I am hoping that the subject has gotten your attention. After the Saturday White Clay, DE ride (which was one of my favorites this year), I noticed the slight tinge of pain eminating from my bare legs and arms. Yup, sunburn! Nice and early this year which shows just how strong those UV rays are getting. Melanoma (skin cancer) rates have gone up dramatically in the past 15 years. 54,200 people will be diagnosed with it this year, and 7600 will die from it, making Melanoma one of the most lethal cancers. It is imperative that you wear proper sun protection. A high SPF sun lotion (15 is not high enough) and SPF rated clothing are a must. Make sure the lotion is waterproof! Head protection under your helmet should also be considered (most people forget that hair does not block UV rays) as well as eye protection. If you have children, please protect them even more. Melanoma rates in children have increased three times more than in adults. Body Glove now makes SPF rated skinsuit bathing suits, which protect 70% of the body. They are cheap and kind of "surfer dude" cool, get one for your kids! Remember, mountain biking is a 100% sun exposure over sustained periods activity. It is senseless to be affected by something that is so easy to prevent.
It is imperative that you wear proper sun protection.
If you don't ride in tree cover, yes. I'm almost always under heavy tree cover (temperate rain forest, after all); I ride 2-3 hours a ride, many rides a year, and I'm still lilly- white in the fall.
Quoted message said:
Head protection under your helmet should also be considered (most people forget that hair does not block UV rays) as well as eye protection.
Uh, OK. I think eyewear is extremely important anyway. There was a guy on this NG a few years back who took a minor fall into a bush, and was unhurt except for a stick embedded into his eye. I've worn eye protection ever since - always good to have the opportunity to learn from others' mistakes.
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Remember, mountain biking is a 100% sun exposure over sustained periods activity.
:-)
-- -BB- To reply to me, drop the attitude (from my e-mail address, at least)
BB <[email hidden]> had this to say "]news:[email hidden]
Quoted message said:
Ride-A-Lot said:
It is imperative that you wear proper sun protection.
If you don't ride in tree cover, yes. I'm almost always under heavy tree cover (temperate rain forest, after all); I ride 2-3 hours a ride, many rides a year, and I'm still lilly-white in the fall.
As do I, but there are a few places where I am in the "Great Wide Open"
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Head protection under your helmet should also be considered (most people forget that hair does not block UV rays) as well as eye protection.
Uh, OK. I think eyewear is extremely important anyway. There was a guy on this NG a few years back who took a minor fall into a bush, and was unhurt except for a stick embedded into his eye. I've worn eye protection ever since - always good to have the opportunity to learn from others' mistakes.
Never ride without eye protection. Period.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Remember, mountain biking is a 100% sun exposure over sustained periods activity.
