Tips to stay cool on hot motorcycle rides
Summer is here and you can’t wait for your next motorcycle adventure. The sun on your face, the fresh breeze of wind and those long, open roads just waiting to be explored.
The extreme heat can take its toll on even the hardest of bodies, but with the right planning and knowledge, you can be two steps ahead of the sun's rays. These tips should help keep sweating to a minimum so you can forget the heat and enjoy the ride.
#3: SunscreenGood old sunscreen is still the best way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to grab something with a high SPF factor, apply anywhere your skin isn't covered by clothing and don't forget the neck.
#4: Avoid alcohol, added sugars and caffeine
Aside from the obvious drink/driving implications, alcohol is known to accelerate dehydration. Even drinking after a ride can rob you of hydration and contribute to a hangover the next day.
Caffeine's relationship with hydration is still a matter of debate but try to avoid it if possible. What's not debatable is that sugary drinks inhibit the body from absorbing water. So no matter how much you feel like smashing a can of coke, the effect is temporary and will hurt you in the long run.
#5: Make good food choices
If you're planning a ride in hot weather, it's better to go for a light breakfast. You might be the kind of person who loves to load up in the morning, but meals packed with protein and carbs need much more water to break down in your stomach.
Good old sunscreen is still the best way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to grab something with a high SPF factor, apply anywhere your skin isn't covered by clothing and don't forget the neck.
#4: Avoid alcohol, added sugars and caffeine
Aside from the obvious drink/driving implications, alcohol is known to accelerate dehydration. Even drinking after a ride can rob you of hydration and contribute to a hangover the next day.
Caffeine's relationship with hydration is still a matter of debate but try to avoid it if possible. What's not debatable is that sugary drinks inhibit the body from absorbing water. So no matter how much you feel like smashing a can of coke, the effect is temporary and will hurt you in the long run.
#5: Make good food choices
If you're planning a ride in hot weather, it's better to go for a light breakfast. You might be the kind of person who loves to load up in the morning, but meals packed with protein and carbs need much more water to break down in your stomach.
#6: Make frequent stopsAs a rule, try to take a break every hour. The rest will help reduce your body heat and fight fatigue from hitting you later in the day.
Try to find a resting place in the shade to let your body cool and prevent the onset of heat stress. Keep the breaks to about 10-15 minutes and you should feel a whole lot better.
If you don't feel like you need a rest after an hour of riding that's absolutely fine. Ride your own ride. But once you hit two hours then it's highly recommended that you stop and cool off.
#7: Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day
You won't always have the luxury of choice but, if possible, try to avoid riding between midday and 5 p.m. This is the hottest time of the day and where the dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are at their highest.
#8: Stay away from air conditioning
This might seem counterproductive, but sudden swings in your core temperature are going to cause some problems. It can lead to a cold and make you feel about 5x hotter once you leave the safety of the air con to face the sun again.
As a rule, try to take a break every hour. The rest will help reduce your body heat and fight fatigue from hitting you later in the day.
Try to find a resting place in the shade to let your body cool and prevent the onset of heat stress. Keep the breaks to about 10-15 minutes and you should feel a whole lot better.
If you don't feel like you need a rest after an hour of riding that's absolutely fine. Ride your own ride. But once you hit two hours then it's highly recommended that you stop and cool off.
#7: Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day
You won't always have the luxury of choice but, if possible, try to avoid riding between midday and 5 p.m. This is the hottest time of the day and where the dangers of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are at their highest.
#8: Stay away from air conditioning
This might seem counterproductive, but sudden swings in your core temperature are going to cause some problems. It can lead to a cold and make you feel about 5x hotter once you leave the safety of the air con to face the sun again.
