Take a lesson from Iraq

[Doktor]

This is the time of year where heat injuries can become a real issue, especially for us that ride. We aren't very 'sweaty' because the wind is evaporating our sweat as quickly as we put it out so we don't realize how dehydrated we are getting, I'm very new to Spyders but not motorcycles, rode my first in 1957 at age 9, bought my first at age 12. But I'm a retired Army medic, and have seen my share of heat injuries, even had a couple myself.
I've been reading through some of the "heat problem" listings, mine is a "speeding ticket" red 2013 RT-S SE5, and have been having some of the same issues.
My grandson was in Iraq with the 3rd Marines, and one of the pieces of equipment that they would take with them, in addition to their weapon, was a hydration pack. The danger of dehydration was a very real danger over there, with temps in 110-125 degree range.
I was reading a thread started by a young lady with MS last year. She often had to limit her riding because environmental temperatures, and was looking for suggestions to help decrease her problem from overheating, I started to respond to that thread, but thought that it might be better to bring it up fresh. The soldier's hydration pack have insulated tubes and capabilities to drink through their gas mask that we might not need, but we all need to be mindful of remaining hydrated. You can probably go to any military surplus store and find one, if you ride long and often in high heat environments.
But for the average rider, there really isn't a need for that, go to your local Wally World and head to the sporting goods dept, they usually have just what you need, you want the one that just has the bladder and shoulder straps, the backpack style will insulate too much. Find the one with the big mouth to fit ice into the bladder, for people that have cold drink issues you may not want the ice, but either way fill the bladder with as cold a water as you can find, stretch the straps as far as they will go so that the bladder is as close to the kidneys as you can get, the body flushes every ounce of blood through the kidneys an amazing amount of times, reduce the temperature of the blood, you reduce the core temperature of the body, and it takes almost no effort to place the tube near your mouth and you probably need to fill the bladder every time you fill your tank, and if you are doing the fluids (think water) empty your other bladder,:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:


Doc

 

[jwulf74]

We use Camel backs on our pedal bikes and they work great. When we start venturing out on long rides on the Spyder, I anticipate using for those also. Way easier to use that to drink while riding and with the face shield down. The cooling effect is an added bonus.

 

[Topshotta]

Hoo-ah Doc

Great idea::thumbup: i use a camel bak when I ryde, I am able to take sips even with a full face helmet.

 

[Dochands]

and wear the right gear. There is a reason why in every hot climate people wear long pants and often wear long sleeve shirts. Only Americans seem to think that sleeveless t shirts and shorts is the way to stay cool and be comfortable in a hot climate. People in other cultures are not concerned about style. They understand survival. It's why the long sleeve LD Comfort shirt makes such sense even if you don't wet it.

 

[retired1]

Welcome to the forum Doktor. Thanks for the hints on hydration!

 

[DriftersWay]

Great post,,, Thanks this is the way I am gonna go

 

[Trickie Dick]

Camelback

I use a camelback as well when on a longer ride and it's hot. A few years ago on our route 66 ride I attached my camel back to my bag on the backseat. I had put a longer tube on it so it reached over my shoulder. It was cooler riding that way as opposed to having it on my back. Plus, I put it in the freezer each night and let it melt during the cooler morning hours and was ready to drink as the day warmed up. I just prefer cool/cold water.
I also agree with the long sleeve shirt idea. I wear a long sleeve LD Comfort shirt soaked in water. I open the vents my jacket and it keeps me cooler for several hours. BTW, it evaporates too quickly doing this with a mesh jacket. Just open your front, back, sleeve and chest vents and you'll be surprised.

 

[Flanker]

All good suggestions! Don't discount the driving your Spyder into a stranger's swimming pool technique though. It works great at hydration, is a real "splash" with the pool owners, and gives the rest of us something to talk about for a couple of weeks! What? Of course we'll respect you afterwards! :joke:

 

[bruiser]

BB and I have thermoses that fit our Diamond R cup holders perfectly. We fill them with ice and flavored water (MIO). I also use mine around the house when working outside. It has a latched flip top, just push the button and the top flips open. I have a camel pak, I don't use it though. One thing I want to add, hydrate before you ride, work or anything that involves activities in a hot environment.

Riding on any military installation requires long sleeves, long pants, full finger gloves, over the ankle boots, eye protection and helmet. Some even require retroreflective vest in bright orange or yellow during the day.

 

[Bob Denman]

All good suggestions! Don't discount the driving your Spyder into a stranger's swimming pool technique though. It works great at hydration, is a real "splash" with the pool owners, and gives the rest of us something to talk about for a couple of weeks! What? Of course we'll respect you afterwards! :joke:

I have just GOT to get myself to one of your barbecues... :2thumbs: :roflblack:

 

[HedonismBot]

I got a chance two weeks ago to try out a cooling vest I bought. Just soak it in cold water for a few minutes and put it on. It made a huge difference. Last summer I'd overheat easily thanks to a medical condition, but this kept me noticeably cool for 4 hours. When we stopped for some food, my wife re-soaked it in the bathroom for the ride home. You could just as easily bring a small, soft-sided cooler with ice water in it to soak it while you eat or gas up.

The vest combined with one of those under armor type shirts that wick away water kept me cool and completely dry. I was shocked when I got undressed at home and was not soaked through with sweat. A camel back is the next purchase.

 

[Dan McNally]

+1 on a CamelBak . . . My has been a lifesaver. It holds 70 ounces and I fill it with ice, then pour in Gatorade. I wear a mesh riding jacket and pants in hot weather. With the Camelback under the jacket, the pad on the jacket also gets cool from the ice, and between the two, help keep me cool. I also have one of those cooling towels . . . soak it, squeeze out the excess, and wear it as a bandana or around my neck. When the heat index is 115, that helps a lot.