How do you handle the heat and sun? [Archive]

Yen

07-04-07, 11:29 AM

Hey everyone,

I'm wondering how you all protect yourselves from the heat and sun. I have fair skin and freckle easily and have already one had basal cell cancer removed from my arm. Yet, I'd love to ride with a short-sleeve jersey instead of the poly jacket :eek: I'm still wearing (C9 sports apparel from Target). I ordered a long-sleeve micromesh cycling jersey from http://www.skin-savers.com which should be a lot cooler. I was told that cyclists in Florida wear them and find them to be very cooling. Meanwhile..... I'm looking for suggestions so I can still ride and stay comfortable.

For future rides this summer, I plan to wear a bandana soaked in water then placed in the freezer for a few minutes. I then wear it around my neck. I've done that when gardening and it really helps a lot (tho' I don't garden in the heat anymore) and stays cool for a couple of hours. I also plan to take along a second bandana that I'll freeze overnight, rolled up in a baggie, and stick it in my bag. By the time the first one isn't cold anymore, the second one will be ready to wear. (Heh, whatever it takes!)

If I wear a short-sleeve (or no sleeve) jersey I'll need the best sunscreen I can get. Currently I'm using Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 which is highly recommended by others. I'm wondering if that is sufficient, or if I should just stick to the long-sleeve jersey.

In addition I'm starting to wonder about exposure through my helmet. When I brush my hair it feels a little like sunburn on my scalp. :eek: Now I'm wondering if I need another bandana between my helmet and my head. Sigh.....

If anyone else has these issues, and can speak from experience about sunscreen and lots of sun exposure while riding without any problems, I'd love to hear 'em. I don't want to give up riding this summer if I don't have to.

Jen

DannoXYZ

07-04-07, 11:46 AM

It depends upon how much water you have. If you've got a fixed amount, you get the best cooling by drinking it and letting the sweat evaporate and carry away the heat (539kcal/mole). Less effective is pouring that same amount of water on your body.

If you've got unlimited water, then by all means soak yourself and use chilled bandanas.

heddywouldgo

07-04-07, 12:08 PM

I've always struggled with heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so for me it's get up at 6 am and ride or wait until late evening. I can't keep myself hydrated enough when I ride in anything above 80 degrees. Cancer runs rampant in my family, so I have to be really careful with protecting my skin as well. I do an SPF40 on my face and a 20 on the rest of me which really helps to keep my skin from burning. So I guess my best suggestion is to get up at the butt crack of dawn and ride :) It's what has kept me able to ride all these hot years.

Go_Fast

07-04-07, 12:47 PM

bring on the heat, baby!

i love it.

zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen...lather yourself up with it pre-ride, even under your jersey if you don't wear a base layer (i always do) and let it dry before heading out. don't wipe yourself off when riding or put more on later if you do. highest spf lip balm and plenty of ride drink or h2o.

eat meat and rice and drink beer afterwards. :beer:

soggydog

07-04-07, 12:59 PM

I have worked in construction outdoors for years and have found lots of plan water is the best for me and not ice cold. Sunscreen is a must and a scull cap works under the helmet keeping the sun directly off my scalp and the sweat out of my eyes and to me it feels cooler.

Just my opinion

Scootcore

07-04-07, 01:46 PM

i swear alot.....and try and ride early. if i cant i use the bandanna trick as well...it doesnt need to be super cold, just wet!!!! i sweat ALOT so i use halo headbands, theyve been the best for keeping sweat out of my eyes!

ovoleg

07-04-07, 01:51 PM

I love the heat and sun, so much easier to drop the older riders

octico

07-04-07, 02:30 PM

I love the heat and sun, so much easier to drop the older riders
I get out and ride early while the boy riders are still asleep, that way I don't have to worry about getting dropped in the heat ;)

ovoleg

07-04-07, 02:52 PM

I get out and ride early while the boy riders are still asleep, that way I don't have to worry about getting dropped in the heat ;)

pretty much everyone I ride with is older.

They seem to feel more of the pain from the heat.

