Hot Weather Safety

[Jesper]

I will not tell you what to eat or drink; only that you must do it properly for the level of activity your are involved with.

I am in Florida; high heat and humidity. My most recent rides (all in 94-96° temps) have been somewhat brutal upon me regarding maintaining hydration.

My normal routine is to drink a pint of H2O about 30-60 mins prior to a ride and carry another pint on the bike (my old bikes-only single cages). When I stop for hydration. I generally get more fluid from whatever store I am near; keeping my bike water for emergencies (carrying a lot of water whether needed or not also takes more effort from you so carry only what you need for the conditions; but do not over do it either). When riding where no fluid sources are available I plan accordingly and modify the bike for more H2O (put on bar pack and stuff a pint in it, and I have some "strap-on" bottle cages that accept various bottle sizes so I can tote up to 1/2 gallon without concern; but not too happy about toting an extra 2 to 3 pounds when I want to really fly. I do use full water bottles as extra training weight also; but that's a different story. I'll also velcro strap a bottle to the seat stays and atop my rear caliper when not carrying any packs so I can always carry a minimum of 2 bottles no matter where I go and I highly recommend the same (even if using 20-24 oz bottles on the frame).

Always refill your bottles as soon as possible when out riding; an empty bottle does you no good!

For you Floridians (and others in similar weather conditions) I can recommend the best riding times, but you need to keep track of humidity since the best cool times are also around the highest humidity (early morning just before sunrise is generally going to be the highest RH% throughout an average day). About 2 hours after sunrise the temps will still (hopefully!) be fairly cool while the RH% slowly drops with the temp increase; much later and you are already at 90° and rising. At dusk it reverses so best time regarding temp/RH% in the evening is just as the direct sunlight ends; in a couple hours after that the humidity is going high again. If I had a "smart" watch I would rather have it provide temp and RH readings as opposed to my pulse and BP since the heat will cause problems resulting in a potential problem which then will affect your vitals. I would rather avoid the condition before alarms and buzzers start going off l, and when I could have preempted the situation with knowing the conditions I am exerting myself in.

Not sure where others are riding, but I am located in the lightning strike capitol of the USA, and even in the most severe area of Florida to boot. I think we just had at least 1 death and multiple people struck by lightning in the past 24 hrs in my region. I am riding a steel lightning rod. I see storms 20 miles away knowing that the same thing can develop in well under an hour in the conditions I typically have during 6 or more months (primetime at present!). GET YOUR BUTT OFF THE ROAD AND SEEK SHELTER!!! Lightning can easily strike 10 miles from the storm head so if you see it, it can strike you. If no shelter is available lie down on the ground away from water and your bike (any bike!). If you have a pack lie on it for insulation; the less your are in contact the better; eliminate the circuit if possible while staying low.

Enjoy and be safe!

[GirishH]

Welcome back, @Jesper .

Timely and helpful information!

I do the same in hot weather—never carry an empty bottle, whether I’m thirsty or not. I always keep it full because if I don’t need it, someone else might, especially during these hot spells. And, always drink all I can while at home or when potable water's available.

Just a couple of days ago, my friend and I did a long hike and the temps hit 90 deg F. I refilled my bottle and drank whenever I found potable water. On the way back, I
shared some with my friend as he'd failed to refill his camellbak.

Stay cool and well hydrated, everyone!

(06-23-2025, 10:06 PM)Jesper

dateline='1750730781' Wrote:  I will not tell you what to eat or drink; only that you must do it properly for the level of activity your are involved with.

I am in Florida; high heat and humidity. My most recent rides (all in 94-96° temps) have been somewhat brutal upon me regarding maintaining hydration.

My normal routine is to drink a pint of H2O about 30-60 mins prior to a ride and carry another pint on the bike (my old bikes-only single cages). When I stop for hydration. I generally get more fluid from whatever store I am near; keeping my bike water for emergencies (carrying a lot of water whether needed or not also takes more effort from you so carry only what you need for the conditions; but do not over do it either). When riding where no fluid sources are available I plan accordingly and modify the bike for more H2O (put on bar pack and stuff a pint in it, and I have some "strap-on" bottle cages that accept various bottle sizes so I can tote up to 1/2 gallon without concern; but not too happy about toting an extra 2 to 3 pounds when I want to really fly. I do use full water bottles as extra training weight also; but that's a different story. I'll also velcro strap a bottle to the seat stays and atop my rear caliper when not carrying any packs so I can always carry a minimum of 2 bottles no matter where I go and I highly recommend the same (even if using 20-24 oz bottles on the frame).

