Riding in the heat

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.

Joseph

Any fire stations along your route? I've had very good luck here with them
letting me refill and get ice! And use the BR, too! 🙂

If water on the head helps you stay cool, I think it's a good thing.

I live in SC. I leave home right after 5:30a. 2.5 hours makes a huge
difference on the other end of your ride!

Bob in CT wrote:
:: I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
:: another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It
:: was over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am).
:: On getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat
:: around for at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about
:: 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool
:: water helped. What else helps? Does putting water on your head
:: actually help? I had water left and could've done that. There
:: aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other liquids,
:: though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left to
:: drink.
::
:: And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm
:: not used to high heat any more.
::
:: --
:: Bob in CT

I didn't think of the fire station idea -- that's a good one. I do have
one (maybe two?) on my route, although I think it's a volunteer fire
department. I'm not sure if anyone is there on the weekends. Using the
BR would rock! I have to run into the woods typically. I'll look into
the fire department idea, though, as that could work out well. There is
one local park, but it doesn't have water. The other few parks are very
far into my ride (60+ miles), so they're a bit too far for this heat. I'm
definitely changing riding times this week. I was going to ride home from
work tomorrow, but I think I'm riding in the morning near my house instead.

On Mon, 31 Jul 2006 13:27:26 -0400, Roger Zoul <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Any fire stations along your route? I've had very good luck here with
them
letting me refill and get ice! And use the BR, too! 🙂

If water on the head helps you stay cool, I think it's a good thing.

I live in SC. I leave home right after 5:30a. 2.5 hours makes a huge
difference on the other end of your ride!

Bob in CT wrote:
:: I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
:: another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It
:: was over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am).
:: On getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat
:: around for at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about
:: 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool
:: water helped. What else helps? Does putting water on your head
:: actually help? I had water left and could've done that. There
:: aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other liquids,
:: though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left to
:: drink.
::
:: And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm
:: not used to high heat any more.
::
:: --
:: Bob in CT

--
Bob in CT

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was
over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On
getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for
at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of
water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool water helped.
What else helps? Does putting water on your head actually help? I had
water left and could've done that. There aren't many places dring my
ride to get water or other liquids, though, so if I put all my water on
my head, I'll have none left to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--Bob in CT

Try the northern California valley where it gets to be up to 100+, like
last week, and even with humidity around 15% it is just plain HOT with
no shade trees, except maybe 2 or 3 miles apart. I ride from tree to
tree, chug a lot of water and head for the next tree.
Bill Baka

Quoted message said:

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.

Joseph

Try 105 and 15% humidity. I drink about a liter before I leave, take 3
24 Oz. water bottles (one mounted on front fork) and a gallon jug in my
Phred baskets on the back. About 40 or 50 miles of that and I am ready
to come home and take a long cold shower, then drink still more. I have
to wring out my sweat band every few miles or I can't see where I am going.
Hot is hot.
Bill Baka

Bob in CT said:

I didn't think of the fire station idea -- that's a good one. I do have
one (maybe two?) on my route, although I think it's a volunteer fire
department. I'm not sure if anyone is there on the weekends. Using the
BR would rock! I have to run into the woods typically. I'll look into
the fire department idea, though, as that could work out well. There is
one local park, but it doesn't have water. The other few parks are very
far into my ride (60+ miles), so they're a bit too far for this heat. I'm
definitely changing riding times this week. I was going to ride home from
work tomorrow, but I think I'm riding in the morning near my house instead.

Gas stations and convenience stores also work. And they are also a
handy place to get a chocolate bar.

I've also found that just looking dead to the world and saying please
works wonders at most any business that is open to the public. I'd
have to be really miserable and really dehydrated to try knocking on
someone's door but that's also a possibility.

-M

Bill Baka said:

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was
over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On
getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for
at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of
water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool water helped.
What else helps? Does putting water on your head actually help? I had
water left and could've done that. There aren't many places dring my
ride to get water or other liquids, though, so if I put all my water on
my head, I'll have none left to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--Bob in CT

Try the northern California valley where it gets to be up to 100+, like
last week, and even with humidity around 15% it is just plain HOT with
no shade trees, except maybe 2 or 3 miles apart. I ride from tree to
tree, chug a lot of water and head for the next tree.

The problem is not that the heat is that terribly high but that he is
no longer used to high heat. As the OP says he used to think the 90s
were cool and now he's overheating in the 80s.

