Winter Cycling - Summer cycling

Ok, First off I Know this section is called "WINTER cyling" since in most parts of the world winter is the horrible season to use a bike. But in my neck of the woods (Phoenix AZ) Winter is a cool 50ish degrees. throw on a wind breaker and your pretty much set. I figure this is the area where you come to get advice on how to persevere through those though months. Here it's the summer with 110+ days being much too frequent.

Myself I usually drop off my bike and into my car once it gets to be June-ish - September-ish (still very hot then). So I was wondering if any one has some good advice on how to maybe lengthen the amount of the year that I bike and shorten my dependence on my a/c equipped car. Any advice is appreciated.

Just like my advice for winter ...

Spend more time outside and adjust to it.


But you might want to ask this question in the Road Forum, seeing as this one is for winter cycling. :)

I have read some posts one the web from folks that ride in Arizona heat. There were a few key suggestions that I remember:
1. Wear long sleeve clothing in a light color. A white long sleeve jersey and light long pants will keep you cooler than having the sun blasting your skin on your arms and legs

2. Keep your exposure to a minium. I remember that the rider would keep his commutes to about 30 minutes during the realy hot parts of the summer. He noticed that his body could take the heat for 30 minutes... much longer and the body would start to complain seriously about getting over-heated.

3. Carry plenty of fluids (that is obvious). Insulated bottles are AMAZING! They work well for me in the Summer to keep my drinks cool, and in the Winter it prevents my bottles from freezing solid

Good luck, it sounds like your Winter riding is like our Spring and early Fall riding... except you don't get the rain that is normally associated with those seasons in the North East

Happy riding,
André

Yeah I guess I do just need to man up and spend more time in the sun.
As for the fluids I think I got that problem solved, got my self a camel pack so I won't have to fiddle with my water bottle at the stop light.
I guess my clothes are pretty well adapted to the summer I wear only pants no matter the heat but never thought of wearing a long sleeve shirt too.

Thanks again for your great suggestions I think I have my plan of attack for next summer now. =)

Also make sure to leave with lots of time to spare... being in a hurry or having any reason to think twice when you need to cool down can be a recipe for disaster.

I don't live in a super hot place, but I tend to get bad headaches if I exert myself when it is too hot. When riding recreationally I like to include a place on my ride where I can go for a swim to cool off. I also like to take cool showers when I get to work. But that is me and, like I said, I don't live in a hot place.

Yeah I guess I do just need to man up and spend more time in the sun. <snip> I think I have my plan of attack for next summer now. =)

Acclimatization is a good plan.

I don't even pretend to know what it's like cycling in 110°F, but I imagine preparing for one extreme is similar to preparing for the other.

If it works anything like cycling at 0°F, then acclimatization is key. People who start winter cycling in January and February invariably ask how the rest of us stay warm. The answer I've given here several times is, "By letting myself get a little chilly in October and November."

Double-check with the Phoenix Metro Bicycling Club and the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association, but I'd bet that they recommend preparing for summer by letting yourself get a little too warm in spring.

Also make sure to leave with lots of time to spare... being in a hurry or having any reason to think twice when you need to cool down can be a recipe for disaster.

I don't live in a super hot place, but I tend to get bad headaches if I exert myself when it is too hot. When riding recreationally I like to include a place on my ride where I can go for a swim to cool off. I also like to take cool showers when I get to work. But that is me and, like I said, I don't live in a hot place.

I think that may be my biggest problem. I leave with just enough time to get if i pedal my legs off and no time to gradually cool down. Haven't had any headaches from it yet, but I'm pretty sure my classmates and workmates don't particularly enjoy my b.o. =P


Acclimatization is a good plan.

I don't even pretend to know what it's like cycling in 110°F, but I imagine preparing for one extreme is similar to preparing for the other.

If it works anything like cycling at 0°F, then acclimatization is key. People who start winter cycling in January and February invariably ask how the rest of us stay warm. The answer I've given here several times is, "By letting myself get a little chilly in October and November."

Double-check with the Phoenix Metro Bicycling Club and the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association, but I'd bet that they recommend preparing for summer by letting yourself get a little too warm in spring.

Hmm, never even heard of them or even thought to look them up for that matter. But that is a good idea I'm sure they also have a wealth of knowledge of how to best cope with summer cycling.

Again thank you everyone for your advice

Once it gets over 98 degrees F it's easy to get overheated. My suggestion is to take enough extra water so that you can pour some over your head as you ride. If you have wet hair the water will evaporate and cool your head as you ride. Also, electrolyte drops in the water that you drink seem to work better than sugar sports drinks. Especially when it's hot. Warm up gradually and take it easy for the first 15-20 minutes.

Route your ride by water stops if you can and soak your head and shirt in water.