It is HOT outside. Before you head out on your bike this weekend, make sure you... - Plan: Plan your ride well ahead of time, and give yourself enough time to ride and recover. Carry emergency bus or cab money, and research where and when bus routes are available. Avoid the hottest parts of the day (10 am to 4 pm). Dress strategically: consider whether dry-wicking clothing and sunscreen work best for you, or if you’d prefer light, loose, long-sleeved cotton for sun coverage. - Hydrate: ”Eat before you’re hungry and drink before you’re thirsty." Drink lots of water before, during, and after riding, beginning up to a day ahead of your ride. - Avoid Heat Exhaustion: Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion. Initial signs can be subtle, so know them and pay attention. At the first signs of heat exhaustion: back off. Relax your pace, and increase your fluid intake, especially if you have stopped feeling thirsty. If you do not recover within 10-20 minutes, immediately find air conditioning or shade, and be prepared to call 911. Heat stroke can occur quickly and it is potentially fatal, so don’t try to tough it out, even if you only need to travel a short remaining distance. Lastly, if you get a flat tire or have mechanical problems, be sure to seek out shade or a place indoors for repairs.
Posted on: Fri, 02 Aug 2013 13:37:00 +0000