Gives me an advantage. Heat doesn't bother me until it reaches 107+. Then I'm hurting too lol.

ken cummings

07-04-07, 04:00 PM

During the week I train just after sunrise. Weekends, during the summer, the county bus service runs out to the Pacific coast where low to mid 60s' are guaranteed.

Psydotek

07-04-07, 05:53 PM

Drink lots. :)

I just take a mouthful or two of water and/or cytomax every 10-15 minutes. Worked for me today. :D

Camelbak + 2 water bottles.

The key really is to pace yourself. You can't drink too much at one time or too often either otherwise you might upset your stomach (too much stuff sloshing around) and your stomach can only drain so fast. It's not too hard to keep track of the timing either. Just glance down at your cyclometer and check.

Happytime

07-04-07, 05:58 PM

I'm totally heat intolerant because I am unable to sweat a lot. I keep one bottle topped off with energy drink and the other with plain water to periodically douse myself. Needless to say, I make quite a few water stops.

That, or I leave for my ride just before dawn.

Cassave

07-04-07, 06:03 PM

I sweat alot.

thomson

07-04-07, 06:06 PM

I sweat a lot as well, to the point I have had people ask if I was OK. I really think I have an efficient cooling system. I don't like to be outside exerting myself too long in the heat though.

VanceMac

07-04-07, 07:39 PM

jpconrad

07-04-07, 07:45 PM

I ride at night, although now I'm starting to ride in the early morning, too.

Blue Jays

07-04-07, 08:04 PM

During a real scorcher with high U.V.-index it's nice to wear a long-sleeved compression shirt with a nice application of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 with helioplex spread underneath. Also, fill a large Camelbak bladder 2/3 full and freeze it into a solid block the night before. Fill the remainder with cold water before departing on a ride and you'll be rewarded with water chilled to 33* for hours.

Shnuddy

07-04-07, 09:31 PM

I'm out here in the desert (where it is currently about 105 at 8:30 pm! :eek: ) I also ride as early as possible. On the days I have to ride after work, I wait until about 5-6 pm (while the days are long enough), coat myself with sunscreen and bring lots of fluids. I prefer them really cold, so I will freeze a half bottle, then add some water right before I leave. I use the polar bottles, seems to help a little anyway.

When it is really hot, you have to really pay attention to your body. Sometimes I don't realize I'm overheated until I stop (almost have fallen down once or twice).

One thing that really helps: I will find a shady spot and stop every 5-10 miles for a few minutes. It feels great, plus you can make sure that you are sweating properly. When riding, in this dry air, the sweat evaporates so quickly it's hard to tell. When you stop, you should sweat--it is an indication of how hydrated you are. When you start back riding again, you have a few seconds of coolness, until the sweat evaporates. :D

vertical bob

07-04-07, 09:46 PM

Is there a metric or rule of thumb about how much performance suffers in relation to heat/humidity? For instance, doing a particular route/climb that typically takes an hour at 70 degrees, what you could expect at 100 degrees? Or is it mostly psychological/perceived exertion? A loss of 1% of your body fluid and it starts to affect your performance. You should come home weighing no more than 2lbs.[ 1qt.] less than when you started. Hydrate by drinking small amounts every few minutes. At least 1 bottle per hr.

vertical bob

07-04-07, 09:49 PM

I love the heat and sun, so much easier to drop the older ridersI don't remember ever seeing you on one of my rides young man. Lets see how you do on a real hard ride in the mountains.

Grumpy Pig

07-04-07, 09:57 PM

I don't remember ever seeing you on one of my rides young man. Lets see how you do on a real hard ride in the mountains.Don't hold your breath.

Crash716

07-04-07, 10:41 PM

i mostly ***** and complain the whole way....that's how i deal with it...

I would rather lose a finger to frostbite than ride my bike in 90+ temps.

furiousferret

07-04-07, 10:53 PM

urbanknight

07-04-07, 11:23 PM

Concern for the bandana: Wouldn't that cause a lot of humidity on your head after it melts and gets hot? My bottles that are filled with ice before adding water are fully melted within an hour and luke warm in another hour. Of course, I put on sunscreen for the rides, although gradually increasing my sun exposure through the Spring helped my skin build up a defense of its own.

i swear alot.....and try and ride early. if i cant i use the bandanna trick as well...it doesnt need to be super cold, just wet!!!! i sweat ALOT so i use halo headbands, theyve been the best for keeping sweat out of my eyes!
I also swear a lot when it gets too hot, but that really doesn't help me stay cool :D

Jaguar27

07-04-07, 11:26 PM

Is there a metric or rule of thumb about how much performance suffers in relation to heat/humidity? For instance, doing a particular route/climb that typically takes an hour at 70 degrees, what you could expect at 100 degrees? Or is it mostly psychological/perceived exertion?

