There is no such thing as bad weather when riding, whether it's monsoons, winters, or summers. While most motorcyclists prefer chilly, dry weather, the riding bug doesn't wait for the weather to improve before biting you. Hot summers, with the blazing sun pounding down relentlessly on you, are one of the most difficult weather conditions to ride in. You should be properly prepared if you plan any short or long rides in such hard circumstances, as cycling in hot weather poses a comparatively greater challenge to your body. Here are some suggestions to keep you cool and safe on those hot summer rides.
Consider your ride duration carefully
Riding in the summer means you'll have clearer skies and better visibility than in the monsoons and winters, giving you more freedom in terms of when you ride. Even if you have the freedom, you should avoid cycling during the hottest hours of the day. The sun is at its harshest between 12 and 3 p.m., and the ambient temperature is atrociously high. If you're on a full-day ride, this is the perfect time to take your mid-day breaks. Plan shorter rides so that you get to your destination before the peak heat period. For the most comfortable riding experience, you should either leave early in the morning or ride after 3 p.m. For longer journeys, the best-case scenario is to begin your journey in the morning and stop for a leisurely lunch break about 12.30-1 P.M. for a leisurely meal and an hour's rest. After 2.30-3.00 p.m., you can resume your journey. This short respite is beneficial not only to you, but also to your vehicle, as hot weather causes oil, coolant, and engine temperatures to rise dramatically. Allowing your bike to cool down will help it recover and partner you more reliably for the next leg of your journey. Try to stick to the aforementioned timings for journeys where you'll be returning the same day: arrive at your destination by 12.30-1 p.m. at the latest, and then begin your return journey by 2.30-3 p.m.
While not ideal for visibility, the coolest hours to bike during hot summers are when the sun is not shining. To get the most distance, it's a good idea to leave a couple of hours before daylight. Adding a few hours of ride time to your journey after the sun goes down is the greatest strategy to beat the heat in summers if you are a seasoned rider in the dark.
Put on weather-appropriate clothing
Now, just because it's hot outside doesn't mean you should ride without adequate riding gear. Choose riding clothing that allows for enough air circulation while still keeping you safe in hot temperatures. Summertime is great for textile riding gear with armour in sensitive locations. The first layer of your garment should be a wicking fabric that helps perspiration to evaporate quickly. Furthermore, thanks to the wind, you will not feel the heat as much when cycling at speeds beyond 40-50 kmph. The odds of you getting skewered are highest in stop-and-go traffic, so plan your travel so that you may escape the irritating city traffic and get onto the interstate as soon as possible. Leave the city early in the morning and always use ring highways or by-passes for cities along the way. Keep the vents on your helmet open at all times, and keep the vents on your jacket and leggings open as well. For hot weather, there are specialised cooling vests that keep you cooler for longer. It is recommended that you get one and use it because it is quite efficient against heat. It's also important to consider the colour of your gear; light-colored goods that reflect sunlight are preferable than dark-colored items that absorb heat and cause discomfort.
Eat Smart
It's not a good idea to consume oily, spicy, or heavy meals when it's hot outside. Your body is continuously fighting to stay hydrated, and if you pack your stomach with hard-to-digest food, it will demand more water from the body for energy production. You are paving the road for yourself to get uneasy and dehydrated by doing so. Maintain a healthful, light, and hydrated diet. Simple food that requires little effort from the body in terms of digestion and provides a steady, consistent release of energy is recommended. Buttermilk, coconut water, and fresh lemon water are all hydrating liquids that help you stay hydrated and fresh. Salads with hydrating vegetables like cucumber, onion, carrots, and tomatoes can also help restore your body's salt reserves; just make sure you obtain them from a location that handles and prepares raw vegetables safely. When riding long distances in hot weather, it's also a good idea to stop for a snack or lunch break instead of loading up on a substantial meal.
During breaks, take off your gears
Ensure that you remove your heavy riding gear during stops so that your body may get some fresh air and properly cool down. To remove the riding gear without feeling strange or ashamed, use a fully-body wicking liner or moisture-wicking T-shirts and shorts inside the gear. Remove your riding boots as well to allow your heels to chill down.
Apply sunblock and buy good sunglasses
While hot weather has an effect on the entire body, the face and eyes are more exposed to the sun than other areas of the body, thus they bear the brunt of the severity of the sun. Before you go on your ride, make sure you have a good sunscreen on the exposed parts of your body. Eyewear that protects against heat, UV rays, and brightness without obstructing vision should also be purchased.
Keep yourself hydrated
A water bottle is a must-have. You must hydrate yourself as often as possible. Invest in a nice hydration pack so you may continue to drink water while cycling. Also, drink plain water as often as possible instead of sugary energy drinks or coffee, which will deplete the body's water supply and cause more harm than benefit. You can also add a dash of oral rehydration salts to the water in your hydration pack to help protect your body from losing electrolytes.
Breaks should be taken more frequently
You might be an endurance cyclist who doesn't tire as quickly as others. Riding in hot weather with the sun blazing down on you, on the other hand, is exceedingly risky. If not careful, even the most experienced hot weather motorcyclists can succumb to heat exhaustion or even a stroke. It's usually a good idea to take a little break earlier than usual to get some fresh air, calm down, and refresh your body. It not only allows your body to relax and recover, but it also allows your bike to catch its breath. Summers cause motorcycles to heat up faster, and riding in such temperatures for lengthy periods of time is bad for the engine's health. The tyres, too, need to cool down so they don't overheat and continue to provide you with ideal grip.
Keep an eye out for indicators of heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Heat stroke and severe heat exhaustion can strike without warning. If you are not comfortable riding in hot weather, don't try it. Early indicators of heat exhaustion or a heat stroke include headaches, weariness, cramps, nausea, and red patches on the skin. If you are even somewhat unwell, don't hesitate to seek cover and comfort in the first available location. Rest, rehydrate, and don't move any more until you're feeling better. Heat strokes can be lethal very rapidly, and as a responsible rider, you must take all necessary precautions to avoid being a victim.
Maintain your vehicle fighting fitness
It goes without saying that maintaining the health of your motorcycle is critical before embarking on a ride in difficult weather. To have a great ride in the scorching heat, make sure your two-wheeler has been properly serviced and that all of its components are functioning properly. Check that the engineoil has not been misused and has been refilled in a timely manner before you start your summer trip. Check and replenish all important fluids, especially if you're going on a long ride. If you have a liquid-cooled motorcycle, this is especially true for the coolant. Avoid riding too aggressively because when you ride hard, the engine oil has to work considerably harder, and the possibilities of the entire system overheating and breaking on you are much higher.
Check the tyres' condition as well, making sure the tread has not worn away. Maintain adequate tyre pressure and avoid overinflation in hot conditions, as air expands and can cause tyre rupture. If feasible, fill the tyres with Nitrogen, as Nitrogen-filled tyres run much cooler. Carry a puncture kit in case you get a flat tyre. Fill the fuel tank only halfway, leaving room for 1-2 litres of petrol. It's fine if you have to stop for fuel more often in hot weather; taking more breaks is really better for you and the motorcycle.
Summer riding can be enjoyable because traffic is light and visibility is superb, allowing you to cover a lot of ground quickly. You will enjoy your rides and have a great time if you are cautious and take adequate safety precautions. Always be prepared, follow the speed limits, and obey all traffic laws. Ride carefully!
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