Advice For Long Ride in HOT Weather
07-20-16, 07:21 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 19
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Advice For Long Ride in HOT Weather
Hi!
I leave for a 4 day 300 mile charity ride tomorrow morning. Unfortunately mother nature decided to throw some major heat at us starting today, so I'm looking for advice or ideas on anything I can do to make the ride manageable. The ride is fully supported with 4 or 5 checkpoints per day (I was planning on skipping half of them).
Here is the nice weather warning:
Help me not die! Thanks!
I leave for a 4 day 300 mile charity ride tomorrow morning. Unfortunately mother nature decided to throw some major heat at us starting today, so I'm looking for advice or ideas on anything I can do to make the ride manageable. The ride is fully supported with 4 or 5 checkpoints per day (I was planning on skipping half of them).
Here is the nice weather warning:
Excessive Heat Warning for Hennepin County, MN
From 3:48am CDT, Wed Jul 20 until 7:00pm CDT, Fri Jul 22
Issuing Office: Minneapolis
Source: The National Weather Service
3:48am CDT, Wed Jul 20
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FROM 1PM CDT WED UNTIL 7PM CDT FRI
.A HEAT WAVE WILL BEGIN TO SPREAD EASTWARD ACROSS THE REGION TODAY. HEAT INDICES OF 100 TO 110 DEGREES ARE LIKELY THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT WILL REMAIN IN THE MID TO UPPER 70S... WITH AROUND 80 IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO... OFFERING LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING.
THIS COMBINATION OF THE VERY HOT DAYTIME CONDITIONS WITH VERY WARM OVERNIGHT LOWS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS. THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING OR WORKING OUTSIDE TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION... STAY HYDRATED... AND SEEK RELIEF IN AIR CONDITIONED LOCATIONS IF POSSIBLE.* TEMPERATURES: HIGHS IN THE MID 90S AND LOWS IN THE MID 70S... WITH AROUND 80 IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA.
* DEW POINTS: 75 TO 80 DEGREES.
* HEAT INDICES: WIDESPREAD 105 TO 110 DEGREES... LOCALLY HIGHER.
* IMPACTS: A HEIGHTENED RISK OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS... ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE ACTIVE OUTDOORS OR FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND IF POSSIBLE STAY OUT OF THE SUN AND IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM. CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS. RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY... CALL 9 1 1. YOUNG CHILDREN AND PETS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED IN VEHICLES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CAR INTERIORS CAN REACH LETHAL TEMPERATURES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES.
From 3:48am CDT, Wed Jul 20 until 7:00pm CDT, Fri Jul 22
Issuing Office: Minneapolis
Source: The National Weather Service
3:48am CDT, Wed Jul 20
EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING FROM 1PM CDT WED UNTIL 7PM CDT FRI
.A HEAT WAVE WILL BEGIN TO SPREAD EASTWARD ACROSS THE REGION TODAY. HEAT INDICES OF 100 TO 110 DEGREES ARE LIKELY THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT WILL REMAIN IN THE MID TO UPPER 70S... WITH AROUND 80 IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO... OFFERING LITTLE RELIEF FROM THE HEAT FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING.
THIS COMBINATION OF THE VERY HOT DAYTIME CONDITIONS WITH VERY WARM OVERNIGHT LOWS WILL RESULT IN VERY DANGEROUS HEAT CONDITIONS. THOSE WITHOUT ACCESS TO AIR CONDITIONING OR WORKING OUTSIDE TODAY THROUGH FRIDAY SHOULD USE EXTREME CAUTION... STAY HYDRATED... AND SEEK RELIEF IN AIR CONDITIONED LOCATIONS IF POSSIBLE.* TEMPERATURES: HIGHS IN THE MID 90S AND LOWS IN THE MID 70S... WITH AROUND 80 IN THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA.
* DEW POINTS: 75 TO 80 DEGREES.
* HEAT INDICES: WIDESPREAD 105 TO 110 DEGREES... LOCALLY HIGHER.
