Originally Posted by BluesDawg
A rolled up bandanna, soaked in water and tied around the neck can help cool you. A wet bandanna on your head helps.
Think about that cool shower or swim and that cold beer you're going to have after the ride.
Both of these tricks have worked for me during other activities in the heat. I'm an avid gardener and I've been foolish enough to do intensive gardening in the hot direct sun in the middle of summer. I used the bandana trick, but after soaking it with water I rung it out only so it wasn't dripping (it was still quite wet, just not dripping) then put it in the freezer for about 5 minutes to really chill it down. Then I tied it around my neck. It felt as if the external temperature was 10-15 degrees lower and made things much more tolerable for me for about 2 hours. I was surprised how long it lasted I realize you won't have access to a freezer if you need to re-chill it on a longer ride, but this may take you 25 miles.