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Summertime is the perfect time to take your motorcycle out for a ride, but it can also be one of the most challenging. It can be pretty challenging to stay cool while riding when the weather is hot and humid. The temperatures can quickly become unbearable, and it’s hard to focus on the road when you’re feeling overheated. This article will dive into some tips for staying cool while riding in hot weather.
What to Wear When Riding in Hot Weather
When riding your motorcycle in hot weather, you should wear the proper attire to keep yourself cool. These apparel can be costly, but it’s worth the extra bucks to keep you safe on the road.
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So, here is the clothing you need to prepare for a long bike ride in the summer.
Cooling Vest
A cooling vest is an efficient way to keep your body temperature down. It’s made of a unique material that helps to reflect the heat away from your body.
Riding Jeans
Jeans are not typically associated with being cool, but when it comes to riding in hot weather, they can surprisingly help keep you cool. The thick fabric helps to block the sun’s rays and prevent your skin from getting too hot.
Cooling Neck Wrap
A cooling neck wrap is a must-have for any motorcycle rider. It helps to keep the blood flowing in your veins and prevents you from overheating.
Tips for Riding in Hot Weather
In addition to wearing the proper attire, there are other tips you can follow to stay cool while riding in hot weather.
Stay hydrated with electrolytes
It’s vital to stay hydrated when riding in any weather, but it’s really imperative in hot weather to prevent heat exhaustion. This heat-related condition can happen after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and often comes with dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids and replenish your electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water. You can also don a hydration backpack, which features a water container and drinking tube so you can drink while riding.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can actually make you feel hotter, so it’s best to avoid them when riding in hot weather. While you should drink ample water during your ride, you should also avoid alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol impairs your driving ability and makes your body dehydrate faster. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, so they remove water from your blood more quickly than any other liquid. When riding in hot weather, it’s best to stick to water.
Wear full-body riding apparel
Although many of us love wearing T-shirts and flip-flops when it’s hot outside, this attire doesn’t make sense when you’re riding a motorcycle. Full-body riding apparel is the safer option as they reduce injuries in case of an accident. Wearing jackets, full-face helmets, full-length gloves, and boots can also protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and keep you cool while riding. Just make sure to wear well-ventilated or breathable clothing to promote airflow. However, you can still bring your flip-flops, so you can take off your boots and let your feet breathe during your breaks.
Avoid riding during the hottest time of day
If possible, try to avoid riding during the hottest time of day, which is typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. You plan your rides in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler outside. For example, you can wake up early, have breakfast, then start your journey. You’ll still have a few hours to ride before taking a break for lunch.
Take frequent breaks
When riding in hot weather, it’s essential to take frequent breaks to give your body a chance to cool down. This is of greater importance if you’re going on long road trips where you’re not wearing a hydration backpack. Stopping for breaks in shady spots will give you ample and much-needed time to rest, cool down, hydrate, and maybe stretch your body to get the blood flowing again. You can also have some snacks and cool your head by pouring water on it.
Knowing the Warning Signs of Heat Stress
In addition to taking precautionary steps to stay cool and hydrated, it’s also important to know the warning signs of heat stress. According to the CDC, the symptoms include:
Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Fatigue or extreme exhaustion
Muscle cramps
Excessive sweating
Elevated heart rate
Slightly increased body temperature
Clammy and moist skin
If you experience one or any of these symptoms on your ride, perhaps it’s time to take a break, hydrate, and cool down as soon as possible before things turn for the worse.
Final Words
Riding a motorcycle is an enjoyable experience, but taking the necessary precautions to stay safe and cool is important. Riding in hot weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. By following the tips in this article, you’ll be on your way to having a fun and safe ride. Just remember to drink plenty of fluids, take breaks often, wear the proper attire, and avoid riding during the hottest time of day. And most importantly, enjoy the journey!
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