sherilinn

Well I came in here to ask how you all were handling the heat so this answers my question. I want to go out riding so bad today but the heat index is suppose to get up to 105. (I'm from Wisconsin were not used to this). I thought if I keep hydrated and take breaks should be OK but my husband doesn't want me to go.

silmarillion

I too would opt for avoiding the sugar. Water is better for your body and what your body really wants. The problem with drinking too much water though is electrolyte loss. That's why I use Endurolytes by Hammer Nutrition. If I know I'm going to ride a century in the heat (90's and up) I usually take some vitamin B12 and B6.

(snip)
The B-vitamins are called 'micronutrients' and are used to convert proteins and carbohydrates into energy. They are also used for cell repair and production. Researchers at Oregon State University found that athletes who lack B-vitamins have reduced high-intensity exercise performance and are less able to repair damaged muscles or build muscle mass than their peers who eat a diet rich with B-vitamins. The study results were published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.
They found that even a small B-vitamin deficiency can result in reduced performance and recovery. Individual B-vitamin requirements vary and may depend upon the type and intensity of exercise, the amount of nutrients lost through sweat, and urine, and individual differences in diet.


My doctor just suggested that I take these supplements because she thinks that they help your body when you tax it heavily during exercise. Especially endurance or periods of long term high activity.


If you have co-workers who work in hot environments, I would say definitely have some e-caps around to supplement electrolyte loss in the heat. (just a suggestion) A cap or two a day, depending on how hot and the level of exercise, may help stave off heat-exhaustion...The precursor to a heat-stroke. If they get to the vomiting stage, it's time to get them to a cool place and bring the core temp down. For that, drink plenty of cool water first, then I would suggest sugar-free popsicles.They are cold, no sugar and easier to hold down if someones stomach is upset. I work in a machine shop. It get's pretty hot even with big air movers. We always keep a box or two of Ice-pops, or sugar-free popsicles handy. A cheap cool snack.

dcrowell

Many years ago I was a factory grunt. It was a big dirty building with no AC (except the offices). During a heatwave gatorade, water, and fans were provided.

Nearly everyone wore jeans and t-shirt. Shorts weren't allowed. I don't remember any health issues from the heat.

hotbike

I have started carrying an extra half gallon jug of water in my left rear pannier. I also have bottle cages on my front handlebar basket/box thing, and I use stainless "canteen" bottles, 22 ounce each.

I was using "Propel Fitness water" bottles, but it was embarrassing because the manufacturer changed the labels every couple of months, and now they don't even sell the product, at least not with the sucky spout. I still have a half dozen of those bottles, dry, in storage.

Then I got 4 "Team Fuji" bottles, but one of them is gone because the bike fell into a stream, and the bottle went in the lake, when I tried to move aside to let some hikers go by (last year).

The following is an excerpt from another thread:


There is another stainless canteen bottle on the left side. The frame bottle cage won't hold a metal canteen bottle, on account the top-tube does not clear- the plastic bottle flexes to allow squeezing it in.

So I started carrying a fourth bottle, a half gallon jug in the left rear pannier , and at the end of the ride, I took my helmet off and poured the extra water over my head, it felt really good.