When to ride
- Leave early and finish the long sections before midday.
- Plan a stop in the shade or somewhere air-conditioned during the hottest hours.
- Check the forecast and heat warnings before you leave, especially for deserts and low-lying valleys.
Hydration
- Drink before you leave and do not wait until you are thirsty. Thirst is already an early sign of dehydration.
- Drink at every stop. A hydration pack lets you drink even on short breaks.
- On long rides in the heat you also sweat out salts, so a drink with electrolytes helps.
Gear: ventilated but protective
Riding in a T-shirt is tempting, but skin is the first thing to get hurt in a slide. There is gear made for the heat:
- A mesh jacket and trousers with armour, which let air flow through.
- A thin, breathable base layer that moves sweat away from your body.
- A cooling vest that you soak with water at a stop; in dry heat it keeps you cool for a long time.
- A helmet with the vents open, and ventilated summer gloves.
Signs that you need to stop
Headache, dizziness, nausea, sudden fatigue, heavy sweating or no sweating, and confusion. If any of these appear, stop in the shade, drink, take off gear and cool your body down. Confusion, hot dry skin or fainting are signs of heat stroke, a medical emergency: call your local emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in North America).
The bike in summer
- Tyre pressure rises as tyres warm up, so measure it cold, in the morning.
- On liquid-cooled bikes check the coolant level and that the fan works.
- On air-cooled bikes it is better to switch off the engine during long stops in traffic.
- A seat and tank parked in the sun get very hot. A cover or a shaded spot helps.
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. If you suspect heat stroke, call emergency services immediately.
Sources: CDC: heat and health. Links do not imply that these organisations endorse MotoCircleX.