Quoted message said:

Bill Baka said:

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was
over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On
getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for
at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of
water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool water helped.
What else helps? Does putting water on your head actually help? I had
water left and could've done that. There aren't many places dring my
ride to get water or other liquids, though, so if I put all my water on
my head, I'll have none left to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--Bob in CT

Try the northern California valley where it gets to be up to 100+, like
last week, and even with humidity around 15% it is just plain HOT with
no shade trees, except maybe 2 or 3 miles apart. I ride from tree to
tree, chug a lot of water and head for the next tree.

The problem is not that the heat is that terribly high but that he is
no longer used to high heat. As the OP says he used to think the 90s
were cool and now he's overheating in the 80s.

I know. I can overheat in the 60s if I pedal hard and long enough.
Likewise I can be cool in the 90s if I just goof off and don't treat it
as a training ride. Dirt is good for me since black asphalt gets way too
hot and reflects the heat back up.
Bill Baka

Quoted message said:

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80
with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home
after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour
until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice
in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none
left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.

Joseph

Thanks, Joseph. This was my "hard ride" prior to my "easy ride", with
around 3,500 feet of climbing. The "hard" part is the beginning, with
around 8 hills at around 7 % grade each. After that, it gets much easier,
though there's one long climb and a 9.x percent grade hill that's less
than one mile long, within two miles from my house. It took me 3.5
hours. I finished in about 5 minutes slower than last time, but my heart
rate was 5 beats faster for the entire time (old, not hot day: 150, about
80.6 % of my max HR; hot day: 155, about 83.3 % of my max HR; that's
average HR for the 3.5 hours, including one stop). I also had a water
bottle. I had water left, but I was originally intending a longer ride
and I knew it would be hot. The water was still cool in the camelback.

--
Bob in CT

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--
Bob in CT

I was going to write my own message about this, but didn't. However,
I'll say that Northern California had some terribly hot weather last
week, and I was out riding it in. One day in particular was 92 F and I
was out in the direct sun for about an hour or so. How did I deal?
Just drinking lots of water and taking a break when I felt like I was
going to overheat. I made it.

Now, though, I prefer to go out in the late afternoon or early evening.
There's more traffic, but it's cooler and I only have to deal with
cars for a little while before I find the bike trail I ride.

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--
Bob in CT

I was going to write my own message about this, but didn't. However,
I'll say that Northern California had some terribly hot weather last
week, and I was out riding it in. One day in particular was 92 F and I
was out in the direct sun for about an hour or so. How did I deal?
Just drinking lots of water and taking a break when I felt like I was
going to overheat. I made it.

Now, though, I prefer to go out in the late afternoon or early evening.
There's more traffic, but it's cooler and I only have to deal with
cars for a little while before I find the bike trail I ride.

Bill Baka said:

Quoted message said:

Bill Baka said:

Bob in CT wrote:
> I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
> another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was
> over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On
> getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for
> at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of
> water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool water helped.
> What else helps? Does putting water on your head actually help? I had
> water left and could've done that. There aren't many places dring my
> ride to get water or other liquids, though, so if I put all my water on
> my head, I'll have none left to drink.
>
> And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
> used to high heat any more.
>
> --Bob in CT
Try the northern California valley where it gets to be up to 100+, like
last week, and even with humidity around 15% it is just plain HOT with
no shade trees, except maybe 2 or 3 miles apart. I ride from tree to
tree, chug a lot of water and head for the next tree.

The problem is not that the heat is that terribly high but that he is
no longer used to high heat. As the OP says he used to think the 90s
were cool and now he's overheating in the 80s.

I know. I can overheat in the 60s if I pedal hard and long enough.
Likewise I can be cool in the 90s if I just goof off and don't treat it
as a training ride. Dirt is good for me since black asphalt gets way too
hot and reflects the heat back up.
Bill Baka

I lived in Los Angeles for a while and guys I knew spray painted the
bottoms of their riding shoes silver.

Joseph

Bill Baka said:

Quoted message said:

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.

Joseph

Try 105 and 15% humidity. I drink about a liter before I leave, take 3
24 Oz. water bottles (one mounted on front fork) and a gallon jug in my
Phred baskets on the back. About 40 or 50 miles of that and I am ready
to come home and take a long cold shower, then drink still more. I have
to wring out my sweat band every few miles or I can't see where I am going.
Hot is hot.
Bill Baka

I drove out to LA once and decided to take a "shortcut" in Nevada along
some huge number of miles of dirt roads through the desert. My [censored] car
died in the middle of nowhere and I had to pull the MTB from the roof
and ride someplace (turned out to be Dixie Valley) to get help. I
tossed 3 gallon jugs in my messenger bag and headed west. Sure could
have used a phref basket then! My shoulder hurts just thinking about
it. That was hot. I was concerned that I might die.