I can't answer your question but when your Body starts to overheat (towards 106, the point of heatstroke) it's deffinately not psychological/perceived exhaustion because your Blood is re-directed towards the surface of the skin and vital organs, not the Leg muscles so it's no coincidence that we feel sluggish on hot days...

Heatstroke by the way, is a medical emergency, they have to bring the body temperature down asap with Ice Packs etc....

Jaguar27

07-04-07, 11:30 PM

I was out today in 105 heat in San Bernardino. I don't know what it is, but I can't seem to get out early enough to ride.

Anyway, I put ice in my water bottles before I leave and that keeps them cool for about 5 miles in, and lukewarm at 10. I usually ride in areas where I know there is extra water, and take water bottle showers, focusing on the neck.

After a few months in the Gulf, this heat doesn't bug me as much.

I fill a couple of water bottles half way the night before then top them up with the same mix of water/Accelerade just before the ride...same effect but it tends to stay colder longer...more Ice I guess ;)

DScott

07-05-07, 12:14 AM

bbp

07-05-07, 12:15 AM

It was a near 110 today and it's still 85 out at 11:30 pm. I couldn't get up early this morning and couldn't get myself to go ride in the blazing heat. I usually freeze my bottles overnight and they stay cold for about an hour and a half if I leave my house early enough. The only advice I have is wear a lot of white and hydrate often. I also take my helmet off on climbs if the road is pretty low traffic.

powerglide

07-05-07, 12:29 AM

I ordered a long-sleeve micromesh cycling jersey from http://www.skin-savers.com which should be a lot cooler. I was told that cyclists in Florida wear them and find them to be very cooling. Meanwhile..... I'm looking for suggestions so I can still ride and stay comfortable.

Please tell me how this long-sleeve jersey works out. I am interested in it...wonder how much better it is compared to regular long sleeve jerseys....

ronjon10

07-05-07, 01:01 AM

I'm beginning to believe that fluid replacement with an electolyte drink (like Heed) helps my body retain water better when it's hot, compared to just plain water alone. Plain water just seems to go through faster.

Anyone else feel more hydrated with electrolyte solutions vs. plain water?

I rarely drink plain water. On rides 2 hours and under, I'll usually do one bottle of water and one bottle of heed. For rides over 2 hours. I'll do both bottles with heed, plus bring extra mix for more bottles on the ride.

I've said this before, if I think it's going to be a real hot day or a long ride, I'll use SMARTwater mixed with Heed for the first 2 bottles as well as pre-hydrating using Smartwater. That works so well for me it's like cheating.

I generally don't do the soaked bandana thing, it just heats up too quickly for me, then I've got a hot wet bandana, yuck. I prefer dryer stuff to wipe off the sweat and just suffer the warmness. If it's so hot that these techniques aren't working, I just won't ride.

Yen

07-05-07, 08:41 AM

Please tell me how this long-sleeve jersey works out. I am interested in it...wonder how much better it is compared to regular long sleeve jerseys.... This page shows the jerseys we bought, the 3rd photo down (with the blonde woman without a helmet). http://skin-savers.com/Action_Wear/

They are not cheap, but they are rated UPF 50+. The very helpful woman who answered the phone (Patrice) said the long-sleeve is very popular and she has worn it herself while riding in Florida, and bike clubs in Florida also order this shirt. They ship from Australia. As I said, not cheap, but very protective -- also, easier and less time-consuming than putting sunscreen on arms and making sure every square inch is covered. And, I believe the jury is still out on the long-term effects of putting the sunscreen chemicals on our skin every day (or even most days)..... the skin is one big organ through which everything put on it absorbs into the blood stream.

