Touring - Touring and sun burn / exposure

I am doing a trans-am tour in a few weeks and have done a few multi-day tours to test everything out. One thing I notice is that if I'm going to be outside all day for 2-3 months, I'm going to roast like a little piggy. I'm heading out west as we approach the height of the summer and I'm sure there will be a ton of bright scorching-sun days. I don't want painful sun burns... or possibly skin cancer. It's not fun and I personally don't like my face being ridiculously sun-tanned.

Can anyone suggest a head-garment that can be worn with a helmet that will protect me from getting excessively burnt.

My buddy has a skin issue and wears what he calls a "sun drape" - which is nothing more than what it sounds like, but it works. I can't seem to find one of these myself and he has completely forgotten where he got it.

Oh, and I'm not a giant sun lotion fan because I sweat a fair amount and end up eating all of the run-off (yuk). That... and, I don't want to keep re-applying that smelly cream every few hours for months...

For my last ride, I got a cheap cap, cut the brim off, and wore it under my helmet. A painter's cap is about right for this as it has thin fabric and fits close. I suppose a bandana would also work well. This protects the skull, not the back of the neck which hasn't been a problem for me in the past. If you're more interested in something draping down to cover the neck, I'd start experimenting with a bandana under the helmet.

I usually managed with just one application of sunscreen, somewhere around 10:00-11:00 in the morning. Use a good one, try to wait until you're dry to put it on, and keep going. I normally put very little on my face, but since most of my face was shaded by my helmet (with visor), I managed to tan pretty well without burning.

Start early, and either end early or take a siesta in an air-conditioned, shaded place in the middle of the day.

Find a good sunscreen, apply it liberally in the morning and again after lunch.

Either wrap a bandana around your neck, or attach it to your helmet with safety pins.

A white long-sleeved base layer might work as well, though it probably won't stay white for long whilst on tour. ;)

here is something from the long distance forum...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/648157-Avoiding-skin-damage-amp-sunburn?p=10919844&viewfull=1#post10919844

I wear long sleeved cotton t shirts. For a sun drape a scrap of tshirt under the back of the helmet works well, so do old dishtowels.

Aaron :)

I burn like a lobster without sunscreen but had no problem with long days in the Central American sun, even sweating like a pig, using Banana Boat SPF 45 before heading out in the morning and again at lunch. Never applied it to my forehead to prevent the sunscreen eye burn thing. My helmet, even without a visor, provided enough coverage to protect that.

You might also take a look at a Buff with UV protection (http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=buff+uv&sqi=2&cid=8464731417191100547&os=reviews). I have no experience with them but people seem to love them.

I've been using a Visor Buff.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z02rv8Dp-E

I've been using a Visor Buff.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z02rv8Dp-E
That thing's awesome! totally blew my mind.

Pricey, but very nice.

http://www.sunprecautions.com/product/3810K11

I burned the skin on my knees badly in Italy.
I had to protect them after that, and discovered knickers.
The little extra bit of fabric to cover the knee doesn't make
a difference.

You can take a bandana, fold it triangular, and use baby pins to
attach it to a helmet.

Suck it up and use sun screen even when it's not hot enough to make you sweat. At higher elevations there is less atmosphere (and less pollution) to filter out the rays.

I also recommend lip protection (e.g., Chapstick) with sun protection in it. Two years ago my girlfriend and I had to pull a century in MT which included Marias Pass. It wasn't hot, but it was sunny, and there was very little shade. One the west side of the pass we had the sun shining on us from about the 10 o'clock position. At the end of the day, we each had a blister on the left side of the bottm lip. Never felt it developing while riding.

As for the head, try a "Do-Rag."

I use Neutrogena Dry Touch sunscreen ... I like it better than others I have tried because it leaves my skin feeling normal and dry rather than wet and greasy like so many other sunscreens. You might try different kinds of sunscreen, they aren't all the same. I don't use the sunscreen on my forehead but I do use it on my cheeks, and especially my nose and ears. I second the recommendation to use a lip protection with a high SPF level.

I've also bought light, white arm "warmers" ... they are designed to be worn in the sun. I've only worn them a couple times so far and they are OK. You might also consider a light, white, long-sleeved, dress shirt or something similar. A dress shirt would be good because of the collar. The collar might prevent sunburn on the back of the neck.

I have a pair of knee warmers which I really like, and now I want to get a couple more pair. I tend to burn between about 10 am and 1 pm. Quite often it is still cool enough to wear the knee warmers until noonish, so that reduces my chances of getting a really bad burn on my thighs and on the back and sides of my knees.

I use a helmet and largish sunglasses which helps protect my head and eyes from the sun. I've recently picked up a couple helmets with visors which should be even better for next summer.