* IMPACTS: A HEIGHTENED RISK OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS... ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE ACTIVE OUTDOORS OR FOR THOSE WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND IF POSSIBLE STAY OUT OF THE SUN AND IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM. CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS. RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY... CALL 9 1 1. YOUNG CHILDREN AND PETS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED IN VEHICLES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. CAR INTERIORS CAN REACH LETHAL TEMPERATURES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES.
07-20-16, 07:25 AM
#2
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,221
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,243 Times
in
621 Posts
When the Heat gets you. pour Ice water on your head and down the the back of your neck.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
07-20-16, 07:32 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
20 Posts
Hydration is the most important thing. Don't pass the checkpoints. Take as much water with you as you can and make sure to drink it and refill wherever you can. Sunscreen and proper cycling clothes will also help you. Breathable light colored jersey, white if possible as it reflects the sun. Avoid cotton t-shirts at all costs. You will be miserable.
07-20-16, 07:34 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,235
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18411 Post(s)
Liked 15,531 Times
in
7,327 Posts
Don't skip any of the rest stops and drink plenty of water at them and while on the road. About how far apart are they spaced each day?
Be a morning person and hit the road very early each day.
BTW...I spent two weeks riding in MN while crossing the country. Spent one night at Father Hennepin S.P. at Mile Lacs. Saw a bear cub in Malmo while riding to the park.
Be a morning person and hit the road very early each day.
BTW...I spent two weeks riding in MN while crossing the country. Spent one night at Father Hennepin S.P. at Mile Lacs. Saw a bear cub in Malmo while riding to the park.
07-20-16, 07:38 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: 'Murica
Posts: 234
Bikes: Fuji Allegro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 44 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'll second lots of water and cover. Also, starting early is a great idea.
Our heat advisories are for temperatures in excess of 100, usually up to 110. I find 95 to be just fine for cycling so long as I keep moving, but it's a dry heat out here. Over 40% humidity makes it pretty bad.
Our heat advisories are for temperatures in excess of 100, usually up to 110. I find 95 to be just fine for cycling so long as I keep moving, but it's a dry heat out here. Over 40% humidity makes it pretty bad.
07-20-16, 07:51 AM
#7
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 596 Times
in
329 Posts
Hydration and electrolytes.
Hydration.
The night before the ride, drink a tall glass of water or two. If you have to get up in the night, that's OK.
Before you ride, drink another tall glass of water.
Bring at least two large water bottles on your bicycle and refill them any time one starts to look a bit empty.
Aim to drink about 750 ml/hour while you ride, if you can.
Drink a tall glass of water when you finish.
Drink more throughout the evening.
And repeat.
Consume electrolytes.
Eat something salty for dinner the night before.
Eat something salty for breakfast.
Eat things like salted almonds, beef jerky, and potato chips during your breaks. Eat other stuff too, but include those things because they've got electrolytes. Bananas and orange juice are also important.
Sometimes it helps to take electrolyte tablets too.
Also ...
-- wear a long-sleeved jersey or arm coolers and knee warmers for as long as you can. When they get too hot, use sunscreen. Be liberal with the sunscreen. The last thing you want is to get any hint of a sunburn.
-- choose light coloured jersey & helmet.
-- get a long sock and fill it with ice. Wear that around your neck.
-- if you pour water over yourself, keep your shorts dry.
Hydration.
The night before the ride, drink a tall glass of water or two. If you have to get up in the night, that's OK.
Before you ride, drink another tall glass of water.
Bring at least two large water bottles on your bicycle and refill them any time one starts to look a bit empty.
Aim to drink about 750 ml/hour while you ride, if you can.
Drink a tall glass of water when you finish.
Drink more throughout the evening.
And repeat.
Consume electrolytes.
Eat something salty for dinner the night before.
Eat something salty for breakfast.
Eat things like salted almonds, beef jerky, and potato chips during your breaks. Eat other stuff too, but include those things because they've got electrolytes. Bananas and orange juice are also important.
Sometimes it helps to take electrolyte tablets too.
Also ...
-- wear a long-sleeved jersey or arm coolers and knee warmers for as long as you can. When they get too hot, use sunscreen. Be liberal with the sunscreen. The last thing you want is to get any hint of a sunburn.
-- choose light coloured jersey & helmet.