Regarding the bandana, I wouldn't put it on my head, I would tie it around my neck and let a corner of it hang down to protect my neck. For my head, I would use it dry. I've used the wet (almost frozen) bandana trick on hot days in the garden and it helped me feel like the temps were 10-15 degrees cooler -- still hot but very tolerable.

I'm wondering how I will get more riding time in winter... I won't be able to ride in the mornings before work, and it will be dark when I get home. :(

VanceMac

07-05-07, 08:41 AM

Please tell me how this long-sleeve jersey works out. I am interested in it...wonder how much better it is compared to regular long sleeve jerseys....

I love wearing my long-sleeve compression fit underarmor (or similar brands) under my jerseys. Mainly sun protection, and my chicken arms usually need the warmth. And believe it keeps me just as cool as no sleeves -- but only up to a point. Above the low-80's, and I go to sleeveless base layer. And a scorcher like yesterday, no baselayer.

urbanknight

07-05-07, 10:37 AM

Regarding the bandana, I wouldn't put it on my head, I would tie it around my neck and let a corner of it hang down to protect my neck.
Oops, I guess I should have read your initial post more carefully. You did say you wore it around your neck. :o

Is there a metric or rule of thumb about how much performance suffers in relation to heat/humidity? For instance, doing a particular route/climb that typically takes an hour at 70 degrees, what you could expect at 100 degrees? Or is it mostly psychological/perceived exertion?
I also don't know a number, but it must be small because when comparing times at races on the same course but under differen circumstances (reference, Long Beach Criterium, Camarillo practice crits, and Encino Velodrome time trials) the numbers come out to be about the same.

powerglide

07-05-07, 11:21 AM

This page shows the jerseys we bought, the 3rd photo down (with the blonde woman without a helmet). http://skin-savers.com/Action_Wear/

They are not cheap, but they are rated UPF 50+. The very helpful woman who answered the phone (Patrice) said the long-sleeve is very popular and she has worn it herself while riding in Florida, and bike clubs in Florida also order this shirt. They ship from Australia. As I said, not cheap, but very protective -- also, easier and less time-consuming than putting sunscreen on arms and making sure every square inch is covered. And, I believe the jury is still out on the long-term effects of putting the sunscreen chemicals on our skin every day (or even most days)..... the skin is one big organ through which everything put on it absorbs into the blood stream.

Regarding the bandana, I wouldn't put it on my head, I would tie it around my neck and let a corner of it hang down to protect my neck. For my head, I would use it dry. I've used the wet (almost frozen) bandana trick on hot days in the garden and it helped me feel like the temps were 10-15 degrees cooler -- still hot but very tolerable.

I'm wondering how I will get more riding time in winter... I won't be able to ride in the mornings before work, and it will be dark when I get home. :(

Yup I saw that picture...I wish they had more pictures than that one little tiny one though. Sounds like you haven't recieved them yet...please tell us how you like it (how well its made) if possible.

I love wearing my long-sleeve compression fit underarmor (or similar brands) under my jerseys. Mainly sun protection, and my chicken arms usually need the warmth. And believe it keeps me just as cool as no sleeves -- but only up to a point. Above the low-80's, and I go to sleeveless base layer. And a scorcher like yesterday, no baselayer.

Thats the thing I'm worried about...I'll need it on the hottest days catch-22! right now I use thin arm 'warmers', they don't bother me too much but I do notice a big relief when I take them off.

VanceMac

07-05-07, 11:26 AM

Thats the thing I'm worried about...I'll need it on the hottest days catch-22! right now I use thin arm 'warmers', they don't bother me too much but I do notice a big relief when I take them off.

Oh my, even the thinnest arm warmers I've seen were much thicker than my warm-weather base gear. I was just in Big 5 Sports the other day, and right next to their $30 nike base layer jerseys, they were unloading the last few Everlast brand jerseys they had for like $5. Identical blend... compression fit... everything. Anyway, they are so thin, I think you could get away with wearing them on the hottest days.

powerglide

07-05-07, 11:32 AM

Oh my, even the thinnest arm warmers I've seen were much thicker than my warm-weather base gear. I was just in Big 5 Sports the other day, and right next to their $30 nike base layer jerseys, they were unloading the last few Everlast brand jerseys they had for like $5. Identical blend... compression fit... everything. Anyway, they are so thin, I think you could get away with wearing them on the hottest days.

you don't say....I think I'll stop by there!

jsigone

07-05-07, 11:45 AM

I just put on sunblock is out for more the 2 hrs. If shorter like for lunch rides and such, I just ride. But I used SPF 50+.

