Dealing with the heat

[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!