the plastic you smell, it's the air inside the plastic, meaning that the plastic has off-gassed into the air inside, since it was made in China or Taiwan. If the bottle had been filled with a liquid, then it would have off-gassed into the liquid, a bottle of water you buy today, was probably bottled in March or April, so that water has been exposed to the plastic for months. It's different for you filling a bottle and going for a ride, where the water is in contact with the plastic for maybe a couple of hours or so......

Having read both sides of the argument, I will use plastic bike bottles, but not bottled water bottles (fresh or recycled), and will continue, for now to use the Brita to process the water first.....

[I-Like-To-Bike]

Take a new empty bike bottle, and open it, take a good sniff, thats not the plastic you smell, it's the air inside the plastic, meaning that the plastic has off-gassed into the air inside, since it was made in China or Taiwan. If the bottle had been filled with a liquid, then it would have off-gassed into the liquid, a bottle of water you buy today, was probably bottled in March or April, so that water has been exposed to the plastic for months.
Let me know if you have ever come across a plastic bike bottle that was made of PET Plastic with the #1 on the bottom like every plastic water bottle. Or if you ever smelled any odor from an empty clean PET bottle? I have not. You are comparing orange plastics with apple plastics.

[megavovan]

image address:

http://www.chinatraderonline.com/Files/Gifts-and-Crafts/Bottle/Water-Bottle/Aluminum-Drinking-Bottles-21064356462.jpg

[gerv]

Let me know if you have ever come across a plastic bike bottle that was made of PET Plastic with the #1 on the bottom like every plastic water bottle. Or if you ever smelled any odor from an empty clean PET bottle? I have not. You are comparing orange plastics with apple plastics.
Most of the bike bottles I use are made with #4 plastic. But I have noticed the newer ones always leave the water with a yucky taste. However, my older bottles seem to be Ok. Not sure why.

Maybe, I should switch to stainless steel. However, I couldn't find any.... that would fit in a bottle cage.

[cyclezealot]

."

Bottled water is safe, but it's a complete scam.

http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/114/nalgene

http://www.jhsph.edu/PublicHealthNews/articles/Halden_dioxins.html

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/petbottles.asp
Tim. I am not so convinced it's all that safe. Remember the imported Canadian Water sickness' and even the great a trusted Evian was suspended for awhile, because of problems with their bottling opertation, I think it was.
If one is somewhat green, bottled water is particularily. All the petroleum that goes into the production of those plastic bottles, plus shipping costs and energy useage. All the petroleum that goes into bottled water production each day, seems I read would supply New York City with it's energy needs for like a week, seems it was.

[cyclezealot]

I agree that trees are our friends.

How about more frequent rests when it's hot? Where do you all like to rest to beat the heat?
I can take the cold up to a reasonable point, but the heat. Well, the cold does not give one heat exhaustion. I am afraid, beyond certain heat extremes, I just don't do much exercise. Or bike. As said , I top out at like 92. I hate heat. I just want to do nothing and I get all cranky.
But, my cycling routes most of them are pretty sunny. But, one passes a nice cool fresh water lake and we bike by the sea all the time. Don't think I like the idea of beach sand in my bike shorts croach for the hour ride back. Seems sea water would be destructive of bike clothes. Plus the salt on your skin on the way back? Some beaches have showers, most of the wide open beach does not nor have change facilities. Now, the fresh water lake, maybe I am more open to a mid bike swim there. Never feel gritty following a swim in that fresh water lake.
Plus do sort of worry about what's going on with our bikes while floating out to sea.

[Groundhawg]

If you carry water bottles. Place each water bottle inside a clean white sock. The sock will act as an insulator and keep your water colder much longer on a hot summer day.

I do this with my polar bottle and the water does stay colder longer. I read about this on here a few years ago. :)

[cyclezealot]

When it approaches 100 just can't hack it. I'd have to have someone standing over me constantly constantly pouring that water bottle over my helmet

[CommuterRun]

Staying well hydrated is the most important thing.

In addition to riding I also work outdoors and what I do is probably not the best method for proper hydration. Coffee all morning, 20 oz. Coke with lunch (save the screw cap), water from the Coke bottle all afternoon, coffee when I get home, water in the evening.:D

[wrafl]

Place each water bottle inside a clean white sock. The sock will act as an insulator and keep your water colder much longer on a hot summer day.



Yes it does and let me add, make sure it's a clean sock.

[ellenDSD]

If you carry water bottles. Place each water bottle inside a clean white sock. The sock will act as an insulator and keep your water colder much longer on a hot summer day.

I do this with my polar bottle and the water does stay colder longer. I read about this on here a few years ago. :)

That's a very interesting idea! Thanks for sharing it.

[ellenDSD]

I'd be interested to know of any ideas for those of us who do not bike to work but to meet friends for lunch or to go shopping, etc. In other words, situations where one would like to look nice when they arrive at their destination without having to change clothes, wear bike specific clothes, or don a hat. Make sense?

[CommuterRun]

If you carry water bottles. Place each water bottle inside a clean white sock. The sock will act as an insulator and keep your water colder much longer on a hot summer day.

I do this with my polar bottle and the water does stay colder longer. I read about this on here a few years ago. :)
And if you wet said sock with water, it will keep the water in the bottle cooler through evaporation.

[wahoonc]

Keep the thermastats high or better yet turn off the AC altogether. Your body will aclimate and be able to deal with heat on your bicycle better.

Excellent advice! I work outdoors in the heat and acclimation can take up to two weeks if you aren't used to it. We had a Heat Index of 102 at 1100 Thursday morning and it is supposed to be even hotter today:o

Aaron:)

[cyclezealot]

Keep the thermastats high or better yet turn off the AC altogether. Your body will aclimate and be able to deal with heat on your bicycle better.
Why would I complain of winter in the north. I'd rather be in Minnesota in January over Texas in July. I'll Try to remember this sentiment when it's 35 degrees out come 7 AM , next Jan 1.