New commuter
 

Hello!

I'm the new kid on the block. I am a 7 year aircraft mechanic for uncle sam serving yet another deployment. I got tired of waiting for the bus in the lovely desert heat this time and got my hands on a trek 3500 as a free rental! The short ride to work has become that much more interesting. Speaking of interesting, navigating desert terrain at night with a wimpy headlight I was provided. But it's free so who can complain?

Anyone have care tips for extreme heat, extreme dry-to-humid changes daily, and tons of dust?

Welcome!

I haven't ever cycled in the desert, but what worked well for me this summer when it was 103 F and humid was to fill a plastic soda bottle with water halfway and freeze it on its side in the freezer at work. Then, right before I rode home, fill the remainder with water. By the end of my commute, the ice was pretty much melted, but I had cold water for hydration and heat relief along the way.

Plenty of fluids, lather on the sun block, breathe through the nose, don't over exert yourself.

+1

Congrats on riding. Invest in a quality headlight. Maybe a taillight too if you ride where there might be a vehicle. My headlight is rechargeable via a USB cable. Yeah, they run $60+, but you're safety is worth it, you'll never have to buy batteries and you obviously get to keep the light. The Cygolite Expilion 300 lumens on Amazon is $58. It won't disappoint.

Oh i should specify! I meant maintenance for the bicycle, not myself. I already work inside a nice toasty metal aircraft during the day and drink countless bottles of water. I continue the habit during my rides to be safe.

What i really want to know is how to keep the bike in good shape in these conditions. Anything special i will need to do or keep an eye on?

Also, anyone have examples of different levels of lighting? I have a crappy light already on the bike (and rear blinker) and want to get an idea for how much light i need to get. Most of the route avoids any roads, so the lighting is mostly for me seeing where im going.