Warm Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips
As motorcycle enthusiasts, we all look forward to long summer rides when we can hit the highway for a pleasant afternoon of cruising. But wait, if you’re trying to stay cool by wearing a thin T-shirt, you might want to check yourself first because you aren’t being safe when it comes to riding a bike in warm weather conditions. You’re more prone to suffer heat stroke and exhaustion when the temperatures soar, so it’s important to know the rules when it comes to riding in the heat.
Dress to Beat the Heat
You need to keep your body protected when you’re on a bike, so don’t forgo the jacket and pants. Look for ventilated riding gear made of breathable natural fibers. You can keep yourself cooler by covering your skin because you’ll be able to insulate yourself against the heat. Always wear your helmet, gloves, and boots, too, to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
UV ray protection is also extremely important on long rides. Your clothing and helmet will protect most of your body from the sun, but you should apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, like the back of your neck. You can either wear sunglasses under your helmet or you can get a tinted visor to protect your eyes from the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration sets in faster than you might think when you sweat a lot in hot conditions. Your body will lose water as it tries to cool itself down, so staying hydrated is very important. You can either buy a backpack-style hydration system to sip from as you ride, or keep water bottles to drink from every time you stop for a rest. You also lose valuable electrolytes through your sweat, so make sure to supplement your water intake with snacks containing salt and potassium or a sports drink.
Use Common Sense
Avoid riding during the hottest parts of the day when the sun will be near its zenith and temperatures will be at their peak. Plan your riding during the early morning hours or early evening, when it will be comparatively cooler. Don’t exhaust yourself as riding for hours at a time without rest will cause fatigue, increasing your chances of an accident. Regularly take breaks in the shade or indoors to allow yourself to cool down.
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