4 Tips to Riding Your Bike In The Summer

Summer has to be the best time to do some serious bike riding. As the soft gentle summer breezes keep you cool and the sunshine warms you and energizes you, the world looks so much better! But because of the heat and humidity, biking in the summer needs some special attention so check out these 5 tips to riding your bike in the summer.

1. Timing
Isn't that what they always tell us? It's all in the timing. Well, riding your bike in the summer is no different. You should plan your ride for the cooler times of the day so that the sun is not beating down on you your entire ride. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion can set in very quickly if you're not careful. The sun is hottest when its directly overhead so if you try not to bike between 11:00 to 2:00 you'll avoid the hottest time of day.

2. Clothing
Well you gals might be tempted to put on those sexy little shorts and you guys might be tempted to put on your favorite dockers but this isn't the wisest move. Those lycra shorts that make you roll your eyes are truly the best shorts to wear when biking in the summer. Besides, the padding they provide to your tushie also draw moisture away from the body which can keep you dry and stop you from getting drenched in sweat. Remember sweating keeps your body cool so you don't want to stop the rest of your body from sweating. It's just that moisture down below can lead to some nasty rashes and some saddle sores.

3. Location
Location location location - we've all heard this phrase before, well, biking is no different. Try to choose a bike path that runs among the trees and away from the hot pavement of the city. Not only does the pavement heat it up, the cars do to. The mix of extra heat and the more difficult breathing can make your ride very unmemorable. If you don't have a trail system you can use, then head to the rural areas or outskirts if at all possible.
<4>Hydration
Staying hydrated is absolutely necessary for a safe bike ride. You need to carry several bottles of ice cold water with you. You may even have to replenish your supply along the way. If you do not stay hydrated, you could land up with a case of heat stroke or heat exhaustion before you even know what hit you. Worst case scenario, it can kill you, and if it doesn't kill you by the time you are through being sick and feeling absolutely awful you're going to wish it did. So even if you don't feel thirsty, drink then drink some more and then drink again!

4. Don't be stupid
They don't give out prizes for being stupid!! Use your brain and don't venture out when there are smog alert warnings or heat warnings. Be cautious if you aren't feeling well. Even the mildest illness can change how your body responds to the exertion. Most important, know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke and don't ignore them. It's always wise to carry a cell phone with you incase of an emergency. With the size of today's phones, you should be able to find a safe place to tuck it out of the way.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of summer as you tour around on your bike but follow the 4 tips to riding your bike in the summer to stay safe and healthy!