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When it comes to summer cycling, I’m no stranger to long rides under the summer sun. I’ve spent way too many mornings along bikes paths with other early risers, riding relentlessly for the sake of riding before the high heat. When summer is here though, cyclists love to boast of razor sharp #prohours tan lines, long miles, and adventures in epic places but while we are out for miles in the sun, there are some things we should focus on: protecting ourselves against dehydration, sun and wind burn, and keeping cool. Knowing that I’ll be outside riding till the temperature rises to unbearable degrees, I always prepare and pack my summer essentials to ensure I’m prepared for every hot situation. That said, here are my top essentials for cycling in the heat.
Handle Bar Bag
I’m not a fan of carrying things on my person if I could help it when it’s hot out. Weightless bags for summer rides are essential since they can carry the basic necessities and more. Road Runner’s Burrito Bag and Swift Industries Bandito Handlebar Bag can carry those ride essentials without adding much weight to your bike. On summer rides I always keep a small stick of sunscreen, spf lip balm, chamois packet, bug spray, a zip lock of money, wet wipes, and handkerchief to wipe sweat off my face during rides. Plus you never know when you’ll need to reapply any of these items or need a dry dollar bill.
SPF Kit
When it comes to kit, covering up with a UPF jersey and bibs tights can help protect you from sun damage. Machines For Freedom carries the Summerweight Long Sleeve Jersey and MVP Bib Tights providing UPF 50 to protect your skin from the sun and breathability. Made from a super lightweight fabric that keeps you cool and dry, it’s perfect for even the hottest days.
Hummingbird Athletic’s Perfect Black Bib Shorts also carries sun protection and are made of high performing fabrics for fast moisture wicking with a quality chamois. The length are just high enough to keep tan lines from ruining your shorts and dress days and are easy on the shoulders.
Sun Protection – Sunscreen should always be on whenever you step outside for long periods of time. For body and face sunscreen I highly recommend a sunscreen that is environmentally friendly like La Roche-Posay. Chemical sunscreens usually absorb UV radiation, allowing it to pass the surface of the skin but preventing it to reach the deeper layers, while mineral sunscreens reflect the UV radiation, blocking it from entering the skin at all. You also want to consider after sun exposure reparation to avoid sunspots and any damage.
SPF Lightweight Sleeves and Cycling Caps
If you’re one that really dislikes tan lines from cycling jersey’s, wearing lightweight UPF proof sleeves in one way to prevent tan lines and sunburns on really hot days. MFF summerweight sleeves aren’t arm warmers and actually keep your skin breathing while protecting you from harsh sun rays.
Cycling caps go a long way in keeping sun, rain, and sweaty helmet hair in control. The function of a cycling cap can help keep your vision clear as a way to keep sweat and bright sun out of your eyes where you need to be vigilant in staying safe on the road.
Eye and Head Gear
Be aware that while being #outsideisfree it’ll cost you your vision if you don’t protect your eyes with riding specs. Also, getting bugs, dirt, and grit in your eyes can be both painful and dangerous on a bike, and the chances of that happening are greatly increased in summer when bugs are plenty and dirt roads are tempting for a wondering adventure. One way around the problem is to invest in some UV protective riding specs like Oakley’s EVZero Blades.
A breathable cycling helmet like Giro Synth MIPS Helmet can go a long way in keeping your head cool. If you have thick heavy hair like myself and don’t like wearing caps in summer, wearing a cooling headband will also help to keep sweat dripping down your face into your eyes while protecting your face from sweaty hair and hairlines from sun damage while letting your head breath under your helmet.
Hydration
Staying hydrated seems like an obvious one, but let’s break it down. Not only do we get way sweatier while cycling out in summer weather but we’re generally losing more fluid throughout the day too, thanks to the heat and humidity. Sure, this makes us thirstier, but dehydration affects many processes within the body that we might not even be aware of, like brain function. Obviously hydrating and replacing electrolytes is key to keep our bodies from becoming dehydrated but in the heat we sweat more and lose more salt. Consider carrying insulated bidons that can be iced with water and another mixed with electrolytes to help you avoid bunking and dehydration. I highly recommend OSMO Active Hydration that dissolves in your bottle. You can keep refilling your bidons with water and just drop one in.
Lightweight Socks and Shoes
Feet are essential to regulating your body temperature. Cycling-specific summer socks are made from lightweight and breathable fabrics that keep your feet cool and dry in hot weather, and will be far more comfortable than regular sports socks. In summer keeping them breathable, hot spot, and swell free will help make the ride a lot easier. Consider investing in colorful lightweight socks and high quality cycling shoes such as Specialized S Works Road shoes that will keep your feet breathable and dry while you crush your summer miles.
What have I missed? What are your favorite summer riding essentials?
Images: @machinesforfreedom /@roadrunnerbags /@swiftindustries / @osmonutrition / @specialized / @larocheposay / @oakley / @giro / @hummingbirdathletic