Dealing with the heat

[GLC1968]

Kimmyt.. I ride regularly with a friend who has a very small compact frame... she actually got a seat bag that is triangular and fits between the top tube and the downtube... in that triangle it makes... then she got one of the bottle holders that holds 2 bottles off the rear of the saddle... so when she rides she has 3 bottles with her. (Hey PurePink! Where are you? Respond to this and tell her what brand you use...)

Bikerchick - thanks for this info...very helpful! My new frame won't have room for 2 cages either...and I was wondering how I was going to make it work. Thanks!

Kimmyt - I do use a camelbak on REALLY hot days (it's the fanny-pak type...so my back isn't covered by it) and it helps. It's a lot easier to drink consistently when the water is basically already at your mouth!

[DrBee]

Living in the MS Delta - it's in the 90 - 105 range from May through Sept. I do my best to ride early in the morning. You do eventually acclimate to the heat, but I try not to go outside for long periods when it's 105 and I definitely do not ride when it's that hot. Between the heat and the humidity here, I wouldn't last very long. Most organized rides around here (well - Memphis and Jackson - 2 hrs away) are scheduled for very early AM to avoid heat.

Drink lots just like everyone else has said. Stop at rest stops to refill your bottles when you get the chance. If you use a drink powder - you could carry pre-measured baggies of it with you and then buy a bottles of water at a gas station or convenience store and make it as you go.

[CorsairMac]

SouthWest Desert here: I carry a 100 oz camelback. I know some ppl don't like it having a pack on their back but I have 2 water bottle cages and a camelback on Any ride I"m doing in the heat..........I figure it's better to have TOO much water than to not have enough. I keep electrolyte drinks in my water bottles and carry extra packets in case I finish up the bottles and find a place I can refill. I keep plain water in my camelbak - which lives in the frig when I'm not riding. I'll also add salt to my electrolyte bottles since I use a sugar-free, sodium-free replacement drink. The hottest I've ridden in so far was 109 degrees....and I didn't have any problems. (course I also LOVE the heat!)

[DrBee]

I've never used a camelbak - does it make your back sweat more?

109??? It's a dry heat....

I can't do 105 because even right now (low 90's) the sun is so hot I feel like it's melting my skin off.

[Fredwina]

I don't notice it, but I know some do complain.

[bcipam]

I've never used a camelbak - does it make your back sweat more?

109??? It's a dry heat....

I can't do 105 because even right now (low 90's) the sun is so hot I feel like it's melting my skin off.

OK when its hot sweat is good, it keeps you cool!

I just can't see riding in hot weather without using a Camelbak. First of all the System which is easier to reach than a water bottle ensures you will be drinking on a regular basis. Come on, admit it, it's just not that easy to grab a bottle out of the cage... it is so much easier to suck on a Camelbak nozzle. And drinking is not enough. It's best really not to exercise in the heat (great time to try an indoor spin class) but if you must like our Texas and Southwest gals know, be prepared. Wear cool clothing, make sure you eat properly before and during. I learned that water will stay in your system and body better if there is food in your stomach. Otherwise it just sweats out and no matter how much you bring in if it's going out, it can't help you!

Make sure you are properly hydrated before the ride as well. Stay off the caffeine products including coffee or tea. For a morning drink try hot chocolate or herbal tea instead. Shorten your ride, ride easy or better yet ride early or late but not during the day. Personally love those late afternoon rides when a breeze comes up (at least in my neck fo the woods). And if you start to get lightheaded, it's time to stop and rest, get shade and cool off. Not worth risking a hospital stay due to heat exhaustion or stroke.

[caligurl]

you have to get used to the heat! i'm horrible in the cold... but i love the heat! yesterday when i left for my ride it was 108 degrees! i loved it! gorgeous day! i always take 2 bottles though.... i use polar bottles (insulated) and fill them with ice cubes.. then water.... i also use a camel back when going on longer rides.... and if needed.... i can put bottles in my handlebar bag (2 propel bottles fit nicely!) yesterday in addition to the 2 water bottles... i took a propel bottle and filled it with lemonade.... (cuz i felt like lemonade!)

i don't normally have gatorade unless i'm doing a long ride (as in centuries)... water is enough for me... but i know each person is different....

you must have a teeny tiny frame! mine is a 48 and i have 2 side entry cages... i did need to switch to side entry in order to use 2.... and my polar bottles are also the tall ones!

since you can only put one cage... i highly recommend a camel back! they are very comfy! i was surprised! oh... and a tip i got from another rider... when you get done drinking... blow the water back into so that the water doesn't sit in the "straw" thingy and get hot (he saw me taking the first sip each time and spitting it out... and informed me of the really neat trick of blowing it back in... so now i just blow bubbles and ALL my water is cold!

OH... and for the camel back... again... i fill the bladder with ice cubes.. then with refrigerated water... even here in the desert... it stays cold a LONG time!

and one more tip... when i take the camelback and water bottles... i drink the water bottles first cuz they get warmer faster... then when they are gone... switch to the CB!

[KSH]

I've never used a camelbak - does it make your back sweat more?

109??? It's a dry heat....

I can't do 105 because even right now (low 90's) the sun is so hot I feel like it's melting my skin off.

Anything above 90...I am sweating so much, I can't tell the difference.

And, the Camelbac... when is has ice in it... is more likely to keep you cooled off, just a bit.

[pgsmart]

Does anyone know if the Camelbaks made for women that have a curved harness are anymore comfortable than the regular camelbaks? Also, my LBS carries Hydropak rather than Camelbak. Does anyone know if one is any better than the other?

[caligurl]

i have a rogue (camelback) and it's VERY comfortable!

[Brandi]

Does anyone know if the Camelbaks made for women that have a curved harness are anymore comfortable than the regular camelbaks? Also, my LBS carries Hydropak rather than Camelbak. Does anyone know if one is any better than the other?

I have the mule it is curved but I don't think it is for either a man or a women. I had the reg basic one before this. This one is awsome! Ithas this back on it that alllows air flow over your back. Love it!!!!

[Brandi]

I've never used a camelbak - does it make your back sweat more?

109??? It's a dry heat....

I can't do 105 because even right now (low 90's) the sun is so hot I feel like it's melting my skin off.

First i agree with the camel back. I always ride with mine no matter how long the ride. The newer one's now have this new back on them that allows air to flow through it. your back might get sweaty but there is still air flowing. I like the camel back cause I am not very good about reaching down to get my bottle while riding. I tend to crash or fall. I don't have to stop with the camel back either I can just keep going. I do keep a sports drink though in my bottle on my holder for the longer rides so I have both. And put ice in my Camel back too. I have a huge reservoir. Bigger then normal so i can put a lot of ice. Good luck and take it easy!