-- get a long sock and fill it with ice. Wear that around your neck.
-- if you pour water over yourself, keep your shorts dry.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
07-20-16, 07:51 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,088
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 686 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Start hydrating before the ride and make sure to take in electrolytes on the ride.
I find a baselayer meant for summer to be helpful if it's humid and I'm not wearing a tight jersey. If I have a tight jersey, that usually does fine at wicking sweat.
Use a sunscreen that breathes.
Don't be afraid to take a rest in the shade and let your body cool down. The pros pour ice down their jerseys, but if you're not racing, that's probably not necessary.
I find a baselayer meant for summer to be helpful if it's humid and I'm not wearing a tight jersey. If I have a tight jersey, that usually does fine at wicking sweat.
Use a sunscreen that breathes.
Don't be afraid to take a rest in the shade and let your body cool down. The pros pour ice down their jerseys, but if you're not racing, that's probably not necessary.
07-20-16, 08:06 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,549
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5224 Post(s)
Liked 3,581 Times
in
2,342 Posts
with all that hydration & sweating I would take these supplements
calcium
sodium
magnesium
potassium
before during & after rides ea day & night. dosing is key. too much of any is not good especially magnesium. you can buy the smallest pills you can find and break them in half. for the sodium, I just sprinkle a few grains of table salt in my water bottles. can't even taste it. you can also just squeeze a little lemon juice in for flavor. good luck!
calcium
sodium
magnesium
potassium
before during & after rides ea day & night. dosing is key. too much of any is not good especially magnesium. you can buy the smallest pills you can find and break them in half. for the sodium, I just sprinkle a few grains of table salt in my water bottles. can't even taste it. you can also just squeeze a little lemon juice in for flavor. good luck!
07-20-16, 08:19 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Posts: 6,341
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 550 Post(s)
Liked 325 Times
in
226 Posts
Bring enough water to stay hydrated between stops, especially if you'll be missing some. I throw a 1 liter platypus in my trunk bag on long rides to go with my two 25oz bottles.
Last edited by Drew Eckhardt; 07-20-16 at 08:24 AM.
07-20-16, 08:20 AM
#11
Me duelen las nalgas
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Texas
Posts: 13,513
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4559 Post(s)
Liked 2,802 Times
in
1,800 Posts
Ditto, all the above. Hydrate. Don't skip rest stops/checkpoints. When you stop, be sure it's out of the sun -- even a few minutes in the sun during a rest stop can drain you more than a shaded rest.
Also, ease back on your expended effort. Be sure you can talk in a normal voice while riding -- not huffing and puffing or having to stop every other word to catch your breath. If you can't, ease back a bit. Take a look at the GCN videos of the hosts chatting for the camera while riding. Or Bike Blogger, who narrates his videos free-form on the fly. They're riding just under their maximum capacities so they can carry on a normal conversation (or monologue).
I find it only slows me down slightly from my best speed at maximum effort, but I can ride for hours in Texas summer heat (respecting all the above advice about hydration and occasional rest stops).
For me, reducing effort means gearing down to ensure I'm spinning around 80 rpm. I concentrate on spinning and an estimate of expended effort, not on speed -- I don't even keep any gauges on my handlebars, and leave the phone running an app in the handlebar bag so I'm not tempted to push myself.
Also, ease back on your expended effort. Be sure you can talk in a normal voice while riding -- not huffing and puffing or having to stop every other word to catch your breath. If you can't, ease back a bit. Take a look at the GCN videos of the hosts chatting for the camera while riding. Or Bike Blogger, who narrates his videos free-form on the fly. They're riding just under their maximum capacities so they can carry on a normal conversation (or monologue).
I find it only slows me down slightly from my best speed at maximum effort, but I can ride for hours in Texas summer heat (respecting all the above advice about hydration and occasional rest stops).
For me, reducing effort means gearing down to ensure I'm spinning around 80 rpm. I concentrate on spinning and an estimate of expended effort, not on speed -- I don't even keep any gauges on my handlebars, and leave the phone running an app in the handlebar bag so I'm not tempted to push myself.
