If you’re thinking about going on a bike ride in the heat, or if it is feasible on your part, here are some tips for riding through the weather that is heating up.
Tips For Riding Through the Weather That Is Heating Up
1. Make sure you have hydration throughout the time of year.
If you need to go cycling during warmer months, you should be able to do so safely and comfortably. However, if things get too hot, consider taking off your shoes and riding barefoot instead of pedaling. When the sun is shining there are fewer obstacles to avoid than in the winter, so make sure to have water in the cooler and keep your body covered. It also helps to take this approach if you are running as well. Not only will this help prevent yourself from getting sunburned, but it can also make you less likely to get injured when walking. You can find out more about how this works in our article here.
2. Do not let the temperature discourage you.
If things are getting too warm, don’t give up! While you may be tempted to quit or stop, don’t take that step. Instead, just ride with the discomfort and heat all around you and try to not let yourself experience any pain. Just remember what we mentioned above: no one likes a sore bum, so don’t forget to hydrate if you lose the balance. Also, ride slowly and carefully because you might hurt yourself on hills or rough terrain.
3. Get outside and enjoy the scenery.
If you want more ideas on how to exercise on the road in the summertime, check out these articles on bicycling in the desert:
4. Don’t bring unnecessary snacks or drinks along.
If you’re biking in the heat, keep things simple with minimal food. Remember that you won’t be going long distances at a time, so you should plan for this rather than having a full meal when you get home. Most importantly, stick to non-alcoholic beverages as much as possible. Even though this isn’t always practical for people who work out often in temperatures reaching a high 100 F+ (38 C), it’s still important for safety. Be careful of dehydration while cycling in hot weather. Keep fluids in a flask, bottle, or bag near you with all beverages kept away from your eyes while standing upright.
5. Avoid drinking alcohol in hot temperatures and drink plenty of water.
If you can’t drink alcohol in hot weather, do your best to stay hydrated by staying hydrated. One way to stay hydrated is to hydrate with extra water before each ride. Some types of rides, such as urban or trail routes, include multiple stops around the city or town for many miles. If you don’t have access to enough water, you can buy bottled or canned water as supplements. Alternatively, consider carrying an insulated thermos or pitcher of your favorite soda to sip over ice during a dip.
6. Ride with confidence.
One way to combat a nervous rider is to show them respect even though they haven’t exercised in cold weather conditions before. This might look like giving them space if you don’t know if you can handle their pace or feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders.
7. Dress appropriately.
As we mentioned earlier, wearing gloves or goggles can keep riders safe, especially when dealing with steep or rocky trails. Adding a helmet is highly recommended if you are cycling in the coldest parts of the country. There are many different options available online for cyclists, including headbands, visors, and sports equipment to help protect the eyes, nose, and mouth, among other functions.
8. Take precautions.
It’s important to ensure your bike fits properly and has proper maintenance. Check the tires on your bicycle regularly, change them if necessary, and clean out debris and rocks. Additionally, you can use tools to remove stubborn dirt and grime built up behind tires to create a smooth ride. Sometimes keeping the wheels on tight is better than letting them drift. Always read and follow any instructions regarding road etiquette, travel rules, and other helpful tips. If you need help figuring everything out, we have articles covering this subject here.
9. Plan ahead and choose the right route.
When it comes to traveling in the heat, it’s easy to let plans slide just because it’s hotter out there. We recommend planning ahead so you are prepared for anything that could happen before arriving in the destination. Our top tip is to get a map of where you’ll be going and who you’re going with, including times, estimated distances, and whether you might encounter windy, slippery roads or unexpected snowflakes.
10. Stay hydrated.
This tip is important if you plan on hiking, swimming, camping, or any activity that involves being out in the open. As we’ve mentioned above, keep an empty water bottle with your hydration, and don’t hesitate to refill it if needed. Whether you want to go cycling or mountain biking, you’ll need supplies in case of rain or wind, so make sure to pack something close if needed. And then throw that water bottle into your backpack or poncho in case you ever need to use it in these situations.
11. Consider leaving first thing in the morning or night to reduce exposure.
When it comes to cycling in the heat of the day, it doesn’t matter what time of day you decide to ride because the time of day is just as important. If possible, try to leave early on days you are most comfortable riding in the warmth, because nights get darker sooner. On nights you are out biking, the sun won’t rise for longer, so it will probably be dark when you arrive at your destination. If you want to ride later at night, leave more than two hours before your scheduled time. Although it’s hard to imagine waking up to find yourself sweating through your shirt and wondering when the next ride is leaving soon, rest assured that once you start warming up your muscles will adapt to the sudden increase in temperature.
12. Hydrate again.
We know we just said to avoid drinks, which is why you left the bottle out earlier. But hydration is very important to avoid scaring yourself to the point that you have a cold or even flu symptoms. So if you aren’t ready to go and want to wait, you can always just add bottled water or even carry your own container of water. Then, come back in the afternoon with some lunch or dinner to settle your stomach. After all, you had the entire day to prepare for your ride! Now that you’ve considered all the factors to prepare for when venturing out in the middle of the day, there are some simple steps you can take today to feel more confident and prepared. These measures will put you on the path to enjoying your biking adventure in the heart of downtown Colorado.
