Will I eventually acclimate to this heat???

[katluvr]

As I live in HOT and HUMID Florida I definitely think the key is to getting an EARLY start. Most of our friends think we are crazy for getting up at 5 AM on the weeken days to get stared early. (OK, sometime we drive to a place that has hills or a good trail so that takes an extra hour). So plan is to be on the bike between 7 & 7:30. Lots of hydration. And freeze your bottles and if a long ride, plan a circuit so you can stop mid way to get fresh frozen bottles from cooler.
Also look for routes that are more shaded.

This time of year the heat does get trying. I much rather ride in heat than run. I have a 1/2 marthon planned for Nov. That means logging lots of miles in Aug., Sept ("hot as hades" month) and even Oct (can remain very toasty!).
In 2 weeks I'll be biking in Rhode Island...hopefully it will be freshenly cool compared to here!

[BarbaraAlys]

All last summer I was riding after work, about 5PM, with temps as high as 103, but the humidity here is very low (most locals will not say so, but when 60% is considered hight, that seems low to me who grew up on the east coast).

You do acclimate, but you have to give yourself time. Also, I find that i really have to keep hydrated all the time, not just on the bike. I usually drink between 3/4 to 1 gallon of water a day, not counting my ride water. I don't use an electrolite substitute, but I don't seem to need it for most rides.

Barbara

[bluebug32]

I've found that adding Elite drops (electrolytes) to plain water is a good insurance policy for hot weather. They also make tablets. I like it because the drops don't taste like anything, so it's easy to drink. Other than that, I find an extra bottle full of water to dump over your head quite effective.

[Geonz]

I agree with the AC comment, though I had to use mine yesterday 'cause my dehumidifier died and things get moldy pretty fast. I am not cut out for heat ... but if I suck it up and endure, I'm not too functional for a couple of days (but I have to shower before bed so I can fall asleep before I finish evaporating) and things get better.
Alas, work is very AC... so I'm not sure how well I'll do this summer. MOstly... I avoid the heat of the day and slow down.

[Aggie_Ama]

Here's a few things I find helpful to survive summer riding:

• water over your head
• ice in the sports bra
• electrolytes
• being just a little crazy.

[GLC1968]

Here's a few things I find helpful to survive summer riding:

• water over your head
• ice in the sports bra
• electrolytes
• being just a little crazy.

Ditto this!

Add:

• having these temps 24/7 - so there is no choice. I found I had to adapt, or just not ride (which was not an option).
• drenching a buff with water and wearing that on your head under your helmet keeps you cooler longer than just wet hair.