Heat Wave
#26
The heat wasn't as bad as I had expected.
I had thought that a coast trip would be great as it is often a bit chilly over there, but it hasn't happened.
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,965
Likes: 6
From: Falls City, OR
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Fargo 2, Rocky Mountain Fusion, circa '93
It was over a hundred yesterday, but I had a meeting after work so I drove to Minto Brown park in Salem and ran 5 miles, then went to the meeting. After a plunge in the Willamette River. Today it's supposed to be about a hundred and I expect to ride about 22 miles home this afternoon. I decided to carry two liters of water instead of one, but it's a lot easier on a bike than it is running. And luckily when it gets this hot around here, the humidity is usually pretty low. Not eastern Oregon low, but comfortable.
I have a creek at home that's still running really cold, I'll probably plunge in that before walking my bike up my steep driveway.
I have a creek at home that's still running really cold, I'll probably plunge in that before walking my bike up my steep driveway.
#29
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
From: Montpelier VT
Bikes: Scott Genius, Surly Crosscheck, Yuba Mundo cargo, Specialized Dolce Triple (stolen 5/8/15)
still riding here daily. it's gone up to 95, but in the mornings the highest it got was 85 degrees. also i leave in the late afternoon/evenings so it's not as bad. but i just go super slow and drink lots of water beforehand.
#31
Not quite there yet
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 999
Likes: 2
From: Monkey Bottom, NC
Bikes: A bunch of old steel bikes + an ICE trike
I don't give it a thought if it is in the 90s but when the temps are in triple digits, I take it a bit easier. My worry is primarily about the heat silently eroding my judgement causing me to make a stupid mistake.
There is the argument that you need to go faster when it is hotter. The correct balance between the cooling effect of the increased wind vs. the heat generated by the effort could make this a valid argument. We've all noticed how hot it gets when we stop, right?
There is the argument that you need to go faster when it is hotter. The correct balance between the cooling effect of the increased wind vs. the heat generated by the effort could make this a valid argument. We've all noticed how hot it gets when we stop, right?
#32
#33
DLifer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Denver Colorado
Bikes: Trek 2.1, Surly LHT, GT Sensor
I commuted almost 500 miles in July, going home between 4 and 5:30pm most days. Pretty sure it was upper 90's to 100 a few times. Gotta say I love it. I fill up a 24 oz bottle of ice water and mix in some orange creme zip fizz. Then after 18 or 19 miles I stop under a bridge by a creek and drink it, still ice cold from being in my pannier. Just about the best part of the day 
Love the hot sun this time of year, especially since I leave the house at 6am which is now sunrise and I see the days are getting shorter again.

Love the hot sun this time of year, especially since I leave the house at 6am which is now sunrise and I see the days are getting shorter again.
#34
Señior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
It's gotten up close to 90 here. Honestly, I'm just happy it's finally getting actually warm. I like it in the 90s and I don't mind it even at 100 and a bit above.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
#35
Day trip lover
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 813
Likes: 0
From: capital city of iowa
Bikes: '16 Giant Escape 3 (fair weather ride), Giant Quasar (work in progress), 2002 saturn vue (crap weather ride)
It's in the mid to upper 70's when I head to work in the mornin' and mid 90's when I get off. Still riding my huffles to and fro.
#38
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,301
Likes: 14
From: La La Land (We love it!)
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
SoCal has been a bit more humid than usual but still go-jus!
75 and sunny right now in Santa Monica and only 64% humidity so no complaints...
75 and sunny right now in Santa Monica and only 64% humidity so no complaints...
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Bikes: Yuba Mundo 4.3, 2007 Jake the Snake
About a week and a half or so of 100+ degree highs with anywhere from 50-80% humidity in Austin. This will go on throughout August and part of September as well.
It's not that bad if you're used to it. Sweat just doesn't evaporate is the main problem. So long as you're moving, you're fine. Stop at a light and you're completely drenched within about a minute or so.
It's not that bad if you're used to it. Sweat just doesn't evaporate is the main problem. So long as you're moving, you're fine. Stop at a light and you're completely drenched within about a minute or so.
#41
I rode in 104 last week, that sucked.
Doing 35+ miles in 99 degree weather this afternoon.
I went into my attic for 15 minutes yesterday and when I walked outside afterward, the 100 degree temps felt like air conditioning
Doing 35+ miles in 99 degree weather this afternoon.
I went into my attic for 15 minutes yesterday and when I walked outside afterward, the 100 degree temps felt like air conditioning
#42
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Here around Memphis we're on the 28th consecutive day of high's in the 90's or above. 48 days out of the last 2 months have hit above 90 degrees. It's way hotter than it was last summer. Humidity is downright choking.
#43
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Valley of the Sun
Bikes: '14 Trek FX 7.3 '15 Ridley Orion '91 Nishiki Cascade '87 Trek 400 Elance
Also in Phoenix, I started commuting (bike/light rail for now) again just this week because I also think the temps have been milder than usual but 110 on the ride home is still brutal.
#44
I'm about halfway between Chicago and St. Louis. Our summer here has been a bit on the mild side. But lately we've been getting plenty of upper 80s. Mostly the humidity has been lower than normal. Often below 50%. So I've no business complaining. Plus my commute rides always happen when the Sun is low. 10 hour workdays have some advantages.
But I'll ride in, say, 103 degrees without even giving it much thought. Because it's all the same. If the temp is above about 70, then I'm going to be hot and sweaty no matter what I do. For that matter, when I'm in proper riding clothes I'm about as comfortable as I can be. It's a lot better than work clothes or street clothes.
But I'm one of those people who pretty much hates everything about summer. I plod on through it. I don't let it interfere with riding and I force myself to do the other things that I must do. I'm much more happy, especially when bicycling, in the winter. (Just not too much snow and ice, please)
But I'll ride in, say, 103 degrees without even giving it much thought. Because it's all the same. If the temp is above about 70, then I'm going to be hot and sweaty no matter what I do. For that matter, when I'm in proper riding clothes I'm about as comfortable as I can be. It's a lot better than work clothes or street clothes.
But I'm one of those people who pretty much hates everything about summer. I plod on through it. I don't let it interfere with riding and I force myself to do the other things that I must do. I'm much more happy, especially when bicycling, in the winter. (Just not too much snow and ice, please)
#45
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7,391
Likes: 13
From: Memphis TN area
Bikes: 2011 Felt Z85 (road/commuter), 2006 Marin Pine Mountain (utility/commuter E-bike), 1995 KHS Alite 1000 (gravel grinder)
Man, lucky. I just heard on the news last night that the upper Midwest parts of the country will likely have a drier and milder winter this year, also, due to El Nino.












