Safe Summer Riding
06/04/2019
Rumor has it that temperatures will be higher than average this
summer, and it is important to remember when heading out on your
bike that safety comes first! There are several steps you can take
to make sure you are good to your body when biking in the heat.
We've come up with a list of guidelines to follow when biking in
hot weather to be sure that your body and mind stay healthy and
happy.
The Golden Rule: Stay Hydrated!
Electrolytes offer the essential minerals that your body needs to
continue working hard. You naturally lose electrolytes when you
perspire, so adding electrolytes to your water bottle will help you
work harder and recover faster. We carry Clif Shot Electrolyte
Hydration powder, GU Hydration Tablets, Skratch Labs Hydration Mix,
and Generation UCAN Hydrate Electrolyte Powder. Always drink water
before and during your ride to stay hydrated. To keep your water
cold on a scorching day, we recommend the 23 ounce Purist Insulated
water bottle from Specialized.
Listen to your Body
New technology can help you zero in on what your body is trying to
tell you when you're riding in the heat. Certain Garmin watches,
such as the Vivoactive, 520, and 1000, can monitor your heart rate
and maximum exertion level. If your heart rate goes up
significantly, or you start sweating harder, it's a surefire sign
that you should slow down the pace a little bit. In addition, if
you stop sweating completely, it might be a sign of heat
exhaustion, and you should stop to rest up and drink water.
Adding Layers Can Cool You Down
You might not think to add extra layers in the heat, but adding a
moisture-wicking base layer will help your skin stay cool and dry.
These layers are like tank tops (wear them under your bib and your
jersey), and are generally made of polyester that will pull
moisture away from your skin so it can evaporate faster. We have
sleeveless base layers from Pearl Izumi and Castelli. Castelli even
makes a base layer called the Active Cooling Sleeveless that offers
additional cooling properties, thanks to the ProSecco ICE
fabric.
Shield your Eyes
Since high heat is often accompanied by bright sunlight, it's
important to have a good pair of shades that will protect your eyes
from the effects of the sun. Oakley has a brand new lineup of
lenses called the Prizm that are made for specific sports and
environments. There are two lenses for biking, the Prizm Road and
the Prizm Trail. The Road enhances your vision in bright light and
in shadows, so you'll be able to spot changes in the texture of the
road. The Trail enhances reds and browns so you can notice roots,
rocks, and other terrain whether in bright light or shadows. We
carry several different frame choives for the Prizm Road and the
Prizm Trail.
Eat Right for a Better Ride
Don't fill up on heavy foods prior to your ride; you can get all
the fuel you need from a smaller meal that is high in nutrients,
such as a protein shake and a bar. With lighter foods in your
stomach, your body won't have to work as hard on digestion, and can
focus more of its energy on staying cool. Try a Clif bar or a
Generation UCAN SNACK bar, which contain a slow-releasing
carbohydrate called SuperStarch that produces longer-lasting energy
by releasing the carbs into your body slowly instead of all at
once.
And remember, the earlier you leave for your ride, the
cooler it will be and the less time you will spend riding in hot
temperatures! Now get out there and enjoy the warm
weather!
