Hey all, I am new to the forums and when I seen this thread I really wanted to submit my first post.
Bakersfield, California is routinely over 105 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Somedays it is over 110. This I call home. I started bicycle commuting to lose weight. When I started three months ago I weighed 310 pounds and I am 5'10". Now I weigh 292.
I work in the oilfields as an electrician. So I spend my days in that heat, being "morbidly obese" doing an extremely physically demanding job. On top of that I chose to add on a 6.5 mile commute each way.
At work, in addition to my duties as an electrician I am a "Behavior Based Safety" coach. Keeping cool and hydrating is a huge focus of this program during the summer. I have drawn some parallels over from the oilfields to cycling.
In the oilfields we are told to "cab up" at our discretion. Meaning when we start feeling tired from the heat we get in the truck and drink water, electrolyte replacement and cool down.
My morning commute is warm but very manageable. I do drink coffee, but since it is a diuretic (makes your body lose more fluid than you just drank), I make sure i drink a whole lotta water at work. My partner and I go through a 5 gallon jug in one shift. I also use Sqwincher electrolyte replacement. If I feel exhausted I take Tablytes by Elete. I fill my water bottles and drink the during the 1 hour vanpool ride to my bike.
Once I am on my bike preparing for my 6.5 mile commute home in 105 degrees, I have taken in about 36 ounces of water and an electrolyte replacement. I refill with water at starbucks and start my ride. I move at a moderate pace that I can sustain the whole way, about 14 mph. I also wear a bandana under my bike helmet, and sunblock. I wear my work clothes which draws alot of looks. I wear a fire ******ant t-shirt with long sleeves and blue jeans.