Hi,

I have been lurking for a while and dropping a comment here and there. Here’s my first thread… to express my frustration about the approaching summer and ask for advice about hot weather riding.

I’m stuck in the sand box (businessman) and started riding in autumn 2011. Made about 2000 miles on my FXDF since then. Not iron-butt worthy for sure, but as a beginner I'm quite happy that I managed to spend that much time in the saddle. In a couple of weeks we'll hit the 100 deg F mark and then face rising temperatures until it reaches a scorching 120 deg F in July/August.

What do you guys do in California, Arizona, New Mexico or Texas when it’s getting crazy hot? Do you leave your bike in the garage in the peak of summer? I’ve been warned about heat stroke and dehydration, but I’m sure you have some tips for me how to ride safe at least until 100 Deg F.

Here are two pics of my stock 2012 FXDF Fat Bob. First modifications planned for July/August (I washed the bike in the meantime)

 

i try to ride early in the morning or at night we had over 100 days of 100 plus temps and i think 60 days of 110 plus temps last year . i feel your pain , also dont wear black any thing , white and light gray is your friend

 

Yup, light colored clothes help. I also have a light weight jacket for riding at night (when its still hot). During the day though, only a t-shirt. Just make sure to use the sun screen liberally, or else you'll scorch your arms. I have a white shoei helmet for summer time.

 

100 plus weather is not that bad when you are moving. key words are when you are moving. try to avoid traffic and drink lots of fluid, just my .02.

 

Lived in AZ for too long and one trick is to wear a swamp cooler - find a vented nylon jacket, rain jacket, etc - preferably just a shell and soak a sweatshirt with water. When you ride and allow some air to enter the jacket it works just like a swamp cooler, almost to the point of being cold. The more air you let in the cooler you will be but the faster things dry out - should last 1-2 hours, of course you can always stop and re soak the SS.

 

Like others have suggested I try and ride in the morning or evening try and wear light gray or white t-shirts. I also try and hit the country or interstates immediately and stay out of town and the traffic. I don't mind if it's hot when I'm moving but sitting in traffic and dealing with red lights on the blvd sucks.

 

It doesn't get crazy hot at the beach.

 

I love the sun and heat and look forward to having those type of problems some day. Survival in real desert heat is possible if approached properly. The best summer of my life I spent in the middle of the Negev desert where temps routinely ran 110 to 120 IN THE SHADE! Long white sleeves, a proper hat and lots and lots and lots and lots of water! Did I mention lots of water!!!!! Early or late day riding would be preferable. There is a point where even the "dry heat" of a desert would be to much. The biggest problem would be recognizing it.

Did I mention drinking lots of water?

 

Of course, lots of water. In the summer, I always ride with a camelbak. At stops/lights, I can just sip it to keep my hydration up.

 

I'm approaching my first riding season in the desert too. Good question & thanks for the tips all!