Northern California - Beating the Heat

No, not the Mavericks.

It suddenly became summer here in Davis. How do you manage to ride without melting? Early morning? Night riding? Copious amounts of fluids?

banduhbiker

Just ride. It's really not very hot in Davis, it's just the change from winter that creates the illusion of heat. The first day in the 90s always seems hot in the Spring and the first day below 90 always seems cold in the Fall. By the time it warms up (over 110), you'll be ready for it IF you ride often in the moderately warm temps. you have now. Heck, it's not even supposed to go over 100 until next week. If you are living inside an air-conditioned building, do what you can to turn the thermostat up (turn it off at home). Even comfortable temps in the 90s can feel hot if you are coming out of a refrigerator.

Okay, one more suggestion. Leave your synthetics home and ride in a cotton shirt. It holds your sweat against you as it evaporates and doesn't stop the wind, both of which help you cool. If you are really having a bit of trouble, just pour a bit of water on your shirt and it'll be March in no time.

Okay, one more suggestion. Leave your synthetics home and ride in a cotton shirt. It holds your sweat against you as it evaporates and doesn't stop the wind, both of which help you cool.

Uhh... no. That will give you the exact opposite effect of cooling. The act of evaporating moisture is what keeps you cool. Lycra is designed to wick the sweat away faster allowing it to evaporate faster thus keeping you cooler.

Just wait a day or two for the cold weather to come back. It's worked every time so far this year. :)

I have begun wearing a bandanna under my helmet that trails over the back of my neck. When I wish, I just use my water bottle to pour on the bandanna, it helps to keep me cooler and the sun off as well.

I've always liked riding in hot weather. Drink lots of water and plan extra stops to refill the bottles. Carry some electrolyte tabs if you want. I do have to squeeze the sweat out of my helmet pads to somewhat reduce the salt running into my eyes. Even on weekends I'm too lazy to ever get out the door before 2pm so it's full on blazing most of the time. It feels really good coming back down the mountain when a wet jersey finally has some cooling air passing through it.