I wear Head Sweats to prevent my scalp from getting sunburned, and they also help wick away sweat and keep it out of your eyes. I started covering my scalp after getting a polka-dot sunburn on my head during one tour.

Regarding sunburn, there various sunscreens available that will not sweat off and get into your eyes. I use Coppertone Sport and never have problems with that, and it is very hot and humid in NC for much of the year. You really should be using sunscreen if you are cycling for periods longer than an hour. Skin cancer is not nice.

On the sun drape issue, Boy Scouts of America has come out with a cap that has adetacable sun drape. It's sold with the Venturing logo. It's got to qualify as the dorkiest thing I've ever worn, but red hair calls for desperate measures. The cap itself fits under my helmet but the drape also has a drawstring, so it might work by itself. Other than that,Nutogena sunblock has been the most reliable I've used.

Marc

That thing's awesome! totally blew my mind.

Please buy one! They're one of the few products that's actually made here in Spain, and with nearly 5,000,000 unemployed, we can use all of the foreign exchange income we can get. ;)

I wish someone would come out with a helmet with a nice long visor. The ones I've had have always been too short to keep the sun off of my face.

That thing's awesome! totally blew my mind.

+1 What a great idea!

Here's a site with a number of options:

http://www.bikewhenever.com/sun_protection.html

you're better off than most people who don't think about it!

I wear a Tilley hat ....google it...it wont blow off does the neck shades the eyes looks cool to.

This:
http://www.ultra-running-insights.com/images/gear-desert-hat-clip.jpg
and this:http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSr1kv6ZHQuox6vjB2g-a7UVgyvq2NMUtQfLe6-3kUAIX13yknAZ8neYfE (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/8/1/9/5/0/9/webimg/171890009_tp.jpg&imgrefurl=http://cgi.ebay.com/NWOT-Mens-Three-Rivers-Tan-Cotton-Shirt-MED-/110295665121&usg=__lVBRG5mBaDhIwi9D-OLu-iZF3x8=&h=299&w=330&sz=9&hl=en&start=6&zoom=1&tbnid=Plv_LRWdfzSq3M:&tbnh=108&tbnw=119&ei=8iY8TvfBAtDOiALf3NSQDA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtan%2Bcotton%2Bbutton%2Bup%2Bshirt%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1)

and if it's really hot,this:http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTNzt1XqwDgacFLdfRicfHGjfef-FAMcCD5DXrmdNucXKyhE49Hy-W1UAvH (http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/64885/64885,1267142638,1/stock-photo-bicycle-water-bottle-isolated-on-white-background-47481013.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-47481013/stock-photo-bicycle-water-bottle-isolated-on-white-background.html&usg=__HBNBg3qACze_Wo0YBWwqRbQx7uU=&h=470&w=300&sz=18&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=F1ebCS0HuwobUM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=82&ei=cic8Tr30IYbViALmk7iEDA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbicycle%2Bwater%2Bbottle%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1)

I haven't toured yet but I do ride long distances. I have good luck with the Head Sweats. I also have a Walz cycling cap that is a little heavier than the Head Sweats but it comes down over my glasses and helps keep the rain off from them. I prefer a hat or something under my helmet rather than sunscreen.

Tie a wet bandana handkerchief around your neck and pull it down in the back. It will keep you cool. Rewet it whever you come across water.

I wish someone would come out with a helmet with a nice long visor. The ones I've had have always been too short to keep the sun off of my face.
A long visor will severely limit visibility. My handlebars are low and so my head is down when I'm riding. A visor will severely limit what I can see ahead of me.

cant see ever going back to non visor helmets now (for the forehead protection, hence no need for sunscreen there, no more stinging eyes syndrome)

As for sunscreen, I agree on how some are less greasy than others and for me, using the nicer ones is much appreciated for the face, I dont mind using a cheaper 30 for my arms or legs though, but find 45 a big help for my face, neck, and well the top of arms.

I am genetically a Brit, so have to be careful and very much notice how if Im not careful, I feel really whacked out and tired (and of course, the danger side of it too) So I put on sunscreen early in the morning. Ive always noticed that if I wait to put it on (oh, after I put down the tent, all the stuff away" sort of thing) I can feel how the sun begins to sap me.

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun (without sunscreen)

I wear a long sleeved jersey and a bandana (to protect the back of my neck), and I apply sun screen liberally and regularly throughout the day to my ears, nose, cheeks, forehead, and legs. I don't burn, and don't get as tired from the sun as I used to. I also make an effort to not ride between noon and 2 p.m. I usually hang out in a restaurant reading.

