How can we stay cooler on Summer Bike Rides?
Bikin' Shorts
Staying Cool on Summer Rides

Our bodies like a certain temperature internally. Specifically, 98.6 degrees. If we get much hotter than that, we get into trouble fast. Here are some tried and tested techniques that you can use to stay cool during those hot summer rides.
Some deal with apparel. Some deal with cycling techniques. Others deal with water and how to use it.
Of course, if we are going to talk about summer rides, we will also tell you about a new area ride scheduled for July 2.
The BEST part of summer cycling is that heat burns up more calories, so that we can enjoy our summer foods that much more!
Sun-Sleeves

Our arms act like solar collectors during our bike rides, absorbing heat like a sponge. 

While we can put on sunscreen to protect our skin, it does nothing to reduce the heat. These sleeves actually help keep your arms cooler while protecting you from the sun without using sunscreen. 

Some styles even allow you to spray them with water, helping you cool down even more as you ride.

Sun-sleeves Information
Water Your Head & Body

My friend "Lightening" Willie Favors liked dousing his head with water. He did that a lot when we rode from Plano to Atlanta back in 1996. I prefer to use some iced water on the headsweat/bandana that I wear under my helmet. Either way, cooling your head a little with water can make a difference.

I also like to spray some water on my legs to help me cool down. Since I use my Camelbak for my iced drinking water, I will use my water bottle to spray on some water while I ride. While I like to spray my jersey and my legs, I usually don't spray my shorts!

The idea is to COOL DOWN a little bit as you go
NEW Area Ride on July 2

It's simple and easy. We've put together an exhilarating 8 mile loop just north of McKinney TX at the Myers Event Center. Participants can ride up to 12 laps. You can get a little ride or a longer ride. You can ride some, take a break and go out for more miles. The choice is yours. $15 registration fee for pre-registered riders. Wear your red-white & blue apparel to celebrate with your cycling friends and family members.

Pace & Heat

Muscular activity increases internal heat. While that is a good thing for riding in cooler weather, it works against us in the heat of the summer. I remember baling hay as a young man and having to quit after just one load. The older workers, who moved slower than I did, did 3 more loads without my help. Our pace on a bike ride is equally important if we want to "go the distance".  Pay attention to how you feel. If you feel like you are heating up, back off the pace a little bit. Try the water methods listed above. Work to develop a pace that you can maintain comfortably.
Bikin' Mike Keel | BikinMike.com | 972-578-5719 | Email | Website
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