Etreme Heat

[cyclingnewbie]

I have a very hard time with the heat (anything over 72 degrees is too hot!) and get headaches. I use Cyclomax or Gatorade in my water bottles. I usually dilute them with water, Kool-aid or fruit juice (or some combination there of). And, I also carry a bottle of plain water in case the other stuff gets to be repulsive. I also allow myself to slow down to a speed that I can handle in the heat. I had a bad habit of worrying more about how fast I was going than how I felt. Sometimes if I just slow down for a while (and I mean really slow down) a headache will disappear on its own. And, I find that I have no trouble reaching for my bottles if I just stop pedaling while I do it. Unless you're in a race, why make it harder than it has to be?

[CorsairMac]

also salt. I don't remember: does Gatorade have sodium in it? The headaches could also be a sign of salt-depletion. On hot days I usually supplement my electro-mix with extra potassium, calcium and magnesium tablets and salt. It seems to keep the headaches away! But drink drink drink is the best thing. If you're only drinking every 12-15 miles, that's just once an hour and that just isn't enough.

On long rides I wear a Camelback that carries 100 oz of water plus 2 water bottles with Electro-Mix and 2 bottles with Electro-Mix/salt in them. I know there are roadies out there that frown on camelbacks on a road bike but
A) they can just get a life
B) I'm riding self-supported
C) I'm not riding with them anyway! so

I would strongly suggest a camelback and to drink about every 10-15 mins during your rides!

let us know how it goes for you!

PS: I did my first century in 80+ degree heat during the middle of the day with no headaches so it is doable!....just find what works for you.

[bikerchick68]

corsair... LOL! If I rode unsupported centuries a camelback would be a MUST! As it is I'm most likely gonna get one to do this ride... considering riding it... supposed to be a fun one! Sometimes, tho, it's just too dang hot to wear a camelback... I don't know how people do it! Of course, I'm talking about here in San Diego east county where it's 105 degrees throughout the summer... blech! Too, too hot!!! If I do this ride I'll have water in the camelback and Cytomax in the water bottles...

http://www.planetultra.com/Moonlight/index.htm

[Technotart]

Camelback is the way to go - wasn't sure I would like it, but I hardly notice it! and its GREAT to have the (cool) water when I want it without reaching for it

[spazzdog]

BIKEAWAY, I always hated reaching down to get my bottles... I always look, and then usually I crash or lose my line or whatever. I also hate wearing junk on my back, thus the camelback wasn't an option for me (tho I did try).

I went for the "behind the saddle" water cages. I can hook an arm back, grab a bottle, and slide it back with no problem. It's almost the same motion as pulling something out of your back jersey pocket to munch on.

It's called an XLab Flatwing. There is also an XLab Saddlewing (it's heavier). I own both, but now use the Flatwing. Either holds 2 standard bottle cages, though I use the lighter Elites. It attaches to the saddle rails; important for those of us with carbon seatposts as you're not supposed to attach things to a carbon seatpost.

You can see and/or purchase them at:

http://www.tri-zone.com/Products.html?cat=88

spazzdog

[JanT]

Everyone has offered good ideas. In Phoenix, it's not always a dry heat, and anyway, hot is hot. I use the Camelbak for water, and on long rides, carry an extra bottle of water plus a bottle of Gatorade with lots of ice. As the ice melts, it brings the Gatorade to a solution my stomach can tolerate in the heat.

The thing about heat is to acclimatize gradually, if possible. Give your body a couple weeks to adjust to the hot weather. As a teacher, I have duties everyday that require me to be outside quite a bit, so that my adjustment happens naturally. I guess people who work indoors all the time would have to force themselves out into the heat to get their bodies to adapt. However, I have to admit that you can only acclimatize so much. You have to respect the heat and the sun: they can be deadly! Even when I was in really good condition, I still had days where my body just fizzled. In Phoenix, we know we just have to go slower and go shorter--and that that is just as good a workout as longer and farther when the weather is cool.

The main thing is to be patient in the meantime, and try not to push it. Too much too soon in the heat=BONK. Bonk=misery. So ride early in the day, and don't be afraid to call it a day if your body can't take it. There will be other days.

Enjoy your rides! Have fun! Then hit the A/C!

[KSH]

I was hesitant to get a Camelback, because I figured I would hate having something on my back.

But... I LOVE IT! I can carry stuff in it... and I pack it with ice and some water before my ride... even in 90+ degree weather, I still get cold water 3-4 hours later!