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Open Forum : How Do You Deal with the Summer Heat?
by Bike Shop GirlAs daily tempertures are in the 100º range in Charlotte, NC I want to ask you :
How Do You Deal with the Summer Heat?
As daily tempertures are in the 100º range in Charlotte, NC I want to ask you :
How Do You Deal with the Summer Heat?
I live in the UK. If it’s hot it’s a miracle. Don’t worry, it will rain/snow/blow a gale soon and then you can complain about how cold/wet/windy it is.
1. Drink electrolyte enhanced beverages by the gallon.
2. Carry a sweatshirt to wear whenever I get to my (usually air-conditioned) destination. Not only does this keep me from freezing to death once I go inside, but it also serves to help disguise the fact that I’m sweating like a dog.
3. Keep extra drinks wrapped up in a sweatshirt or something (helps them stay cool a lot longer than they would just sitting in the beverage bottle holder).
4. Take rest stops in the shade every few hours on a long ride (even ten minutes helps).
I’m in San Antonio, it stays hot here almost all the time.
I shower when I get there, because clients don’t want lawyers who smell bad.
Here in Houston I’ve been having more problems with Thunderstorms than with heat the past month, but I have found that going an extra 10 minutes early and washing off in the coldest bathroom in the building helps. After riding slowly, A few cold wash cloths and ten minutes in the 68 degree bathroom and Im office ready pretty quickly.
My hair, however, is not. Riding days are ponytail and headband days, as there isn’t much I can do to keep my hair sweat free under a helmet in the heat.
I’ve been wearing regular workout shorts (not bike shorts) and cotton tanks and bringing clean & dry underwear, office clothes, and a fresh tank, socks, and sports bra to ride home in. Because frankly, they would be gross after 8 hours in a locker. I’ve got a giant gallon ziplock to keep the stinky stuff in during the day.
I’m in the central valley of California, where 95 to 110 is normal high for summer. I’m very lucky in that we have a shower and locker room at work. Mostly control the heat by wearing bike shorts and a shortsleeve jersey to ride, changing when at work or home (and showering) and drinking lots of water.
Nuun tabs in my waterbottle are the only things that can keep me from dehydration, cramping and headaches in 100 degree weather. Plain water = cramps, sports drinks = cramps, NUUN = happy ride.
I live just outside of Washington DC. I actually commute in a thin, fitted (not tight), long sleeve, wicking Heat Gear jersey made by Under Armor. It’s surprisingly comfortable – for me the closest thing next to biking without a shirt, which, until I lose 20 lbs, is something I would not do.
I live in the Northern Central valley in Calif. 95-100 is normal summer temp. I wear moisture wicking shirts and normal sports shorts.
Don’t wear cotton, it holds the heat in. My feet get really hot so I wear mesh shoes or cycling sandals. Drink plenty of fluids. I use Accelerade, it’s great for hydration and recovery.
If you feel dehydrated or overheated stop and cool down.
In Salt Lake City, we are over 100 for much of the summer. Fortunately, a little research has allowed me to find a route that is largely shaded (side streets, cut through a few parks) which takes the edge off the heat. I try to keep my load as light as possible, so my route passes by several public water fountains, rather than carrying a large supply of fluids. Works great, even in the heat.
Live in Vegas, and it is currently warm for 90/95 days each year… I leave about 5:30 AM during the warm months, with a light T-shirt and hiking shorts to make the ride possible.
In the afternoon, tis not the heat but the sun has a bite I do not remember as a yooth, or youth as we pronounce younger in this desert valley!!!
JR
I also live in Houston. I am a larger guy so and sadly I have no showers at my job. I bring a towel and dont change my shirt right away. I dont want to ruin two shirts. haha. Also for thoes of you that have short cut hair. I wear a bandana or cycling cap under my helmet it keeps the sweat out of my eyes wonderfully.
Greg.
Tokyo is pretty hot this time of year with very high humidity. Along with things already mentioned I also use a sweat gutr under my helmet. Works wonders.
I have a 10 mile commute into work here in Dallas. I beat the heat by freezing my 2 water bottles overnight. By the time I arrive into work, they have both melted to the point that I can drink them. They definitely help cool me down before entering the office. During the summer, i try to adjust my hours where I can leave about 6-7pm so I don’t have the sun glaring down on me as much.
I used to commute in 100 degree weather in So Cal. I’d wear a long sleve workshirt and drench it with water. It was cold at the beginning of the ride but felt great and eventually dried with in 1 hour. I’d do it again if in the same situation.
move to the UK you will never ever get to hot.
I live in Austin. It has been 105 every day this month so far.
These things work for me:
1.) Cotton seersucker shirts are the best thing on god’s earth for hot weather anything. Wash them, then air dry. Get lightweight pants, dark colored. A few changes of these are a bit of money, but I think worth it.
2.) Pannier bags, not backpacks
3.) A towel to wipe off if needed
4.) Spray on “mineral salt” deodorant, used generously.