To some people riding in hot weather is harder to enjoy than cold weather. There are few things that can help make the hot ride a little more enjoyable. First and foremost drink plenty of liquids; these can be sports drinks, lemonade or water. Soft drinks and tea are not as good and beer or other drinks containing alcohol are a no no.

For all day rides clothing should cover most of your skin. Pants that are not too tight and a long sleeved shirt or light jacket to keep the sun and wind from burning your skin will go a long way to keeping you cool. For your head choose a well fitting helmet with air vents built in. The insulation in the helmet will help with cooling and the vents will allow the air to circulate around your head to take the heat away. A head wrap will also help wick the sweat away. Summer riding gloves that allow air to flow through will help and still give you good feel on the controls. For any exposed skin use a good sunscreen. (30 or better) Especially on the nose and cheeks. Remember to apply it often on an all day ride.

Ok now for some extra cooling. I have found that in a more arid environment if you soak your shirt and pants with water before you get back on the road it is like you have an air-conditioner on you. One thing you can do to keep cool just about anywhere is to get a thin cotton towel and some ice, crushed works best. Lay the towel out and pour the ice down the center, then roll the towel up and put it around your neck with the ends of the towel down the front of your shirt. You can also buy a neck wrap from most sports or outfitter stores that has a filling in it to soak up water. If you soak it in cool or cold water it will help keep your neck cool for the whole day. In a pinch a wet bandana tied around your neck will help cool you down and keep sun off your neck.

I know to a lot of people putting on clothes is the last thing they think about when it comes to keeping cool, but it works.

Remember its summer, so HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.

Stay Cool…..KR