For active, outdoor people, there is nothing better than going for a bike ride on a sunny summer’s day. And whilst it may seem like a great way to spend a few hours in the glorious sunshine, you do need to take extra care when cycling in hot weather.
Clothing
When cycling in summer, you should consider switching up what you usually where and invest in some sun and hot weather friendly attire. Wearing a summer base layer that is lightweight and breathable will help keep you cool on your ride. You should also consider swapping from regular shorts or leggings to bib shorts – shorts help up with shoulder straps to stop the waistband digging in. This way, you don’t need to worry about being uncomfortable whilst riding and the shorts will help keep you cool.
Cycling gloves are also a good idea to provide extra grip on the handlebars when your hands are sweaty. To keep your head cool, also look at your helmet. If it had lots of vents in it, great. If not, you should consider upgrading to one that does.
Hydration
Keeping hydrated, especially during the summer, is always important. Make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your ride to keep you hydrated – aim to drink around every 15 minutes to avoid getting thirsty.
Route
Choosing the perfect route for your summer ride will not only benefit you and your bike, but also make the whole experience more enjoyable. When it is extremely hot, the tarmac on the pavements and roads can melt and become slippery and sticky. If the tarmac gets stuck to your tyres, it can then lead to punctures and other damage – not fun. To avoid this, pick a trail that is a dirt track
Not only is where you go important, but also when. Try to avoid cycling mid-day when the sun is its hottest. Instead, go out early morning or late evening when it is cool and less people out. If you can’t avoid the hot mid-day sun, choose a route that is mostly shaded to keep you cool and protected from the sun.
Protection
Just like you would when out and about or sunbathing, you should also protect yourself on your bike ride. Before you leave, make sure to apply a high factor sun cream, especially on exposed areas like your face, ears and back of your neck to help protect you from sunburn. To keep your eyes protected, you should also invest in some cycling sunglasses, but make sure they have 100% UV-filtering lenses for maximum protection.
