oppressive heat

[Jolt]

So anyway, if you want to try riding in the heat, wearing as little as possible helps and drinking LOTS of water also helps. I drink alot anyway on the bike but I'll drink almost twice as much if it's really hot.

Another thing that can help is getting wet (like from the hose or the nearest body of water) before you ride in the heat. That's what I did the other day when I had to ride 12.5 miles home from teaching swim lessons and it was in the 90's and humid. It definitely made a difference as far as making the heat more bearable, especially for me being someone who doesn't like the heat much at all!!!

[coyote]

I had a bike wreck 2 years ago and now I always wear an undershirt beneath my jersey in case I crash again. The extra layers will protect my skin.

Perhaps the extra undershirt is contributing to the heat? Is it one of the moisture wicking ones or is it cotton? Nylon is also really hot and may not wick moisture. It gets really hot here, I normally ride in 105-110 weather in the summer. The first week the temps are like that I want to cry but I get used to it. If you are getting migraines then you are probably dehydrated. I usually try to hydrate the night before but I imagine that would not be comfortable for you at work?

Hang in there and I Hope the heat passes soon for you.

[bacarver]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

[northstar]

Target's C9 stuff is pretty decent, and affordable as far as wicking shirts go. Might want to check there!

When I think it's too hot to ride, I think of all the ladies riding in the south, where it's dreadfully hot! That gets me off the couch!

[makbike]

Barb I feel your pain. It is really hot here in Kentucky. I am not bothered by the heat but it felt just a tad bit warm when I left school for my ride. It must have been hot for I went through 24 oz of Gatorade in a 12 mile ride. The forecast is for even higher temps towards the end of the week. Summer as we know it has returned to the Ohio Valley!

[sundial]

Bacarver, maybe you should consider using an indoor trainer during this hot month. That way you can train in the comfort of a/c and it's more accessible and easier to fit into your schedule.

[indysteel]

Thanks for the really good idea regarding buying a moisture-wicking undershirt. I'll look for one soon. I bet that will be much more comfortable than the cotton athletic undershirts I've been using. I'll also search for a light-weight summer jersey. OOOOHHHH. Buying more cycling clothes!!!
One problem that exists with me is that I drink diet mountain dew during my night shifts so I can stay awake. I know the caffeine is contributing to my fluid challenges. But I have to stay awake for 14 hours straight 3 nights a week. Not sure how else to do it. No coffee for me. Thanks for the ideas.

Barb

Hi Barb. As someone also suffering through Indiana's heatwave, I feel your pain. I rode last night beginning around 6:15. The heat index was close to 100 if not above. I definitely went through more water than normal and was drenched in sweat but it really wasn't that horrible. Okay, it was, but I survived! My post-ride shower was heaven, let me tell you!

I would second the recommendation that you use a moisture wicking base layer of some kind, along with a well-ventilated summer jersey. Also, I found this from one nutrition expert on Velonews.com

Java jive
Monique,
Regarding your latest web article on eating before training: What effect does caffeine have on the morning workout especially with regards to hydration. Not that I am a huge coffee drinker, but my morning training ritual does include the old cup of java.
Darryl

Hi, Darryl,
You should definitely focus on hydrating in what time is available before training in the morning. However, many nutritionists and readers would understand and sympathize with the need for a morning cup of coffee when starting your day. While I would not advise that you pre-hydrate with only coffee, the belief that caffeine actually accelerates fluid loss beyond the actual volume that you consume is no longer considered valid. Caffeine is not highly dehydrating, and can be consumed in moderate amounts before training. However, you can also hydrate with a nice homemade smoothie, juice, or just good old water. With limited time to fuel and hydrate before morning training, make sure that you consume a sports drink to provide fuel, sodium, and fluid during training. And keep in mind that the most important time to avoid caffeine because of its potential adverse effects on hydration is after training. So no caffeinated fluids after your morning training; save any subsequent java fixes for later in the day.
Monique

If I understand her correctly, then, you can probably counteract whatever effect your Mountain Dew is having by making sure you drink something in addition to it, especially before any given ride. I, too, like coffee in the moring, but I start off with a bottle of water when I first get up. Granted, it requires multiple potty breaks, but it's better than the alternative.

K-

[silver]

Ditto on the Ohio Valley/Indiana heatwave. I can usually train through heat, but with my Triathlon coming up on 8/18, I've been really watching it. Even though I can train in the heat, I do feel that it wears me out more and I don't want the extra fatigue to wear me down for my triathlon. I've been training pretty hard.

It does seem particularly steamy this week. And this is from a gal who has survived Memphis summers. Uggghh!

Hey Barb! good to hear from you! Hope that all else (besides the weather) is well!

[sundial]

It does seem particularly steamy this week. And this is from a gal who has survived Memphis summers. Uggghh!

Ooooh, those steamy Memphis summers. Pant, pant! Thank goodness for a/c. Honestly, I don't know how people made it without a/c in the *good ol' days*.

I'm not far from Memphis and Sunday we reportedly had a heat index of 105! My body was definitely worn out from my heatwave adventure on Saturday. I dumped a bottle of water on me during the last 11 miles. Shower felt pretty good too.

[Geonz]

Panting here, too... did 50 miles this a.m. and it was in the 90's. Let me tell you, ramen noodles are really really delicious afterwards!!!
THanks for all the neat articles and info. Fascinating stuff... and encIouraging 'cause I dream of dropping another four or five pounds before the cool weather hits (I generally have a 10 pound swing... but I've dropped 15 this year).
I'm going to hit the store for ice and bananas and yogurt and see what kind of bicycle smoothies I can whip up in honor of the steam

[emily_in_nc]

The high temps are to be 99-101 with heat indices in the 105-110+ range today through Thursday in central NC. I had a run on the treadmill (in 68 degrees in the gym - ah!!!) today instead of riding. No riding for me til the weekend, when the high is "only" going to be 92! I don't have time to ride before work, and it's unsafe (code orange ozone alert day) and unpleasant to ride after, so the gym is my friend right now. There will plenty of nice days to ride when this passes.

Emily

[Velobambina]

Heat index today, while I was riding, was 104. When I got home, my face was beet red! Have to admit that the last 6 miles or so were pretty tough, particularly the last killer hill. I was literally in the red zone---red face, heart beat at my max, panting like one of my golden retrievers, etc. Still sweating after I got out of the shower. LOL

Yesterday was more of the same except it rained for the first six miles or so of my ride -- kind of rain where the sun was shining. When it stopped, the steam starting rising off the hot pavement. It was like an outdoor sauna. Within an hour, the water had evaporated from the trail.

We've been pretty lucky this year, however. Usually, this stuff hits in late June or early July and sticks around til September. I don't mind it once I acclimate.

[Mr. Bloom]

Ditto on the Ohio Valley/Indiana heatwave.

Darlin', aren't you forgetting those Memphis summers? This is nothing!

[silver]

Darlin', aren't you forgetting those Memphis summers? This is nothing!

I'm not forgetting,.... remember I went through one of them PREGNANT!!

This is not as bad as Memphis Summers.


Sundial......take care not to overheat!!

[Zen]

I'm not forgetting,.... remember I went through one of them PREGNANT!!

OOOOOOH!
ZING!