Etreme Heat

[Beth-Ro]

It's been so humid here in SC it's downright draining when we ride. (Try 83 - 87 degrees with 73% humidity) But we're getting ready for the 4th of July ride in Tryon, NC so we figure it's good training. The last several days have been cloudy because of the tropical system coming out of the Gulf, but when the sun does come out it's like riding into a wall-o-heat and it feels like my tires are suddenly gumming up in syrup and I'm slowing waaayyyyy down.

I drink constantly on these rides and we take more frequent breaks...every 7 miles or so. If only I could keep my water cold.

Is there a water bottle out there better than a polar bottle? I just love it when my water assumes road temp and tastes like...the bottle!

What are you doing for the 4th?
http://www.polkcounty.org/4th/
Check out RIDER WARNINGS to see the climbing chart

[Surlygirl]

Hi Beth-Ro
I use a sigg water bottle which is aluminum and I have an adventure cycling neoprene jacket over it and it stays pretty cold. I also found ice cube trays that make long slim ice cubes to fit in water bottles. I pretty much put as many as I can in my bottle and then top off with water.
I think it was Veronica who has a Elite Keratherm bottle but I've never seen them in any LBSs around here, so maybe she can provide a link.

[AutumnBreez]

Living on a med. island where it is hot...hot...hot , I use a Camelbak Siren for my short rides of 30-33 miles.or less. (Rogue for longer)
with one bottle of ice water in cage. . I fill the bladder with blended Cytomax (peachykeen-best) , cold water and ice cubes in my Vita-mix, and add a few full cubes before closing... and sometimes put a blue plastic ice pack inside the bag against the bladder. Sounds like alot of weight but not bad, you can feel the coolness from drink against you, and you get used having the cold drink handy and lots of it. I start drinking it as I get ready, putting on my shoes, pumping the tires, putting on gear, head out the door and it is a bit up hill and I just sip a bit more during this warm up. Stop for a bit and not allow myself to get thirsty along the way. Cytomax has never given me bellybloat or gas, but is not very tastey when warm (kinda nasty then). Milk, however, is NOT recommended before a ride.