Joseph

Roger Zoul said:

Any fire stations along your route? I've had very good luck here with them
letting me refill and get ice! And use the BR, too! 🙂

If water on the head helps you stay cool, I think it's a good thing.

I live in SC. I leave home right after 5:30a. 2.5 hours makes a huge
difference on the other end of your ride!

I am in south Florida and i have had to put most of my rec riding on
hold for the summer. I was getting up and going out at 7:am but found
that getting /up/ that early was hurting my rest too much. I work
strange hours and think that my rest is at least as important as riding.

As for dealing with the heat, I put my water bottles in the freezer so
they are solid when I leave. It keeps them cooler just a bit longer.

Ken
--
Messengers and mountain bikers share a common chromosome. ~James Bethea

I use a hydration pack also but on the hot days I brink a couple of
bottles also and use them on me rather than in me. I also don't push
myself too hard. On a normal day when a ride might only take a couple
of hours, it may take four on the hot days. It's 102 in Minneapolis
today!

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--
Bob in CT

Quoted message said:

Bill Baka said:

Quoted message said:

Bob in CT wrote:
> I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
> 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
> high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
> around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
> I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
> a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
> water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
> that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
> liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
> to drink.
>
> And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
> used to high heat any more.
>
Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.

Joseph

Try 105 and 15% humidity. I drink about a liter before I leave, take 3
24 Oz. water bottles (one mounted on front fork) and a gallon jug in my
Phred baskets on the back. About 40 or 50 miles of that and I am ready
to come home and take a long cold shower, then drink still more. I have
to wring out my sweat band every few miles or I can't see where I am going.
Hot is hot.
Bill Baka

I drove out to LA once and decided to take a "shortcut" in Nevada along
some huge number of miles of dirt roads through the desert. My [censored] car
died in the middle of nowhere and I had to pull the MTB from the roof
and ride someplace (turned out to be Dixie Valley) to get help. I
tossed 3 gallon jugs in my messenger bag and headed west. Sure could
have used a phref basket then! My shoulder hurts just thinking about
it. That was hot. I was concerned that I might die.

Joseph

I can relate.
In 1968 I was driving in the desert with an ex-marine friend of mine and
we got run off into the sand at about 75 MPH by some [censored] in a pick
up truck. It was 115+ at 1:00 P.M. and we got the car out with the use
of an old drive shaft we found as if by miracle and a few pieces of
wood. Of course we had no water with us and it took about 2-3 hours to
get the car back on pavement and no A / C to sit in and cool off. There
were actually real vultures circling and hoping. By the time we got the
car out we went back to a bar we saw and nearly froze at 85 degrees and
the owner was apologizing. After a few mugs of beer we weren't
complaining a bit but sure wanted to go after that guy in the pick up.
The bar owner told us he knew him and he was such a crazy old coot that
he had no business driving anything. We weren't into beating up old guys
so we just got back on the main road to Vegas, lesson learned.
Bill Baka

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about another
5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80 with
high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home after
around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour until
I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice in
a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does putting
water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none left
to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

--
Bob in CT

In my experience it is all a matter of acclimitization. I ride in
southern AZ and this time of year it is often in the 90's by 9:00 a.m.
Yet all the locals do just fine. Comments above about humidity are
also relavant and 90 in CT is often harder to deal with than 100 in
desert.

Another related issue. I have a friend who insisted that he didn't
perspire and as a result couldn't ride int he heat. He stayed with me
for a week and I noticed that in the mornings he drank 5+ cups of
coffee. He had iced tea or cola at lunch and more mid afternoon. And at
dinner several glasses of wine or beer. All told 10 or more servings of
drinks with diuretic properties each day. I told him I thought his
problem was what he was drinking and he said no his doctor told him he
didn't sweat. Well he didn't sweat because he was eliminating all the
fluids he had.
He adjusted his dringing habits substituted water form much of his
other beverages and--voila' problem solved. So, perhaps you could look
at other aspects of your diet for help.