07-20-16, 08:20 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 2,537
Bikes: yes
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1281 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
329 Posts
Not saying this is what everyone needs to do but this is what's been working for me. Everyone's different.
During the third leg (~58 miles) of the Dirty Kanza this year I ran out of fluid despite having a 3-liter camelback and 3 bottles on my frame. Also I've been fighting leg cramps all year, worse than I've ever dealt with in the past. I finished anyway but I've put some serious research into my hydration strategy since then. This has been working for me so far, but the real test will be at Gravel Worlds next month.
26-oz bottle per hour, and I don't wait until I'm thirsty but try to take sips every 5 minutes.
1 scoop of Skratch in each 26-oz bottle. This gives me carbs and some electrolytes, but is diluted enough that I don't hate it.
Some kind of electrolyte supplement. I've been having good luck with SCaps. (I was using Endurolytes before that but the SCaps have more sodium.) I take a pill every 30 minutes.
2 pitted dates, sprinkled with sea salt, every hour. Carbs/potassium/calories/sodium. Mushy so they're easy to eat.
Mentally, if I drink at regular intervals and realize that with 26 oz/hour I'm *probably* not going to die even if I feel thirsty. But I don't get thirsty.
Biggest other factor is pre and post-ride nutrition. Basically a protein smoothie for both options. Recovery hydration is important because I really can't replace the amount of fluid and electrolytes that I'm sweating during the ride -- I sweat about 3 pounds/hour and a water bottle is roughly 1.5 pounds. Body can't process much more than that. So I have to really focus on hydration for recovery.
Oh yeah, pickle juice for cramps. It's amazing.
During the third leg (~58 miles) of the Dirty Kanza this year I ran out of fluid despite having a 3-liter camelback and 3 bottles on my frame. Also I've been fighting leg cramps all year, worse than I've ever dealt with in the past. I finished anyway but I've put some serious research into my hydration strategy since then. This has been working for me so far, but the real test will be at Gravel Worlds next month.
26-oz bottle per hour, and I don't wait until I'm thirsty but try to take sips every 5 minutes.
1 scoop of Skratch in each 26-oz bottle. This gives me carbs and some electrolytes, but is diluted enough that I don't hate it.
Some kind of electrolyte supplement. I've been having good luck with SCaps. (I was using Endurolytes before that but the SCaps have more sodium.) I take a pill every 30 minutes.
2 pitted dates, sprinkled with sea salt, every hour. Carbs/potassium/calories/sodium. Mushy so they're easy to eat.
Mentally, if I drink at regular intervals and realize that with 26 oz/hour I'm *probably* not going to die even if I feel thirsty. But I don't get thirsty.
Biggest other factor is pre and post-ride nutrition. Basically a protein smoothie for both options. Recovery hydration is important because I really can't replace the amount of fluid and electrolytes that I'm sweating during the ride -- I sweat about 3 pounds/hour and a water bottle is roughly 1.5 pounds. Body can't process much more than that. So I have to really focus on hydration for recovery.
Oh yeah, pickle juice for cramps. It's amazing.
07-20-16, 08:22 AM
#13
Senior Member
The easiest thing you can do is to take it easy on the ride. Don't push all that hard and you'll stay a lot cooler and fresher throughout the ride. Use insulated bottles otherwise you'll be drinking very warm water by the time you get to the next rest stop (assuming 15 miles or so between each, and a ~13-15mph pace).
How hilly is the route? A flatter route will make it much easier to just roll along at a constant, maintainable effort level. If the route is hilly and you are not acclimated to the heat, you may be in for a very tough ride.
How hilly is the route? A flatter route will make it much easier to just roll along at a constant, maintainable effort level. If the route is hilly and you are not acclimated to the heat, you may be in for a very tough ride.
07-20-16, 09:14 AM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,272
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4255 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times
in
940 Posts
You are more likely to overheat going up hill. You produce more heat doing them and there's less airflow to cool you down. Don't discount pouring a bit of water on your head.
07-20-16, 09:24 AM
#15
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,362
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6219 Post(s)
Liked 4,217 Times
in
2,364 Posts
Hi!
