djb

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)

acantor

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.

zonatandem

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

cbike

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

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.





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.

eay

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.

Pain

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.

djb

chuckle.
Miami Vice

shawmutt

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.

Schwinnrider

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?

asmac

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.

Konasutra

Mightwanna try this route...............
https://www.cabelas.com/product/Cloth...3Bcat103919580