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One slightly strange thing I do is to tie a couple of bandanas to my handlebars. They're good for swabbing off, tying around your head to keep sweat out of your eyes, wetting and tying around your head or neck to cool down.
Saturday I would have had to stop and cool down longer because of salty sweat running in my eyes. Just tied on a head wrap and continued on.
Plus if you get different colors they are very festive. :D
In the summer here in Texas we'll string a lot of 100+ days back-to-back. Only thing I can think to add is wrap up some ice cubes in a bandana and tie loosely around your neck with the ice on the back of your neck or upper back. The ice will melt and help keep you cool. Refill from your Camelbak if you carry one or a convenience store.
unless you ride EARLY in the morning... it's going to be HOT here.... since i work.... i ride mon-fri after work.... and it's almost always WELL OVER 100 degrees by then, in the summer! since i live here... i'm acclimated to it....
i make sure to take plenty of ICE water in my polar bottles (longer rides rate the camelback filled with ice and water!)
don't forget to replace your salt... you'll be sweating heavily so that's an issue too... I think most of the elctrolyte drinks help with it... and after listening to the advice of my brother I have found that Ecaps are helpful... small, so they're easy to get in even if you've drank so much you're full... which happens to me on century rides...
I do NOT do well in the heat, at all... it's a challenge for me every year. we stay over 105 for a couple weeks every summer... I just HAVE to ride slower and not push...
I'm bad in the heat. It gets hot (over 85) I go inside to spin classes. Yes I admit I am a wimp!
It's been hot AND humid here in Missouri for the last few weeks. The problem with high humidity (80%+) is if you get your jersey wet to cool you off, it never dries out :p
A trick I learned at hockey camp last year was diluting Gatorade. Fill your bottle halfway with Gatorade (or whatever other sports drink you want), then fill the rest with cold water and shake. Supposedly, this helps keep you from getting a really high electrolyte burst and then crashing when it wears out. Something about keeping the levels steady. All I know is I don't get loopy as quickly, nor do I get an upset stomach like I do on full-strength Gatorade. I've found that Gatorade powder works better for this, and doesn't taste as nasty - just use half or 3/4 of the recommended scoops instead.
Also, to beat the humidity, I would take an extra jersey or wicking t-shirt and change halfway through the ride (on a long ride, anyway). Less to evaporate out of the shirt means more that it will evaporate off your skin and keep you cooler.
LadyJai, Jones, and everyone else that posted to this thread: THANK YOU!! :)
I've increased my water intake by quite a bit since yesterday and i've let it roll through today. I too am of the belief that my headaches were due to lack of water. I also picked up some Pedialyte from the pharmacy and started spiking my water with it. I can totally notice a difference.
As far as the bandana around the neck--BRILLIANT! All of these suggestions for staying cool and adapting to the heat are well received.
I can say in all honesty that I find this Forum engaging, supportive and encouraging. I send out positive vibes to every one of you :p
yeah I have. Some of the 'milder' ones more often. the dryness of the air doesn't help any. the fact i can recognize it makes me wonder if it is not as bad as it sounds, but no reason to take chances :) I'll just say my thank-yous where they're due :DQuote:
Originally Posted by mimitabby
you're welcome Helly, happy riding!