So yesterday was the first day I've ridden that could really be considered 'hot'. This spring has been so gorgeous so far, most days barely making it past 72 and with a brisk wind. Yesterday after work we did our rolling hills ride (rolling hills my ***...) with one bigger hill and the heat really got to me.

I thought I was well hydrated going in, having drank a good bit of water throughout the day, and halfway through the ride had very little left in my water bottle (I only have one holder, because my bike is a compact frame and will only fit one... though now I'm thinking of getting one of those behind the saddle bottle holders). However, there was an issue shutting down the major highway in the area so there was a lot of traffic congestion on our normally quiet back roads we take, and that resulted in breathing in a lot of nasty hot car fumes.

The temp started around 96 with full sun and fairly humid (I don't know percentages) and when I came back in from the ride was 88. That's almost 20 full degrees hotter than I was used to riding in, and I guess I wasn't prepared.

At the top of the big hill I nearly passed out, and throughout the climb I felt like I was going to vomit, and, uh, other things at the same time. I focused on keeping breathing and trying to get oxygen into my system, but the climb was a hard one for me on a normal day, and with the heat I just couldn't handle it. To top it off, I got a flat at the top of the hill, which at least allowed me to get off and get some rest. But by that point I was so overheated I almost passed out and had to sit down while two guys did my tire for me (I felt so weak and useless... angry at myself...frustrated).

Anyway, another rider suggested I drink electrolytes before a hot ride to get as much energy/hydration as possible. I bought a bottle of Gatorade to drink before today's ride so we'll see if that makes it better (only going up to 86 today though).

Any other tips from you ladies on how to deal with the heat out there?