Summer is the perfect time to hop on your motorcycle and feel the wind in your hair as you cruise down the open road. However, soaring temperatures can make riding in the hot summer heat a challenge. But fear not, we've got you covered with some cool tips to ensure you stay comfortable and hydrated whether you're on a road trip or just zipping around town. So, rev up your engines, put on your shades, and let's dive into how you can beat the heat this summer!
1. Stay Hydrated
It's crucial to stay hydrated while riding in the summer heat. Dehydration can sneak up on you, leading to fatigue and reduced concentration. Prior to your ride (as in, a day prior) make sure you consume some form of electrolytes, and hydrate with water. If you start to hydrate by the time you get thirsty, welp, good luck! I've noticed that if I make it a point to really work on my hydration the day before and day of a ride (and exclude beers from my routine), I feel better waking up, and feel less tired throughout the first few hours until I need to rehydrate. Hydration packs are your friend here folks - while the wind may make you not feel as hot, that wind dries up your sweat and you'll be begging for water by the time you stop. Keep drinking water/electrolyte drinks even when you aren't "feeling thirsty"
2. Dress Appropriately
Choosing the right gear can make a world of difference. While it seems like every last piece of gear on planet earth only comes in black, spend the extra time to make sure your summer gear is, well, NOT BLACK. A lighter color will absorb and retain less of the heat from those baking sun rays, generally keeping you cooler and feeling less like a walking toaster oven. Even on the hottest of days, you may feel tempted to just rock a t shirt and flip flops (please don't) - but you'd be better served in protective gear with sleeves, forgoing the pain of sunburn and the rapid dehydration when your sweat is wicked away by the wind - oh, and the road rash ;)
3. Plan Your Route Wisely
Your worst enemy on hot days is two fold - stop lights, and traffic. Plan routes that don't have you sitting on a highway in bumper to bumper traffic, where you smoke your cylinder heads to death and possibly have your bike break down due to overheating which sticks you to the side of the road baking like an iguana (ask me how I know). The best hot-day routes are the ones through state parks and forests with shade, but if you don't have any of those in your routing apps, find some shade to hang out in when you stretch your legs.
4. Beat the Sun
As mentioned before, covering your skin from the sun (with protective gear) not only save you sunburn, but the wicking away of your sweat by the wind. When it comes to purely sun though, protect the high ticket items with care - eyes and skin. That sun will cause some serious eye fatigue without a good tinted visor or pull down sunshade.
5. Keep Your Bike Cool
Just like you, your bike needs some TLC in the heat. Check your coolant levels regularly and ensure your bike is not overheating. Park in shaded areas whenever possible to prevent your engine from getting too hot. Find a way to escape any bumper to bumper traffic before the space heater between your legs roasts your underparts and/or causes some serious engine problems.
Conclusion
For many riders, like myself, the itch to twist the throttle and suck some wind doesn't simply dissipate when the weather get's extreme - you simply need to find a way to deal with it! Exposing yourself to the heat, while daunting, means you are out riding and taking in the sights, not sitting inside playing xbox wishing you were riding. Get the right gear, hydrate, and take it easy, and you'll be (not very) cool as a cucumber, all summer long.
Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the ride!
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