Having trouble with the heat....

[alliecat]

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

[Pedal Wench]

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

That's funny. I can freeze a Polar bottle and have it remain cold, if not frozen, for significantly longer than a regular bottle. At least an hour longer.

[GLC1968]

That's funny. I can freeze a Polar bottle and have it remain cold, if not frozen, for significantly longer than a regular bottle. At least an hour longer.

Ditto.

Now it's rarely hot where I ride, so I don't need them but that was all we used when I lived in NC. A regular bottle would leave my frozen water HOT by the time I finished it - the polar bottle - still cool.

It would stay frozen way longer if you fill it half full and leave it on it's side in the freezer overnight. The solid ice mass melts much slower than cubes (less surface area).

I also agree about wearing a wet buff on your head under your helmet. It holds water better than hair, so it stays cool. Just squeeze some extra water into it when you stop to keep it wet.

[ZenSojourner]

Stop and take a break. Once you overheat you're going to stay that way for a long time. It just increases exponentially and wildly if you over do it. Better to stop BEFORE it hits the red zone and take the time too cool off.

[sundial]

I've ridden in 95-100+ temps and learned a couple of things. Riding with a Camelbak for longish rides will keep me better hydrated. I add Elite to the water to help keep my electrolytes in check. I also carry a couple of bottles on the bike to be used as shower bottles and I douse my jersey and head with the water to help keep me cooler. Also, wearing a cycling cap helps keep sweat out of the eyes, the head cooler, and the visor really does help block the sun and makes it seem a little cooler.

If you do plan to ride in the hottest part of the day, you may notice your speed is down, particularly if it's humid. Plan accordingly for this--you don't want to plan a long ride, putter out, and then experience a heat stroke. (People who have experienced heat stroke do not tolerate certain temps.)

Add about 5 degrees from the heat coming up from the road. You might want to adjust your tire inflation to account for this.

Sunscreen seems to keep me cooler as does jerseys with sleeves. I thought I'd be cooler in a sleeveless jersey but found it to be the opposite.

When your heart rate is climbing and you can no longer get cool, it's best to get off the bike and call it a day. The sun will fatigue you more than you realize and you might be surprised just how inviting that nap is. Enjoy your ride and keep your phone handy in case you want to call a friend to meet you for ice cream.