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Riding on Code Red Heat Days

Other than finding a way to install AC on a spyder, seems like the IsoPro personal cooling system might be the best option for riding on high temp days.
 
Eh. I rode all last summer here in D.C., plan on doing it all this summer too. Won't be taking many long trips in 100+ super-high humidity weather, but I sold my car over the winter, the bike is what I commute on.

Here's what works for me:
1. It sucks. Nothing you do is going to change that, only mitigate it. If even after that it still sucks too much, don't ride- no shame in taking the car.
2. Stay covered in the hot sun. Shorts and t-shirt don't cut it- you'll get sunburned first, sunstroke next, and then very bad things flow from that.
3. 70ish-95 degrees I'll wear my mesh jacket (above 80+ I'll wear mesh pants too).
4. Above 95 degrees, mesh stops working (it just blows the sweat off you faster than you sweat, you stop cooling). That unfortunately means sealing yourself up in a regular jacket, which means unavoidable sweating. I'll ride brief distances without sealing myself up-- commuting, short trips, etc.-- but anything above that means wearing the liner and zipping up.
5. Above 90 degrees, either in mesh or a sealed jacket, I'll use a chill towel around my neck (I like the Chill-It brand, YMMV; soaked and kept in the fridge before I ride). I haven't had to use a cooling vest, but I've never ridden more than 100 miles in 100 degree heat; if I needed to, I'd do it.
6. Frequent beverage stops. Also a camelback can come in handy. Stay hydrated!

I've got a trip up to north New Jersey coming up at the end of July, all superslab up I-95... I imagine I'll be putting all these tips to good use. :doorag:
 
Eh. I rode all last summer here in D.C., plan on doing it all this summer too. Won't be taking many long trips in 100+ super-high humidity weather, but I sold my car over the winter, the bike is what I commute on.

Here's what works for me:
1. It sucks. Nothing you do is going to change that, only mitigate it. If even after that it still sucks too much, don't ride- no shame in taking the car.
2. Stay covered in the hot sun. Shorts and t-shirt don't cut it- you'll get sunburned first, sunstroke next, and then very bad things flow from that.
3. 70ish-95 degrees I'll wear my mesh jacket (above 80+ I'll wear mesh pants too).
4. Above 95 degrees, mesh stops working (it just blows the sweat off you faster than you sweat, you stop cooling). That unfortunately means sealing yourself up in a regular jacket, which means unavoidable sweating. I'll ride brief distances without sealing myself up-- commuting, short trips, etc.-- but anything above that means wearing the liner and zipping up.
5. Above 90 degrees, either in mesh or a sealed jacket, I'll use a chill towel around my neck (I like the Chill-It brand, YMMV; soaked and kept in the fridge before I ride). I haven't had to use a cooling vest, but I've never ridden more than 100 miles in 100 degree heat; if I needed to, I'd do it.
6. Frequent beverage stops. Also a camelback can come in handy. Stay hydrated!

I've got a trip up to north New Jersey coming up at the end of July, all superslab up I-95... I imagine I'll be putting all these tips to good use. :doorag:



What about underarmor or a similiar water wicking undersuit? That help at all in your opinion?
 
I feel a mesh jacket and maybe pants are the best things going. I think it is actually cooler to ride in mesh then shorts/t shirt. Also much safer.
Some of the other suggestions are great as well. cool neck, vests and so. With mesh jackets, you can stop at a rest area and pour water/soak your sleeves and it will only last a few miles, but it is effective. Almost every sells water in bottles. At a dollar or two, cheap cool down.
Keep hydrated I will usually plan on two liters or so. Plan on is important. If you wait, you are too late.
When I was younger, I rode in 90 + weather a lot. Now, not so much.
Ride safe and have fun
Oldmanzues
 
Type I or Type II?
Type I here; 47 years...
Hey Bob & Bone Crusher:
I too am T1 for 35 years. Riding in heat can be an issue, fortunately, I've not had issues yet. Always drink allot of cold diet soda or water while riding, and seek cool rest spots. Favorite when riding in hot weather is a cool stream to put your hot feet in. Ahhhhh.
 
