Wearing capris on a long hot tour?

Hi everyone! I will be touring in heat soon (some long days over 100 F) and have a problem with the heat and sun.(both sunburn esp the tops of my knees, and that funny blotchy heat rash mostly on my calves) For my upper body, the Terry Reaction jersey with long sleeves rocks. I can't tolerate tights- too too hot. I used my defeet arm coolers last year on my legs - they actually helped quite a bit, but the tops were VERY tight on my drumstick thighs. Kept the heat down with reflective white color, but did allow sunburn, as they were stretched out to more of a mesh than usual. Has anyone worn bike capris over their shorts for sun protection on long touring days (80 to 120 miles/day)? I am wondering if the fabric would become irritating or if I would just steam inside that second layer of clothing. Any input would be appreciated! Tokie

Too bad there's not a commercial version of these, adapted to a road bike: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p..._id=11588&v=DB

CA

Wow! What an adventure! Your legs really are laid out to fry on a recumbent bike, fortunately my DH - who rides one - has fairly olive skin that tans, and with enough sunscreen, rarely burns. He never gets the weird blotchy heat rash. Tokie

I've used Boure's knicker in 90 degree Tucson sun ( http://www.boure.com/2653.html ). They're a lighter weight (and, for people with long legs, longer than most knickers). I can't say that I was happily comfortable, but it was "OK".

I was also wearing Boure's SPF jersey. I think I was hotter on top than bottom--which surprised me because I thought all that black would be too much. Like you, I can't be in strong sun multiple days in a row, for now, I can get away with just covering up every other day. Knickers, long-sleeved jersey and cool max buff for the head, ears, and neck. I try to pick the cooler of consecutive days, but that doesn't always work.

DH used my arm coolers ( http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=20747 ) and swore that his arms were more comfortable than his shoulders. I keep waiting for someone to make leg coolers.

I did a week-long bike tour in April in Mississippi where the sun was intense and temps were in the low 90s every day. I wore Shebeest Shindiggers, which covered my knees and were sufficiently lightweight that I didn't get any hotter than I would have in shorts. Plus I liked the protection from getting burned.

If you want a capri to wear over regular bike shorts, you might take a look at thesefrom Land's End: http://www.landsend.com/pp/WovenBike...&origin=search

They're sized to be loose enough to wear over a pair of bike shorts. I haven't ridden in mine yet, but the fabric is lightweight and the cut is comfortable.

Have fun!

You might want to try contacting Emilio DeSoto and DeSoto sports. He makes gear for triathletes, but is known to make special requests for folks.

DeSoto makes arm coolers and coolwings, perhaps Emilio could make you a set of leg coolers?

http://desotosport.com/products/prod...ry=Accessories

Seems like it'd be pretty easy to size up the arm coolers in girth and length.

Thanks Thorn,Kathi and Ilima! I'll follow up on your leads in the am! Tokie

One more idea: Patagonia's Capilene 1 (lightest weight) underwear, "designed for high-exertion, hot-weather pursuits." You could get the long undies and wear regular shorts over them. Or cut them up to make leg coolers.

http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/prod...MENS.CAPILENE1

Oh yes! And there is a Patagonia store and Patagonia outlet 18 miles down the highway! Thanks Ilima - I just noticed - Hawaii - no wonder you can imagine the sun/heat concept! Tokie