Surviving Summer

Breezing down the road is one of the nicest ways to stay cool on a hot summer day. The wind blowing across your body quickly wicks away the sweat and you feel nice and comfortable even on the hottest days. At the end of the day you can still feel pretty ragged if you’ve not protected yourself from the sun and dehydration.

Your best protection is to drink plenty of liquids. Regular water is better than nothing at all, but it doesn’t have all the electrolytes of a Gatorade­like drink. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, down one at your first gas stop/rest break, and every stop thereafter. They’re inexpensive, and it really makes a difference. If it’s really hot, buy two, and sip on the second one while you ride. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, as by then you’ve already lost more fluid than you think. You’ll know if you aren’t getting enough if you never have to make a pit stop.

Sleeveless black T­shirts look great, but they aren’t the best choice for a long day on the road. Wear a white lightweight cotton shirt if you want to be comfortable. White reflects the sunlight, and cotton is airy and will help wick away the moisture from your body. It may sound silly, but long sleeves help also as they protect your arms from the sun. Stick with blue jeans rather than shorts. They aren’t as cool, but provide protection from stuff thrown up off your front tire (not to mention road rash). If you plan to stop anywhere, throw a hat in your saddlebag. You might even find a lake or a river, so toss in some sandals and swimsuit if you’ve some extra room. A quick midday dip can really be a nice treat.

Don’t forget to use sunscreen, and some kind of chapstick, preferably one that contains sunscreen, for your lips. If you do get burned, L’Oreal Active Daily Moisture Lotion works fairly well for taking the sting out. You’ll smell sort of pretty, but it really does make a difference.

Ride safely and enjoy your summer.

Thanks for visiting VirginiaWind.

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