jezmellors

When i tour in hot weather i put a damp face cloth in a sealed plastic bag and carry it with me. It's really refreshing when i'm hot and sweaty and stop for a drink or to take in the scenery, to take out the damp facecloth and wipe around my face, neck, stinging eyes etc.
Anyone else do this or have any other good tips now the hot weather is here?

SBRDude

It's hot and humid here in Texas, so I'm usually soaking wet by the time I leave my driveway.

If it's hot, there is no way to stay cool, other than dressing appropriately and drinking enough fluids so that your body can cool itself off. Some people like to use a camelback filled with ice. I just do all my summer riding at first light and get home before it gets too hot. If I was touring through the American south in this weather, I would do the same - leave at the crack of dawn and stop around noon unless it was overcast.

As far as cleaning my face off, I usually just use my water bottle if necessary.

Juha

I've taken the habit of pouring some water on my helmet and shirt occasionally. The cooling effect is nice when riding. On a hot day one needs lots to drink too, so I try to make sure I don't splash the last drops on my helmet. Fortunately where I tour, it's usually easy enough to resupply.

Tansy

Shower often. Being clean will make you more comfortable. If you pass by a campground or state park with a shower you can use, take a quick one. If not, wash off with a soapy rag(I use liquid castile soap, it doesn't make your skin feel scuzzy if you don't rinse it off well enough). Even pausing to wipe off your face, arms, and legs helps. Jump in a river or lake and splash around a bit. Once you've lost your encasing crust of road grime, sweat, and oil, you'll feel a lot cooler and certainly less sticky until it's built up again.

On cold days, the same helps. Warm clothes don't do much good if you're sweaty and greasy underneath them.

A buff or bandana dipped in water is nice, too.

zoltani

I've used a neckerchief that has crystal polymers in it that soak up water. Tied around your neck they can help cool you down. Nice when on the bike because the air flow allows for evaporative cooling.

Rob_E

I have one of those I sometimes remember to use on my commute. I don't find it as helpful once it gets to the ambient temperature, so I tend to use it less on longer rides, although occasionally refreshing it with cold water might help.

Big Lew

Just be concerned with bacteria build-up. Good idea to wash it out now and then with soap or something.

Machka 

I use baby wipes.

And if there are lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water to swim in ... I'll stop and swim.

I also carry a bandana or large handkerchief to use as a face cloth. I can soak them in a sink, have a bird bath, rinse them ... and then they dry quickly.

irwin7638

Cold water on top of the head. It'll drop your body temp faster than everything else. When I'm touring and stop for lunch, I'll take a glass of ice water to the restroom and rinse my head before I clean up to eat. You can actually feel your temp lower.

Marc

djb

and actually feel your sunscreen go into your eyes which bugs you for ages....;-)

but I agree, when Ive been really hot, this does make an immediate difference.

sehsuan

just got a Trekr towel... from an upstart company that has the Scrubr towel. very light!