Different folks have different needs . . .
We ride extensively in the desert southwest (Arizona). We ride 'in tandem' at least 5 days a week.
Pilot (guy) does not use sunscreen unless he'll be out for over 4 hours and then only on his nose and tips of ears.
Stoker (lady) always uses sunscreen and has sensitive skin.
Pilot wears cycling cap under helmet; stoker wears short visor on helmet.
Both wear corrective sun sensor lenses.
Suggestion to wear a wet bandana and cycling cap are great but depending on heat/humidity level . . . this can be bone dry in minutes here in AZ.
Have ridden in temps as high as 117 degrees and 2% humidity . . . not recommended, but do-able with proper hydration.
Sunscreen (NOT sunlotion) is good, lots of water is good. So is light colored/looser fit clothing.
Enjoy the tour and don't over-worry!
Pedal on!
RUdy and Kay/zonatandem

I'm not a sun lotion fan either but I do love bike touring, hiking, and sailing. Not good in regards of sun. :eek:

I solved it by wearing long sleeve nylon hiking shirts and pants. Not only do they protect from the sun and are cool but they also dry extremely fast and pack small and light. Under the pants I wear regular padded biking shorts.

I finally bought another set so I don't look always the same in all my outdoor photos. ;) Yes, it looks geeky but function comes over look and maybe we can make it the next cool style. I would hate being fully covered in sun lotion when using a sleeping bag. Of course be sure to apply sun lotion still on your exposed skin such as face.

http://photos.niesens.com/2011/2011-06-24-Seattle-and-Purget/i-Q9gf24r/0/S/2011-06-25-043-Claus-at-Port-S.jpg

http://photos.niesens.com/2011/2011-04-01-Lake-Georgetown/2011-04-01-015-Claus-on-hiking/1251380373_CuzXy-S.jpg

On the Katy trail ride this summer I put a paper towel under my helmet to make sure I wouldn't get sunburned through the caps. I was surprised how cool the helmet stayed and that the paper towel didn't get soaked with sweat even though I used the same one over a couple of days.

I reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. I live in California and I am quite fair skinned.

I ride a recumbent, so my face is more exposed than all-you-alls on your conventional bicycles. I wear a long billed cap (nike drysomething) under my helmet. That takes care of my forehead and I can avoid gobs of sunscreen dripping in my eyes. I do not have the problem of the long visor blocking my vision.

I try to use long sleeved shirts but sometimes I can't stand it. I also wear a shortsleeved golf shirt (has a collar I can turn up to add some protection to my neck although I look like I think it is 1982 when I do that) that I use with those sunsleeve things Pearl Iz. makes. I do like the sunsleeve things since I can pull them over the backs of my hands and still operate my brakes/shifters, but I find that multiple applications of a 45 sunblock does a better job during a 4 hour ride.

I have one sleeveless shirt that is going to be tossed out of the cycling closet, since the armholes fit in such a way as to rub the sunscreen off in a 1/4 inch strip on the front of my shoulders. Ow!

I'm having quite a time finding long pants that (a) do not bind and pull when I am riding along and (b) that I can stand to be seen in off the bike. Even though I am not limited to padded pants, I am still looking.

Been experimenting with long sleeve "cooling" or "compression" shirts, sleeves, and even pants. Some of them really work and it seems dependent on the fabric composition and how tight they fit. Having the cooling fabric tight on your skin really cools you down. The best ones feel very thin and smooth with a tight weave that blocks the sun of 90-92% polyester and the rest spandex . I even tried taking it off on a hot day and immediately wanted to put it back on to cool down. The color of the fabric is not all that important, even the black ones feel cooler then not wearing anything but a thin short sleeve jersey; it still keeps the sun from directly hitting your skin and spreads the sweat out to give you the cooling effect.

(has a collar I can turn up to add some protection to my neck although I look like I think it is 1982 when I do that)

chuckle.
Miami Vice

I wear long sleeves when running out in the sun sometimes. Nike Dri-Fit stuff is nice, Under Armor heat gear is nicer but pricier. I am a sweaty man, and hate sunscreen, but tried the Coppertone Sport dry spray (30 spf, any more is not really that more effective) at the beach last week and it worked really well.

I would assume you're going to get a tan on tour no matter what. I tan even if I'm wearing high SPF sunscreen. Why not get a base tan first, to reduce the chance of burning?

Really good lip sunscreen. I'm two weeks in to a healing lip sunburn and it's been painful. It hadn't occurred to me as an issue and I won't repeat the mistake.

Mightwanna try this route...............
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Clothing/Mens-Casual-Clothing/Mens-Fishing-Clothing/Mens-Fishing-Hats%7C/pc/104797080/c/104746680/sc/104329080/i/103919580/Cabelas-Dr-Shade174-Solarstop-Universal-Cap-Sun-Shade/1256015.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fclothing-mens-casual-clothing-mens-fishing-clothing-mens-fishing-hats%2F_%2FN-1102596%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_103919580%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104797080%253Bcat104329080&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104797080%3Bcat104329080%3Bcat103919580