4 Cycling Tips for Summer Days
Cycling in the hot summer sun can leave you dehydrated and overheated.In the Mountain West, temperatures often reach 100 degrees in summer with cycling on asphalt making the temperature feel even hotter. But even staying home and using your best bike trainer instead can increase the temperature of your body.
So what’s an avid cyclist to do when they want to enjoy their favorite sport and avoid sunstroke?
Here are some 4 cycling tips to survive (and thrive) while riding this summer.
#1. Drink plenty of water!
Drinking plenty of water can prevent you from getting dehydrated while cycling in the sun. Be sure that you drink water before getting on your bike, then bring along a water bottle or two as well.
#2. Wear a helmet and sunglasses.
To survive the heat, our best cycling tip is to wear a helmet or cycling cap (but a helmet is far safer). This is essential for cyclists to avoid sweat dripping on your face and shades your eyes. On top of that, it usually protects your head from direct sunlight! On super hot days, get a bandana wet with a water bottle and wrap it around your neck to cool your body off, or wear it on your head under your helmet.
#3. Use Sunscreen and Cover Up
You may always remember your sunscreen when at the pool or beach, but what about when cycling? Instead of letting UV rays damage your skin on your ride, protect yourself by wearing UV protective clothing and using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas: your face, arms, and legs.
#4. Ride early…or late.
If you want to avoid biking in the heat, head out early in the morning or in the evening. In the Mountain West, the heat and sunshine are most intense from 11:00 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m. Biking before or after will help you avoid hot sun and more likely avoid sunburn. If you can’t avoid riding during this time, find shaded areas to ride on to protect your skin.
Biking in a hot weather isn’t for everyone, but as long as you drink plenty of water, wear a helmet and cycling cap, use sunblock, and bike in the early mornings or late evenings, you’ll be able to safely survive biking in the heat.
Jeff Caceres is a freelance blogger who loves to play sports and recreation during free time. Check out bike trainer reviews at Reviews Academy.
