who is planning to ride thru the upcoming heat wave?

[DaveK]

…HTFU?

I always ride through the heat. I hate it, but I hate Metro even more. Just picture yourself on one of Metro’s non-ac cars packed in with 200 of your closest friends, or stuck in endless traffic. Then just take it slow and drink plenty of water. Enjoy the relatively empty trails and the breeze coming off the water. There’s plenty to like about biking even when the weather could best be described as a hair dryer.

[acc]

You will acclimate. Wear light colored jerseys. I’ve noticed the color of helmets makes a big difference with my sons and their skateboard helmets. White works best for them during the summer. Bring plenty of ice in your water bottles if possible. Cut your speed. It’s true, the herds will be thinned and it will be easier to ride. On the other hand, don’t make yourself miserable. There’s no rule that says you must ride your bike.

ann

[DismalScientist]

I just hallucinate about the tall cold one awaiting me at home.

[consularrider]

How else would I get to and from work? I have done some century rides in the upper 90s and my advice is similar to the above. Most of all, hydrate, find shade, don’t try to set speed records, and rest as needed.

[Greenbelt]

I waited until after 7pm to leave last week when it was hot, and it wasn’t bad at all once the sun was lower. Two water bottles and a lot of pre-hydration though.

[brendan]

From the long ride I did last Monday in up to 98 degree weather (e.g. when we passed BWI), I learned: it’s much cooler to be moving at any speed than stopped, even in the shade, since the air flow that you generate makes sweating much more efficient. Oh and: carry and drink as much fluids as you can: my road bike had two bottle cages in the normal places, plus two attached to a seatpost holder. 24 ounce bottles too…and it was barely enough.

Brendan

[ronwalf]

@Greenbelt 4333 wrote:

I waited until after 7pm…

Same. I head in early, head home late, and bring in enough food to keep me from starving before dinner.

[jrenaut]

I’ll be riding, no problem. On my way home, I’m going to grab a cold six pack of Coors Lite. If I get too hot, probably around the hill at 15th and Florida NW, I’ll just pop the top on a Silver Bullet and that awesome cold train will come roaring through, bringing with it a bunch of stylish, beautiful women who find me intriguing (And by that I of course mean my wife). We’ll enjoy a couple of cold ones and then head on our way.

[Silver]

My commute is short and offers some shade, so I’m going to try to stick with it. I’m going to switch out of wearing my work clothes, though, which probably means I won’t be organized enough to pull off the bike ride every day. Also, I’ll probably shift to going in earlier–on the way home if I get miserably messy I can always jump into the shower when I arrive.

[Riley Casey]

Heat? What does the temperature have to do with it?

Since I live in an un-airconditioned house I actually look forward to riding even in the heat. It’s my chance to get a breeze going.

[eminva]

I will keep riding. I’m from Texas, what can I say. However, I am not too proud to take the Camelbak on the 90+ days (in case you don’t remember from a recent thread, I am a rack and panniers person so this is doable on the commute).

Liz

[PrintError]

Doesn’t even remotely phase me. I grew up in Miami. I’ve commuted in NoVA when it was 4º, and when it was 104º. Really only makes a difference in what layers I wear.

[Dirt]

Not a problem. Just gotta adjust my expectations as to speed and distance.

[StopMeansStop]

My only problem with the heat is that the coke slupree machine is always on empty.

[RESTONTODC]

No problem. I rode on more than 100 during last summer. I freeze both of my Insulated Water Bottles before the ride and wear jersey with mesh on the back.

[Author]

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