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Summer
Riding Tips
Stay in the
saddle longer with these tips to stay cool.
Summer’s heat will place demands on your
body's cooling mechanisms. To survive the
heat and avoid heat-related illness, here
are a few tips for keeping your cool on the
trail this summer.
Drink before, during and after your ride.
Begin drinking even before you get on the
bike or start your ride. Don't wait until
you are thirsty to drink.
By the time you feel thirsty,
you’re already dehydrated.
Carry more water than you think you'll need.
If you cannot carry enough fluids in your
water bottles, wear a back or hip-mounted
insulated hydration system. They come in
different sizes and usually hold 70 or 100
ounces of fluid.
Cool
Water goes down easier: Fill your
bottles or hydration pack 1/4 full and put
in the freezer the night before your ride.
Fill the remaining space with water when you
are ready to set out on your ride.
Keep the sun off with a helmet.
A bicycle helmet is critical to safety and
also protects your scalp from sunburn and
provides shade. Newer helmets are light and
well ventilated to further reduce heat build
up.
Wear the right clothes.
For a more comfortable summer ride, wear
cycling clothes with wicking material to
transport sweat away from the body so it can
cool you by evaporation. Mesh panels can
also increase comfort by allowing more air
to reach the skin. Light colored clothing
will also reflect a large portion of the
sun's rays.
Take regular breaks.
Stop cycling if you feel weak, dizzy or
fatigued. Make sure you pull over to the
side of the trail safely, away from possible
oncoming riders or other traffic.
See More
Mountain Biking Tips Here
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