Having trouble with the heat....

[anabanana]

It's been really hot in Atlanta these past couple of weeks. I was doing very well when the temperature was in the 80's. I was making steady progress. Now that I'm riding when the temperatures are in the 90's, my average has slowed down quite a bit. I'm climbing very well but I am very short of breath and so so hot.

Is there anything you can recommend to help me with energy and hydration. I take 2 water bottles but midway through the ride the water gets very hot. Any ideas???

Thanks!!

[TrekTheKaty]

It's been in the 80's here in St. Louis. We just hit 90 this week. I found it was a slow acclimation last summer. Just take it easy and hydrate. We get up earlier and earlier--and there are some days it's just too hot and humid. Take it slow. Your body learns to be more efficient over time (I forget the physiology explanation).

[anabanana]

Do you only drink water or do you drink something else?

[TrekTheKaty]

I used to drink Gatorade, but now I drink Cytomax. You need to replace the salt you are sweating out.

[Selkie]

Acclimation. You need to give your body time to adapt to the higher temps. Happens every year, every time the weather gets hot/humid or cold.

Maybe you can freeze the fluid in one of your bottles before you ride, allowing it to thaw out and give you a supply of cold water? Or get an insulated water bottle & use ice cubes?

[TrekTheKaty]

I have 2-24 oz insulated bottles that I fill with ice, cytomax, then water. Ice cream stops help too--cool you from the inside out

[anabanana]

I'll try the insulated bottles and the Cytomax next time. I love the ice cream idea too

[deeaimond]

I have one of those Polar brand insulated bottles they sell at all the bike shops ard here, and believe me, they don't work. at all. they just reduce the amt of fluid u can carry in the same bottle. Please don't waste yr money. It might be better to just fill the bottles 2/3 full and freeze them on their sides. bring one frozen bottle and one reg bottle so by the middle of the ride, the one remaining bottle is still cool and drinkable.

[Ann G]

Riding early in the morning works well. I also keep two water bottles full, and when it gets hot, I squirt a little water through one of the holes in my helmet, and spinkle a little on the back of my neck. That helps a lot.

[nolemom]

It is difficult with the heat and the humidity. I did 70 miles this morning in 90+ heat and the Cytomax is absolutely necessary. We plan our breaks for stores where we can pick up cold water to mix with our powders (or some of the guys actually go for the soft drinks). I have also ordered some Enduralyte (Hammer product) since so many of the strong riders also mix it into their bottles with their energy drinks. I guess it really comes down to trial and error to see what works best for you.

[lattae]

We went biking this morning and biked the trails on the MCT system in Collinsville and Edwardsville region. We made two pits stops at the local Culvers to wash off with cold water and for fluid replacement. Then we were halfway on our ride and went to the local coffee shop in Edwardsville to wash off/soak up the A/c and enjoy a frozen frappicino. So it was possible to ride in this heat if you take precautions. I use a polar bottle with Hammer Heed, frozen on it's side , then add a small amt of cold water before we start the ride. It stays cold for a while for my comfort. I also use a camelbak filled with water and ice cubes so being hydrated is not a problem for me. The heat can make the ride miserable and I've found that the older I'm getting that I need to take a couple of pit stops to cool off for a few minutes.. part of my problem also is the 'hot flashes'

[Geonz]

I don't ride in the heat of the day. I'm just a weather weenie. Mornings or evenings... and when it's hot... I don't go fast.

I do drink lots, toss in extra salt and fruits and anything with electrolytes... and wait for the fall and winter

[kenyonchris]

+1 on the frozen heed...just not in the camelbak

[tctrek]

anabanana, I feel your pain. We got a bit of a late start this morning (Atlanta area). Halfway through the ride, my bike computer said 111 degrees!! I know that's the heat off the tar, but it was dang hot. We ride with bottles of Cytomax, but we hit a convenience store and bought cold water to mix with it and to pour on ourselves. I also started riding with Cool Wings: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodDE_CW7.html - they really work to keep you cooled down.

Let's now talk about the wind this weekend!! You would think it would cool you down, but all it did was blow me sideways all weekend

[TrekTheKaty]

Glad to hear some feedback on the cool wings. I also forgot to try one of those "cooling" bandanas--left it laying on the dining room table.

Went to a bike race today--it was hotter sitting on the sidewalk than riding our bikes 1 mile up to see the course. The racers were HOT--I heard one say he thought he was going to pass out. We ate ice cream out of sympathy.