My limit is about 105*

Grumpy Pig

07-05-07, 12:12 PM

you don't say....I think I'll stop by there!If you can't find them at Big 5, try Walmart or Target. They have their generic brands for about $10.

nygirl777

07-05-07, 12:42 PM

I tolerate the sun pretty well. I just use sunblock! and drink alot. It was 128 degrees yesterday at lake mead - when I got back to my truck I found that my rear tire exploded and ripped a gash right through my tire.......boy it musta been hot in that truck :)

MarkAJ

07-05-07, 01:17 PM

I ride on the dark side of the moon. I always apply 30-50SPF even on cloudy days. I wear a short sleeve base layer and skull cap all year. Heat gets to me but I don’t let it stop me from riding. Drink a lot of water. Like others have found, some drink mix can help. I use Hammer’s Perpetuem now. I have never gotten burned from the sun using these methods.

I rode in Pahrump, NV Monday. We started at 6am 68 degrees and the sun was not over the mountains yet. We headed out towards Death Valley for a 50 miler. We got back at 9:10am and it was 96 degrees. It was a hot 96 and I was glad to be done. I could not have done this in the past without Perpetuem mix. You must pace yourself in heat. It is a different ride. Always stop if you feel you are getting over heated.

I would rather ride in heat than cold. Seeing snow on the news channel is enough for me.

big john

07-05-07, 01:28 PM

I think it helps to acclimate to it. I work outside and I think this helps. I seem to be able to get into a zone with high temps if I have enough water. The water is the key. I start guzzling early and then drink a lot through the rest of the ride. I've never tried freezing anything or wearing anything special, just drink lots of water, along with the usual calories and stuff.
Ovoleg, what Vertical Bob said is true, we've never seen you on a long, tough ride in the heat.

ovoleg

07-05-07, 03:24 PM

well next time you have one that isn't AC, I'll be glad to go :) I just don't want to drive so far for something I've seen before.

And what is defined as long? 5 miles, 20miles 40 miles ?

powerglide

07-05-07, 03:45 PM

No luck at Big5. They had cotton longsleeve's for $5.

big john

07-05-07, 04:07 PM

well next time you have one that isn't AC, I'll be glad to go :) I just don't want to drive so far for something I've seen before.

And what is defined as long? 5 miles, 20miles 40 miles ?
What do you mean "isn't AC"? You mean Angeles Crest or Agoura Corridor? This Saturday we are going to Angeles Crest.
Long usually means 80-100 miles with 8-10k feet of climbing.

spingineer

07-05-07, 07:00 PM

It was 128 degrees yesterday at lake mead
were you reading the tire pressure reading or the temperature? :roflmao:

ovoleg

07-05-07, 07:40 PM

What do you mean "isn't AC"? You mean Angeles Crest or Agoura Corridor? This Saturday we are going to Angeles Crest.
Long usually means 80-100 miles with 8-10k feet of climbing.

I meant Angeles Crest as you told me what it meant in another post.

Ya I don't think I've done any 80-100mi with 8-10k with you guys. Usually rides like that have no rest stops down the line where I could get water or food. I can't stand power bars and I don't bring any with me for any rides. So unless theres some food along the way, I dont like going through a furnace dehydrated and hungry :)

John be nice to the young guy :D

valleygirl

07-05-07, 08:54 PM

I meant Angeles Crest as you told me what it meant in another post.

Ya I don't think I've done any 80-100mi with 8-10k with you guys. Usually rides like that have no rest stops down the line where I could get water or food. I can't stand power bars and I don't bring any with me for any rides. So unless theres some food along the way, I dont like going through a furnace dehydrated and hungry :)

John be nice to the young guy :D
It's much cooler in the mountains, That's why I'm headed up there. I hate the heat.