10 Riding Tips You Must Try to Survive Summer’s Hottest Heat Wave
Unless you live in a cave—which, come to think of it, would be a much cooler way to spend this weekend—you are probably aware of the heat wave that is expected across the country over the next few days.
According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat warnings and heat advisories will cover the Eastern two-thirds of the country. Heat indices, or how hot it actually feels outside, will approach the 110s in some places.
But does that mean you have to forego your weekend ride? Not exactly. There are ways to keep riding even when the temperatures are rising—you just have to employ some smart tips. We asked our readers how they deal with riding in the heat, and chose the best 10 to share.
Important note: When you are exercising in hot weather, it’s especially vital that you are aware of the symptoms of heat stroke, a serious illness when your body’s temperature rises rapidly and is unable to cool down. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these symptoms include: a high body temperature above 103 degrees; red, hot, or dry skin without any sweating; a rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; or confusion. If you experience these symptoms, get to a cool, shady place and seek medical attention.
Trainer + Porch = Best of Both Worlds
“Invest in a bike trainer and get your riding done indoors, or the porch if you feel like being a rebel. ”—Dwreck338
Acclimate, Acclimate, Acclimate
“Spend more time in the heat and adjust your homes AC to 78. We once had a gentleman interview for a job here in Louisville, Kentucky, and he was wearing a light jacket in the middle of the summer. Note: Summers get hot and humid here with heat indexes in the 100+. I asked, ‘Why the jacket?’ He responded by saying that he was a soldier who had just gotten back from Saudi Arabia, where the temps reached 130 degrees. Acclimated!!!”—Tim_beirne
Don’t Be Afraid to Pack It
“[Ride in the] early morning if possible. Extra water and electrolytes (Camelbak, plus bottles). Yes I am a roadie who wears a Camelbak, but I choose life over looking pro 😁. Stop once in a while if you start to feel completely overheated... Even 5 minutes of shade can make a huge difference.”—Cycling_nj
Water Isn’t Just for Drinking
“Pearl iZumi arm cooling sleeves work great. Freeze water bottles the night before. Ride early as possible. Plan your water stops and pour cool water on your head to cool down.”—Gazsdad
Plan Your Route Carefully
“Definitely plan a route around a lake so you can cool off 👌🏻.”—Neil.britto
Freeze Your Water
“I use insulated bottles and freeze one or two the night before. Ride as early in the morning as possible and put one of the frozen bottles in the center rear pocket of the jersey. That way it stays cold longer as you drink the other bottles, and as it melts, it helps keep you cool! Then when it’s melted, take it out and drink it still icy cold! Nothing better than ice cold water on a hot ride.”—Buffcyclist
Plan a Trail Day
“Take breaks regularly in the shade if you feel yourself overheating. Stick to riding in the forest instead of in the open. Don’t ride in the late afternoon heat; ride with friends for safety.”—Emagee303
Factor in the Wind
“During most of the year, I prefer to ride into the headwind first and have a tailwind on the way home. On super hot days, I do the opposite, so I have an additional cooling mechanism when I’m most needing it.”—Storiegavin
[Find 52 weeks of tips and motivation, with space to fill in your mileage and favorite routes, with the Bicycling Training Journal.]
Cool Off Your Clothes
“Stay covered, soak your clothes in water before hand, be obsessively hydrated especially with electrolytes and know your limit.”—Katethesage
Bring Along a Nylon
“Ice in nylon stocking down the back of your jersey.”—Junebug_matt
Reader responses have been edited for length and clarity.
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