Always refill your bottles as soon as possible when out riding; an empty bottle does you no good!

For you Floridians (and others in similar weather conditions) I can recommend the best riding times, but you need to keep track of humidity since the best cool times are also around the highest humidity (early morning just before sunrise is generally going to be the highest RH% throughout an average day). About 2 hours after sunrise the temps will still (hopefully!) be fairly cool while the RH% slowly drops with the temp increase; much later and you are already at 90° and rising. At dusk it reverses so best time regarding temp/RH% in the evening is just as the direct sunlight ends; in a couple hours after that the humidity is going high again. If I had a "smart" watch I would rather have it provide temp and RH readings as opposed to my pulse and BP since the heat will cause problems resulting in a potential problem which then will affect your vitals. I would rather avoid the condition before alarms and buzzers start going off l, and when I could have preempted the situation with knowing the conditions I am exerting myself in.

Not sure where others are riding, but I am located in the lightning strike capitol of the USA, and even in the most severe area of Florida to boot. I think we just had at least 1 death and multiple people struck by lightning in the past 24 hrs in my region. I am riding a steel lightning rod. I see storms 20 miles away knowing that the same thing can develop in well under an hour in the conditions I typically have during 6 or more months (primetime at present!). GET YOUR BUTT OFF THE ROAD AND SEEK SHELTER!!! Lightning can easily strike 10 miles from the storm head so if you see it, it can strike you. If no shelter is available lie down on the ground away from water and your bike (any bike!). If you have a pack lie on it for insulation; the less your are in contact the better; eliminate the circuit if possible while staying low.

Enjoy and be safe!

[SPINMAN]

There are too many nice days in Florida to go out in 95° and risk bodily harm. I use these days as well as stormy days to train indoors. I have my Spin bike and do drills. Speed drills, climb training, anaerobic intervals, etc.

[enkei]

Ugh! I finally found space in my calendar to head out for some bike camping, only for the weather to get so hot, that it would make both the pedaling and the tenting horribly uncomfortable.

[GirishH]

I am with you, @enkei. I saw the sun maybe 2–3 days in the last two months. And the day I had to leave the state due to permit issues, the temperature shot up to over 90°F. My whole body was dripping with sweat, and my cycling shoes — which are Salomon XA Amphib swim-run shoes — are still wet even after 2–3 days. Wet from sweat, not water or a river crossing! :-)

(06-29-2025, 10:15 AM)enkei Wrote:  Ugh! I finally found space in my calendar to head out for some bike camping, only for the weather to get so hot, that it would make both the pedaling and the tenting horribly uncomfortable.

[enkei]

(06-30-2025, 08:56 AM)GirishH Wrote:  I am with you, @enkei. I saw the sun maybe 2–3 days in the last two months. And the day I had to leave the state due to permit issues, the temperature shot up to over 90°F. My whole body was dripping with sweat, and my cycling shoes — which are Salomon XA Amphib swim-run shoes — are still wet even after 2–3 days. Wet from sweat, not water or a river crossing! :-)

Double ugh!

[Jesper]

I am still averaging over 100 miles a week with 2 rest days; but I stopped cycling between 11am-6pm. +35 miles Sat., but done by 10am.

I know everyone cannot pick and choose to ride at the best times; but you do not need to endanger yourself if you take it easier when caught out in adverse conditions, do shorter sessions, and/or multiple sessions.

I cannot get on a trainer unless the weather actually is dangerous to ride in (e.g. hurricane, blizzard, etc.), or lack of pavement (my military time). If you like to "ride" indoors, great; but I want to go cycling rather looking at a screen or wall and going nowhere. It is psychologically stifling for me.

If I am going out in conditions that may be difficult I just prepare accordingly. I had 80 oz. of liquid today; the extra weight disappears quickly and provides some training resistance in the absence of hills. The guy I rode with this past weekend morning had a 2L camelback, while I only had 16 oz. of water since I know my body's reaction to more extreme conditions and do not need to carry much refreshment depending on each ride (also aware of many places to get more liquids if needed).

Since I was hit with dehydration once after a long ride in cool weather (not caused by cycling) I now drink 16 oz. before hitting the road for any lengthy rides.

If you have health issues that is different story altogether and you should consult your physician before exerting yourself in any manner during high heat conditions.