Cave

OK Rowan, in the general spirit of these threads I suggest the following:

A large but light potted tree on the rear rack to give continuous moving shade. Balsa is suggested for minimum weight.

Funny how the Aussies want to get away from the sun and the Canadians can't get enough of it...


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But seriously, Niles, try a light-coloured or reflective umbrella. Maybe a reflective tarp or space blanket, suspended a foot or more above your tent, to shade it but still let some breeze through. And rest amongst trees for solar shielding, evaporative cooling and breezes.

Newspaperguy

Even in my house I'm not blocking 100 per cent of the sun's rays. Some will come in through the windows and curtains.

For what you want on the road, the best solution is to find a big cave and crawl into it but even then you won't get rid of 100 per cent of the sun's rays.

Rowan

It depends how far into the cave you go, I think. I've been deep inside one and the total lack of light is incredible. First you've got to find your balance because there are no reference points sightwise. Then you have to stop trying to focus your eyes with that wide-eyed expression because there really is nothing to focus on. When the glow-worms stop shining the further you go in, you know you are out of light's (and probably the sun's) influence.

becnal

C'mon Machka, you've cycled in Australia. I'm sure you must know what it's like to desperately need to escape the sun's overwhelming power at times.

Niles H.

This is understood.

If you read between the lines, the intended meaning was 100% of the direct rays.

I did not mean total darkness. (Though that might be an interesting sidetrip....)

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Caves are great. If you go far enough into some caves, you do get away from all light. (Except perhaps from stray excited photons.)

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But that was not the intent of the thread. It was addressing something else.

Initially.

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We've veered off into the Twilight Zone... again....

Things are getting out of control here.