Gday Im going to be in the USA at a hot time of year and was wondering about any tips you guys could give for hot weather riding?
cheers Bruce NZ

 

Hey Bruce, best Advice, stay Hydrated! Start a few days before your ride, Water is best!

 

I assume you’re planning on riding in the southern states, Set out early in the morning while it is still relatively cooler. As stated prior stay hydrated and keep skin exposure to a minimum.

 

Dehydration can come on quickly without warning. It can make you drowsy, and affect rational thinking...making the situation worse. I know a guy who ran off a road and really got banged up due to dehydration. Drink, drink, drink, while riding. Then every two hours we make a fuel stop, go inside the cool..and drink a large Gatorade.

 

Water, sunblock and more water.

 

Sorry friends...Water is NOT best. When you sweat...your body is losing minerals. IF you replace that with (just) water...NO minerals...you will go down, no matter how much water you're drinking that's why sports medicine developed Gatorade in the first place. Gatorade & Powerade are my choices. Sometimes a "Monster Rehab" is a good choice too. Riding in HOT weather...try to keep some light clothing on like a lightweight long-sleeve "T". It will help with sun exposure and moisture loss. Of course, a good sunscreen, SPF30 at a minimum. 50 is better in the Summer down here in the South. Keep your head and neck cool when you stop. Splashing water, or a wet towel will help. Please don't misunderstand...water ain't all bad it's just that there are smarter alternatives that need to be included in the mix of things we do to prevent dehydration. I carry water on the bike that I can access while riding sometimes it just gets splashed on me to provide some evaporative cooling. On a long day, riding in hot weather I'll make it a point to drink some kind of "restorative beverage" every time I stop for gas.
I live in Florida, but my hottest ride was Kansas in July. The "time & temp" signs in and around Dodge City read 112 degrees F. Unpleasant, and dangerous riding conditions.
Just pay attention. Take the appropriate measures to protect yourself and you'll be fine.

 

I don’t ride in much hot weather, here in WI. But when I do I freeze some water bottles and let them defrost, in my saddlebags, as I ride.
I think having Gatorade is a good idea, for long rides, as noted above.
I use a Mesh jacket, and a doo rag under my helmet. A wet Bandana around your neck is nice too.

I use compression underwear, and Zeasorb or Gold Bond to prevent Monkey Butt. Definitely hit the road at first light. Godspeed.

 

Don't count out Snow!

Sorce

 

Bought a couple of dri fit long sleeve nylon t shirts with spf30 .Those will help keep you cooler and stay hydrated.

 

shirt idea above. I love my mesh jacket. Lets wind through. Stops the sun. Sometimes get my shirt damp beneath for extra cooling.

There was a recent cooling vest thread