Bob in CT said:

I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
another 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was
over 80 with high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On
getting home after around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for
at least an hour until I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of
water and a bunch of ice in a camelback, and the cool water helped.
What else helps? Does putting water on your head actually help? I had
water left and could've done that. There aren't many places dring my
ride to get water or other liquids, though, so if I put all my water on
my head, I'll have none left to drink.

And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm not
used to high heat any more.

Gee, living up here in Boston, 80F even with humidity doesn't sound that
bad to me. But who knows how bad it really was in CT.

What I do for heat is this:

1) Sleeveless bike jersey. The #1 thing. You have no idea how much a
17 mph or so airflow under bare armpits can cool you off. I only use
them when it's at least 80F though - otherwise you can be too cold!

But that's better than the opposite. Yesterday, I went out for ~100
mile ride in what I thought was only going to be 80F. So I didn't wear
my sleeveless jersey. Big mistake! Everyone was telling me how hot I
looked. But it *was* humid, and that makes it worse.

2) Helmet with big air vents, and lots of them. They're more expensive,
but worth it. Again, the airflow from your own motion helps cool you.
I use and like the Bell Influx.

3) Sweatband or bandanna of some kind to keep the sweat out of your
eyes. If you have sweat as stinging as mine, you'll want something like
this.

4) If you do get overheated, putting water on your head does help. But
I try to avoid getting to that point. Evaporative cooling, and again,
the more so when you have forward motion.

5) Of course, plenty of hydration. But you seem to doing OK there.

6) If it's really bad, stick to short rides, with no big hills, on
routes that you know well.

Dave

"Bill Baka" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Bill Baka said:

[email hidden] wrote:
> Bob in CT wrote:
>> I went for a ride this Saturday in CT. I intended on riding about
>> another
>> 5 miles or so, but it was too hot -- dangerously hot. It was over 80
>> with
>> high humidity when I started riding (around 8 am). On getting home
>> after
>> around 36 miles, I was exhausted. I sat around for at least an hour
>> until
>> I could get moving. I had about 70 ounces of water and a bunch of ice
>> in
>> a camelback, and the cool water helped. What else helps? Does
>> putting
>> water on your head actually help? I had water left and could've done
>> that. There aren't many places dring my ride to get water or other
>> liquids, though, so if I put all my water on my head, I'll have none
>> left
>> to drink.
>>
>> And to think I used to live in AZ, where I thought 90 was cool. I'm
>> not
>> used to high heat any more.
>>
> Humidity makes a big difference. Your sweat isn't as effective in the
> high humidity of CT compared with arid AZ. Water on the head (not on
> the brain!) would certainly help, and sometimes only a little is
> needed. On hot days it is important to make sure you are well hydrated
> before you leave. How much water you need is more dependant upon how
> long you ride, not how far. How long was this ride? I'd think 70oz of
> water and ice would last a while. You probably just had a bad day.
>
> Joseph
>
Try 105 and 15% humidity. I drink about a liter before I leave, take 3
24 Oz. water bottles (one mounted on front fork) and a gallon jug in my
Phred baskets on the back. About 40 or 50 miles of that and I am ready
to come home and take a long cold shower, then drink still more. I have
to wring out my sweat band every few miles or I can't see where I am
going.
Hot is hot.
Bill Baka

I drove out to LA once and decided to take a "shortcut" in Nevada along
some huge number of miles of dirt roads through the desert. My [censored] car
died in the middle of nowhere and I had to pull the MTB from the roof
and ride someplace (turned out to be Dixie Valley) to get help. I
tossed 3 gallon jugs in my messenger bag and headed west. Sure could
have used a phref basket then! My shoulder hurts just thinking about
it. That was hot. I was concerned that I might die.

Joseph

I can relate.
In 1968 I was driving in the desert with an ex-marine friend of mine and
we got run off into the sand at about 75 MPH by some [censored] in a pick up
truck. It was 115+ at 1:00 P.M. and we got the car out with the use of an
old drive shaft we found as if by miracle and a few pieces of wood. Of
course we had no water with us and it took about 2-3 hours to get the car
back on pavement and no A / C to sit in and cool off. There were actually
real vultures circling and hoping. By the time we got the car out we went
back to a bar we saw and nearly froze at 85 degrees and the owner was
apologizing. After a few mugs of beer we weren't complaining a bit but
sure wanted to go after that guy in the pick up. The bar owner told us he
knew him and he was such a crazy old coot that he had no business driving
anything. We weren't into beating up old guys so we just got back on the
main road to Vegas, lesson learned.
Bill Baka

B.S.