I leave for a 4 day 300 mile charity ride tomorrow morning. Unfortunately mother nature decided to throw some major heat at us starting today, so I'm looking for advice or ideas on anything I can do to make the ride manageable. The ride is fully supported with 4 or 5 checkpoints per day (I was planning on skipping half of them).
Here is the nice weather warning:
Help me not die! Thanks!
I leave for a 4 day 300 mile charity ride tomorrow morning. Unfortunately mother nature decided to throw some major heat at us starting today, so I'm looking for advice or ideas on anything I can do to make the ride manageable. The ride is fully supported with 4 or 5 checkpoints per day (I was planning on skipping half of them).
Here is the nice weather warning:
Help me not die! Thanks!
I'm a guy who grew up in the dry lands of Colorado and I'm don't do that well in humidity...a "muggy" day for Colorado is when the relative humidity hits around 30%
But I've also had to deal with humidity while touring in the eastern and southern US. To do that, I pack a Camelbak with as much ice as I can fit into it each morning of a ride...about 2/3 of a 7lb bag of ice fits in a 100 oz bladder. I then have cold water to drink for 3 to 6 hours, depending on the humidity, which is really nice and a whole lot better than drinking bath tub temperature water out of a plastic bottle. I also find that I drink more often because the water is easily reachable and it's cold, which is a plus.But I've found an added benefit to the ice in the Camelbak. The ice serves to cool me as well. Having 6 lbs of ice on your back is about as close to a personal air conditioner as you can get. The pack can make your back a bit sweaty but when in contact with a cold pack, it still cools you.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
07-20-16, 10:16 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 8,088
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 686 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I carry water and Gatorade. I use Gatorade for the carbs and electrolytes.I carry the 591 ml size bottles, and my waterbottles are about the same.On a hotday, I drink a bottle per 20 KM. Over100 KM, I will drink 2 waters and three Gatorades. This helps me stay hydrated and replenished.YMMV.Good luck.
07-20-16, 11:01 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
That is brutal heat and humidity, more typical of the South than Minnesota, so you are probably not acclimated. All of the advice is good. I would stress that you should try to leave as early in the day as possible. You can avoid the worst of the heat that way but not the humidity. Taking some electrolytes is also important. I generally don't drink Gatorade or take any supplements, but make an exception on long rides during hot weather. If you just drink water, you could end up cramping from electrolyte imbalance. In addition to salty foods, some other sources of electrolytes are bananas, watermelon and pickles. I have started carrying Endurolyte tablets on hot days.
07-20-16, 11:38 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 2,977
Bikes: 2014 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4 Rival; 2014 Cannondale Trail 7 29; 1972 Schwinn Suburban, 1996 Proflex 756, 1987(?) Peugeot, Dahon Speed P8; 1979 Raleigh Competition GS; 1995 Stumpjumper M2 FS, 1978 Raleigh Sports, Schwinn Prologue
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
4 Posts
07-20-16, 11:44 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Further North than U
Posts: 2,000
Bikes: Spec Roubaix, three Fisher Montare, two Pugs
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
wow. my advice? don't go! I say that tongue in cheek but I'd never make that ride. We wait till evening if the temperature is much over 75F...I'll ride if it's 80F but my wife won't... 
Too HOT!
Too HOT!
07-20-16, 11:46 AM
#22
Senior Member
Pre-hydrate and drink continuously during the ride. Do not try to conserve water.
07-20-16, 11:56 AM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I have had very good experiences with Osmo Pre-Load. Review: Osmo Nutrition Preload Hydration | road.cc
07-20-16, 12:19 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,272
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4255 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times
in
940 Posts
Both of them are most "sugary crap" with a little bit of extra stuff added (the latter has a few more bits).
Gatoraid has 100 cals versus 80 cals for the other stuff (not much different) and people might be better off diluting either of them anyway.
Last edited by njkayaker; 07-20-16 at 12:23 PM.
07-20-16, 12:21 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Metro Detroit/AA
Posts: 8,207
Bikes: 2016 Novara Mazama
Mentioned: 63 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3640 Post(s)
Liked 81 Times
in
51 Posts
I know that it's a major faux pas for road riders to use Camelbaks, but they were invented by a road rider for a road ride.