Originally Posted by
rdtompki
Went out for an easy 13 miles ride at lunch time today. Air temps probably 96 with over-the-road temps somewhat higher. I can ride in the flats with hydration, but there is no way I would do any sort of a climb; high temps, senior citizen status, a few extra lbs. Thank goodness we only have two of these short hot spells a year. Come Tuesday the temps will start to drop and it will be more than a month before we sniff 90 degrees, 70's more the norm.
There is a 51 mile club ride on Sunday along the coast and I'm sorely tempted to drive over there to escape these high temps. I'll have to get a day pass, however
It takes a while to become acclimated to the heat. I did almost 50 miles yesterday. When I got back, it was 100 F (106 with the heat index). Some things to remember:
In higher temperatures, you body requires more energy for cooling. That means you need to eat more. Limit the amount of exposed skin by keeping your jersey zipped up. I also wear white arm coolers. Yes, exposed skin makes you feel cooler, but your sweat is evaporating quicker and you'll dehydrate quicker. I also use a Camelbak so I can drink more, and I have a water bottle for external cooling. If you have a HRM, watch you heart rate. It will normally be higher in the heat, but should recover when you slow down or stop. If you stop, and your heart rate stays higher than normal, its time to quit or rest for awhile because this is a sign that you're becoming dehydrated.