Hot weather riding.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
One thing I learned by accident here in Puerto Rico. I lost a bunch of weight since last November and with the over size pants that I now have, they work exceptionally well in this hot climate. 95 degrees and 90+ humidity. They allow the air to travel up your legs and cool other parts of your body. Don't laugh, it works. With that, you might consider a relaxed fit boot cut pair of jeans, it helps. I also have one of the mesh jackets, it works great for fall protection and sun block.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
No leathers down here unless you want to die of heat stroke...
To stay cool I run a Silver Eagle cooling vest... soak it and it'll keep you cool as you ride.
http://www.coolingapparel.com/shop/v...ling_vests.htm
To stay cool I run a Silver Eagle cooling vest... soak it and it'll keep you cool as you ride.
http://www.coolingapparel.com/shop/v...ling_vests.htm
I ended up ordering the vest and 4 dew rags since they are on sale for $5.
We may disagree politically but we share the same heat in AZ, eh.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Finland
In southern Arizona and generally in lower elevations you are going to sweat in any case. Vest or not. Long sleeve shirt, jeans, boots and plenty of water internally. Heat doesn't break your bones. Pick your hotels with swimming pool and gold beer. A gold Budweiser after 14 hours in the saddle have never tasted so... beer ;-)
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
I live in Vegas and it's hot like AZ and this is what I wear to ride in the heat:
- T-Shirt w/ Cooling Vest (aka Hydration Vest) + Mesh Jacket over the top.
The reason I wear the jacket is because the sun can kill you being on your skin (thus why the middle east folks wear the long loose fitting garments - and they live in the desert as well). Plus, it has the elbow/shoulder armor and why not have a little bump protection as well. This combo makes it feel like 70 degrees and counteracts the heat so much I got another one to put in the bag to switch out.
- I also have a cooling bandana as others have mentioned.
- I like the Under Armor Skull caps which are moisture wicking and keep your head an even temperature.
- I wear my regular leather boots now days since I have purchased moisture wicking socks. I used to wear my mesh ones but since the socks try-out, no need.
- I wear moisture wicking boxer briefs (aka bike shorts) with Spiderman on them - Ok, kidding about Spiderman. These are BIG! I am happy there was a thread about them.
- I wear perforated leather gloves and have no issues.
- I wear the spray on SPF50 sun block
- Drink water BEFORE ya ride and any chance ya get.
** If I'm going for a ride in town, I wear an Under Armor long sleeved "Heat Gear" shirt and a T-shirt over that. It keeps you cool, the hotter it gets, the move I believe.
I do not wear a bandanna over my face as it would probably make me freak out. I freak out wearing full shields, full face, etc. Something psychological there I guess.
Hope this helps
- T-Shirt w/ Cooling Vest (aka Hydration Vest) + Mesh Jacket over the top.
The reason I wear the jacket is because the sun can kill you being on your skin (thus why the middle east folks wear the long loose fitting garments - and they live in the desert as well). Plus, it has the elbow/shoulder armor and why not have a little bump protection as well. This combo makes it feel like 70 degrees and counteracts the heat so much I got another one to put in the bag to switch out.
- I also have a cooling bandana as others have mentioned.
- I like the Under Armor Skull caps which are moisture wicking and keep your head an even temperature.
- I wear my regular leather boots now days since I have purchased moisture wicking socks. I used to wear my mesh ones but since the socks try-out, no need.
- I wear moisture wicking boxer briefs (aka bike shorts) with Spiderman on them - Ok, kidding about Spiderman. These are BIG! I am happy there was a thread about them.
- I wear perforated leather gloves and have no issues.
- I wear the spray on SPF50 sun block
- Drink water BEFORE ya ride and any chance ya get.
** If I'm going for a ride in town, I wear an Under Armor long sleeved "Heat Gear" shirt and a T-shirt over that. It keeps you cool, the hotter it gets, the move I believe.
I do not wear a bandanna over my face as it would probably make me freak out. I freak out wearing full shields, full face, etc. Something psychological there I guess.
Hope this helps
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Southern Ohio
Lots of good guidance in the previous replies. I just completed a trip from Southern Ohio to Seattle thru Cody & Beartooth, starting the return trip tomorrow. An additional item I found that helped a lot is mesh pants, similar to mesh jacket, worn over boxer briefs. I used Firstgear Mesh Tex 2.0. Keeps you cool and also your butt doesn't get sore from hours in the saddle. If you get cold you can put rain pants over them, but I was ok crossing Beartooth and Chinook Pass both. They also have protective padding for knees and hips. People can't tell they are mesh just by looking at you and it feels like you are riding with shorts on.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
We love to have you tour the U.S., but you guys have some of the best riding in the world in your area. Summer is the worst time to visit the southwest United States. I know you have been around, but if you haven't been out in 110 degree + heat, then you are not going to believe it. The most important thing is, like has already been said here many times, is, you simply can not drink enough water, just stay hydrated. A drink of water every gas stop won't get it, you must have it with you and drink all of the time.
Last edited by harleyflyboy; Jul 19, 2009 at 04:36 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
I live in New Mexico and do a lot of hot weather riding. I always wear my chaps for the protection. Upstairs I have a mesh jacket with a tank top underneath, with armor. I get real good airflow unless I'm stopped at a light, but it cools off pretty quick. If it's a long trip, I strap on a camel back and have water available all the time without stopping.