What about underarmor or a similiar water wicking undersuit? That help at all in your opinion?


Nope...as long as you have a jacket on of any kind, you're gonna sweat profusely. There are products better than UA, but you can't wick into infinity and beyond...your jacket gets soaked....

In MD today, it's 95...tomorrow about 100 and humid...no riding for me...no need and not any fun...it's simply unsafe...
 
What about underarmor or a similiar water wicking undersuit? That help at all in your opinion?

A *little* bit, but mostly just because it's lighter clothing-- I like the FirstGear undershirts and the Ex Officio underwear, both better than wearing thicker cotton.

But yeah, once it gets too hot, it just don't matter.
 
What size are you? I have a large evaporation vest only worn once. Pay shipping and I will send it to you. I think it is blue, I would have to check when I get home.

I normally wear a medium. Large is usually too big for me. But thanks a lot for the offer.

Cotton
 
Another thing: mesh pants on the Spyder are double-edged sword-- you don't get a lot of airflow at the legs to begin with, and what airflow you *do* get is often the furnace blast out of the right and/or left sides. My right side heat was fixed long ago thanks to Spyderpops, but my left side fires like a blowtorch in the summertime. Textile or leather pants are often better than mesh in this situation.
 
Bytemi, I have MS and the ice tie will work wonders for you. Also, if you need to get a couple of extra and wrap them around your wrists. That sure cools me down. Let me know how it works for you :thumbup:
 
leave it at home

if you're not right or think you will be not right, leave it at home. see my post on your other thread. my dad always said, '' tomorrow's another day ''. he was right.:thumbup:
 
You could always...

You could ride nekkid with a lot of sunblock to stay cool... :clap:

But, when I was flying gliders (sailplanes for us pilots), I was taught that by the time you feel thirsty (2-3% dehydration), you've already lots over 5% of dexterity and clarity of thought.

On a Spyder (or any motorcycle), that may the the difference between hitting the brakes when someone pulls out in front of you... or not!
 
Keeping cool

One of the things I carry around in warm weather is a couple of medical instant cold paks. They don't take up much room and are good in an emergency. Ever since a fellow rider almost passed out from heat stroke I have made it a point to be ready in the future. Just sew or mighty mend some pockets to the inside of an old light colored shirt up high near your shoulders in front or back. Squeeze the paks to activate toss em in and get some relief for about an hour plus. I also found them handy for getting a doggie bag home on the rides when I don't finish a meal.

http://www.first-aid-product.com/industrial/instant-cold-compresses.htm
 
the vest, neck tie (wet), etc. PLUS a way to keep hydrated!! We use Platypus backpacs, stuffed with ice before we leave.
 
If there is any doubt in your mind,STAY HOME,your life is not worth the risk. As someone else said, there is always another day. Don't take risk that you don't need to. That is my $.02 worth.
 
Being paraplegic and on an insulin pump for diabetes - I dont ride on days this hot, anything over 95 is just unbearable for me. I don't sweat from the waist down so overheating happens easily and quickly. I find its no fun riding when its this warm -- especially since I insist on wearing a full face helmet, pants and a vest or jacket everytime we ride.
It's really important to know your limit.
 
Being paraplegic and on an insulin pump for diabetes - I dont ride on days this hot, anything over 95 is just unbearable for me. I don't sweat from the waist down so overheating happens easily and quickly. I find its no fun riding when its this warm -- especially since I insist on wearing a full face helmet, pants and a vest or jacket everytime we ride.
It's really important to know your limit.

Dang IT! I have limits! :roflblack:

Yes, I know I couldn't agree more! I just wish I could keep the feeling of normalacy (spelling sorry I suck) every day. The Spyder really does make the MS just seem like a memory. But I agree, when the spasms start or I can't think straight, it take the fun out of the ride. I left Billie at home again today, going to be way to hot for me.
 
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