Tip 1: Keep cool
Enjoy your ride without overheating by planning what you wear and when you ride. Go for cool, light-colored clothing in quick-drying fabrics and avoid cotton, which retains sweat, making you feel sticky and damp.
Well-ventilating clothes allow you to feel the breeze as you pedal along and pick a helmet that lets the wind blow through it, keeping your head cool.
If you have the choice, staying out of the midday sun is not only a fresher way to ride, but it will also reduce skin-damaging UV rays. Not to mention enjoying the early morning rays or watching the sunset from the saddle.
Tip 2: No sweat
If you are cycling to work or appointments in hot weather, you don't want to work up too much of a sweat. The trick is to keep your body temperature low. To do this, just slow down and take it easy, allow a little more time for your journey – or hop on an e-bike and let the motor take the strain.
Cycling in the open air gives you a much greater chance of arriving at your destination feeling fresh than on a cramped public transport journey or frustrated in a traffic jam!
Wearing light clothing that allows sweat to evaporate goes a long way to feeling and smelling fresh. In hot weather, wet wipes or damp flannel can work wonders for a quick clean-up. It's also worth remembering that bacteria cause body odor – and it's worse with wet clothing or skin.
Tip 3: Hydrate
When it comes to sweat, cycling in warm conditions means more water is lost from your body than when it's cool outside.
Always carry a water bottle on your bike and ensure you drink enough throughout your day. Quick rule to live by: drink one liter per hour in hot weather, a little more or less depending on your body size.
Along with sweat, your body also loses electrolytes – the salts your body relies on to keep your body in water balance. If you are a 'salty sweater,' you will notice white salt rims on your helmet strap or dark clothing.
If your body needs salt, you might crave salty, savory food. If you sweat a lot during the day, you may need to eat a bit more salt. A sprinkle of table salt on your fries, eating potassium-heavy fruit like bananas, or drinking fresh coconut water can help.
Tip 4: Wear sunscreen
Hot weather cycling means exposing your skin to the sun, often for long periods. Shade is nice while it lasts, but sunscreen is essential on any summer ride.
Your riding position means that the back of your neck, behind your ears, tops of your thighs and backs of your hands get more rays than when just walking around. So make sure to hit those spots with a nice slather or two.
Use plenty of sun protection before the start of your ride and apply it above your shorts' line or sleeves. Choose a sweatproof sun lotion or cover your arms and legs with light, loose clothing if you are prone to burn.
Tip 5: Look as cool as you feel
Sunglasses are not just a summer fashion accessory; they are also safety equipment for your eyes.
In warm weather, there are a lot more bugs and dust in the air. If you're speeding up and going downhill, getting this in your eyes may be painful. Riding in the heat can dry your eyes, making them feel scratchy and harder to see through. Dark glasses are essential for keeping the sun's glare out and enjoying a clear view of the road ahead.
Tip 6: Have fun!
Soaking up the sun by bike is by far the best way to enjoy the summer. Crisp, cool early mornings watching the city come to life and sundowners at a favorite cafe after a day of pedaling with friends is what summer is all about. So, our most important tip: Make sure to have all the fun in the world!
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