6 Ways to Keep Cool While Summer Cycling
If you love cycling, summer is the perfect time to do it. However, there are a few things you can do to keep cool as you do so you can stay safe and healthy.
We recommend the following 6 ways to make your summer cycling adventure the best they’ve ever been!
1. Start out early
Since the sun rises earlier, it makes for the perfect time to go cycling. The temperatures and effects of the sun are less daunting too. Don’t forget your sunscreen even still, but if you can get your cycling adventure done before 8am, you’ll have more peace and enjoyment out of it.
2. Watch your pace
Summer means you’ll have to slow down when cycling. The heat makes you expend more energy to sustain the speed you’d normally go. Pace yourself, especially if you choose to ride during the hotter times of the day.
3. Dress for it
The proper attire will help you have a safe summer cycling experience. Think about aero helmets that have more vents to keep you cooler, lightweight mesh fabrics for your clothing, and things that wick away moisture to be sure you keep comfortable.
4. Have water for drinking and cooling
Any time of year, it’s important to stay hydrated but in the summer, it’s most important. All that cycling can be a strain on your body and if you’re going for the long haul, it helps to bring enough water to douse yourself with to help cool you down faster.
5. Safeguard from sunburn
Getting odd tan lines is like a trophy for cyclists. But getting a sunburn isn’t just painful, it’s dangerous. Those dangerous UV rays can lead to skin cancer and make you feel more fatigued. Choose a waterproof sunblock with SPF 50 and be sure to reapply it regularly when you stop for breaks. For long rides, consider investing in clothing with a UPF rating to protect yourself from head to toe.
6. Plan a good route
Part of cycling is planning your route in advance. In the summer though, where you ride can make all the difference. See if you can find routes that will take you through shadier areas and tree-lined streets to get a little more shielding from the sun. In city settings, tall buildings help too.
Going on a night ride is also a great idea once the sun has set. Many cyclists make the mistake of trying to go in the late afternoon or early evening while the sun is still up. The lingering heat can be just as insurmountable as noon temperatures though. When organizing cycling at night, make sure your lights work and that you wear enough illumination to be seen by motorists when you ride.
Cycling takes a lot out of you and can make your muscles sore. When you need us, call us for an in-home massage so we can help your muscles recover and get you ready for your next cycling adventure!
