Having trouble with the heat....

[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.

[Aggie_Ama]

100 degree in Texas here. I didn't read all the posts so sorry for the repeats.

You have to acclimate, make sure you are drinking something other than water and I have to up my intake. Pour water on your head (you are going to look like crap when you take off the helmet anyway). A Buff (look at REI for them) is great as a skull cap with water on it. Put ice in your sports bra if you stop for a refill, it is magical. Also I have to have something with sugar when I am done like a coke. I really love my Camelbak bottles (non-insulated) so freezing them helps. I also slow down, the heat is brutal and you can ride all day in it if you are smart.

[Loraura]

I notice that as soon as the outside temperature goes above normal body temperature, I suffer with the heat. It's been 99-100 here in AUstin. Supposed to see 103 this week.

Here's how we deal with the heat:

1)Hydrate OFF the bike. I try to drink (3) 24 ounce bottles of water per day off the bike reardless of if I ride that day or not. On the bike water is in addition to this.

2)Have plenty of cool water ON the bike. This means 2 large insulated waterbottles that start out filled to the top with ice. I prefer the Camelback Podium Chilljacket bottles, but the Polar Insulated Bottles work well too. If I have the chance, I will freeze one water bottle solid. It always melts enough by the time the first bottle is empty. Sometimes I will add Cytomax or G2 to the frozen bottle (prior to freezing, of course).

3)If I'm stopping at a convienience store, I will buy a water, and fill up my bottles with ice from the soda fountain.

4)If I'm on a planned longer ride (40 plus miles) I will drag out the camelback backpack with bladder. Fill the bladder with ice, then add water.


Basically I'll be wringing with sweat, but I'll be cool, as long as I'm hydrated.

If I drink nothing but soda and coffee off the bike, I will be in some serious hurt on the bike in 100 degree heat.

[alliecat]

I agree =those expensive insulated bottles do not work..glad someone mentioned it.

[kacie tri-ing]

I also feel your pain. We are having some very very hot/southern weather!