Need advice on riding in hot weather
- Thread starter Jim B.
- Start date
bikemikewcr
Active Member
Cover up you skin when possible and or use a real good sunblock when you are riding. Also lots of fluid, by time you think you are getting some dehydration and brain fade going on you are already to late. Have a safe ride.
bikermoses
Banned
WATER! Lots of it.
I find that riding with full leather jacket and full gloves while going cross country in hot weather, I avoid sun burn, wind burn, and dehyrdation. It sounds counter intuitive, but you will be no hotter while riding at 60-70 mph and will evaporate (sweat) water at a slower rate. It helps if the jacket has vents.
This approach ain't so good in the city with stop and go traffic. But on the open road, I like it.
BTW, it's been 102-104 here for the last 10 days or so.
This approach ain't so good in the city with stop and go traffic. But on the open road, I like it.
BTW, it's been 102-104 here for the last 10 days or so.
Stormrider51
Active Member
Around central Texas you ride in the heat or don't ride much. Like others have said, stay hydrated. By the time you realize that you are too dry your brain is getting fuzzy. Not a good situation, especially on a bike. Use LOTS of sunscreen. It ain't macho but neither is looking like a lobster fresh from the pot. Better yet, wear long sleeves. I discovered that wearing a fairly loose white long-sleeved shirt is cooler than wearing a T-shirt. The thin material keeps the sun off but lets air through. Avoid dark colors. They absorb heat and hold it. I may get flamed for this, but forget the fullface helmet. I wear a police style half helmet that is mostly white. Again, the white color reflects heat where a dark colored helmet absorbs it. If you choose to go without a helmet wear something on your head. A badly sunburned scalp will really limit the fun you have in Sturgis. Hey, if you just gotta show your leathers and colors at the rally, stop about 50 miles out and put them on.
John
John
threesteps
Junior Member
What he said. Seems like you've been given some great advice.
Several thoughts to keep you safe and hydrated. I've learned this over the course of years riding in the desert and during the hot days. First, I wear full leathers, including full finger gloves, with a long sleeve shirt that I've soaked in water and then wrung out real well. If you don't your skin will get sore. I do this every time I stop which is about every hour while I'm in the heat.
Once you're on the bike and moving down the road, the evaporation will be just enough to keep ya pretty darn cool. Second, I agree, leave the full face helmet at home, it will only get hot and believe it or not, you brain can swell causing other issues that you don't need to contend with. I use a half helmet. Third, I cover my face with a thin nylon pull over that keeps the wind/sun from my skin. And as mentioned, I drink lots of water and Gatorade to keep hydrated. Just my .02 worth and seems to work for me. The last thing you want is heat exhaustion, which is no fun at all. . . .
Ugly John
Once you're on the bike and moving down the road, the evaporation will be just enough to keep ya pretty darn cool. Second, I agree, leave the full face helmet at home, it will only get hot and believe it or not, you brain can swell causing other issues that you don't need to contend with. I use a half helmet. Third, I cover my face with a thin nylon pull over that keeps the wind/sun from my skin. And as mentioned, I drink lots of water and Gatorade to keep hydrated. Just my .02 worth and seems to work for me. The last thing you want is heat exhaustion, which is no fun at all. . . .
Ugly John
Jim B.
Junior Member
No fun at all is right! Had it while riding 4 years ago and the resulting confusion, nausea, etc. caused me to lose control of my bike in a slow speed turn and I ended up breaking my left leg, my left big toe and some ribs. Thus, my question about precautions against heat on my ride to Sturgis. I appreciate all the suggestions so far.