Once the temperature outside exceeds that of body temperature you need to wrap up rather than undress. Why? 1) It reduces water loss from evaporation 2) It creates a cooler microclimate around your body 3) It prevents serious sunburn.
       Ever seen a guy all bundled up with his jacket on and a smile on his face - when it's ninety eight degrees outside?
       Some riders know the secret to air conditioned riding, some don't. While it might seem more comfortable to take your jacket off when it's hot out, think again. If you like the protection your coat offers you can have it and keep cooler at the same time. Soak down your tee shirt.
       This wet tee method actually offers a cooler ride at 90 plus degrees than you'd have if you didn't have a coat on at all. By soaking down your tee your body is able to more easily disperse of its heat and not have it collect in the fibers of your shirt. Loosen your coat as much as you can and button up the front if you have buttons. With a loose coat and air moving into through the front between the buttons you'll have a real live water cooling system on your body and feel much better rolling down that hot highway.

Other tips for hot weather riding:
- Light coloured, full face helmet. It might sound unbelievable but when it gets really hot its cooler to ride with a closed visor.
- Sunglasses and light cotton scarf (don’t forget heavy duty sunblock for exposed skin!)
- Loose cotton shirt with long sleeves (cooler than a T-shirt) worn under a protector vest. For the top layer wear anything in a light colour – or nothing at all and look like a Ninja turtle (but see note below about sunburn).
- Wet your scarf and hair, and in very hot conditions soak everything if possible and do it every hour or so.

       Prevent FATIGUE. Stop frequently to rest, stretch, move around, drink water and cool down. Research shows that accident rates are reduced by regular short rest breaks.
       Prevent SUNBURN. Remember that you can burn through many lightweight fabrics (a good reason to go for denim/heavy cotton outer garments). Slap on total sunblock with highest SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for those exposed bits of flesh. Pay special attention to the ‘danger’ areas – between sleeve and gloves, back of the neck, throat and ‘V-neck’ if jacket is undone, and nose. Don’t forget to keep re-applying it too.
       Prevent DEHYDRATION. This is a very serious condition but is preventable. Signs are less frequent urination (urine passed will be less in volume and darker in colour), fatigue, headache, dizziness and cramps.

       Drink lots of water. This is probably the most important thing about riding in hot weather. Consider using drinking bottles which allow you to drink while on the move. If you put them in a wet cover (sock, towel, etc) they will stay cool as you ride. If not, stop often and make sure you carry a good supply of water.

Ride Safe~

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