Advice: Riding in extreme temperatures
Summer is coming, and that means being smart about riding in hot temperaturesSummer is knocking on the door, and that means the mercury is going to rise.
As far as motorcyclists are concerned, many simply choose to jettison their bike during these extreme heatwaves for the cool confines of car air-conditioning. And who can blame them?
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Others, for a variety of reasons, push on in the heat, and for those hearty souls here are a few things to remember:
1. Dehydration is a big concern. It means you’re not replenishing fluids that are lost through sweat. Severe dehydration can be fatal, and at the base level can cause dizziness, cramps and breathing difficulties. So the lesson is keep your fluids up, and if you’re embarking on a long ride take regular stops to replenish – preferably in the shade. And snack regularly as well, which can be another source of fluids. Hold the beers until day’s end...
2. Riding in shorts and t-shirt may appear to be a good way to keep cool, but exposed skin absorbs heat. And when you crash, it’s not pretty. On the flipside, an all-leather ensemble, as well as non-breathable textile gear, just isn’t going to work, especially when you’re idle at traffic lights or going through slow moving traffic. You’ll cook. You may have maximum protection, but that’s of little comfort when your core temperature goes through the roof.
3. That’s why ventilation is so important, allowing cooler air to work against your skin while the hot air dissipates. In other words, to promote air flow. Mesh ventilation and/or ventilation panels are available in all forms of motorcycle apparel, and on the gloves that’s on top of your hand. Many pants and jackets also have removable liners to help regulate body temperature.
4. Don’t forget undergarments as well, particularly ones which have sweat-wicking properties.
5. Wear a light neck ‘warmer’, which keeps away the sun. Better still, wet it before you leave, which will act as a cooling agent.
6. And watch your bike’s engine temperature. If it's liquid-cooled it may pay to do a coolant level check before your depart. If it’s air-cooled, then don’t ride up the clacker of the vehicle in front of you, otherwise things could get rather hot under the collar.
Any other tips and suggestions? Fire them in.
A FEW MORE TIPS
- Put a wet newspaper -- broadsheet or tabloid -- inside your textile jacket. And no, a wet iPad doesn't work as well.
- Or better still, if you are wearing a singlet or t-shirt underneath, soak that before you set out, which creates a similar refrigeration effect without the newsprint. Repeat step in about two hours.
This article was originally published on January 23, 2017.
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