HOT WEATHER…

HOT RIDING…

The summer heat is still with us for a while. So here are more thoughts on hot summer riding.

Have you ever wondered why most people who make a living working outdoors will wear hats, light colored long pants, light colored long sleeve shirts, gloves and bandanas toiling out in our summer heat? Perhaps these folks know a thing or two when it comes to adapting to the summer heat.

Our bodies can be quickly heated in a couple of ways while outside in hot sunny weather:

• The first is by direct absorption of heat by the sun’s rays. This is called the radiation effect.
• The second is by absorbing heat from the air around us. This is called the convection effect.

We have several means available for us to reduce the radiation effects and thus slowdown the process of convection and subsequent fluid losses:

• Wear light colored cotton long pants and a light colored long sleeve shirt. Cotton seems to be the best choice since cotton will absorb perspiration while letting it evaporate slowly. This will decrease the fluid loss rate while providing a cooling effect.
• Wear a bandana. The back of the neck is a key regulator of our body temperature. So soaking a bandana in water before the ride will protect the neck from summer sun/heat and will keep us cooler as well as slow down fluid loss. There are some specialty bandanas on the market that contain acrylic pellets. These bandanas when soaked in water will absorb a large amount of water that will enhance the overlong cooling effect as well as enhance it.
• Wear head protection. A vented D.O.T. helmet is the best choice. An unprotected head will cause fluid losses as well as absorb an abundance or radiant heat. If a vented D.O.T. helmet is not your preference, then consider wearing a dew rag or cap. This will block the radiation effect and reduce the fluid losses.
• Wear gloves. The best summer gloves are batting gloves used by baseball players. They are available at most sporting goods stores and are constructed from thin leather and a woven nylon backing. These gloves breathe exceptionally well and provide an excellent grip with a nice feel.

Keep on enjoying your summer riding. So to stay cooler with less fluid loss, follow the dress lead of the folks who make a living outdoors. Stay hydrated and…

Ride Smart, Ride Safe and Most of All, Have Fun

David

9/06