Summer Motorcycle riding tips
The summer can be one of the most entertaining, but also uncomfortable, times to get on your motorcycle. Sure, it’s great to get out on the road in the sunshine, without rain, wind, or whatever else the colder seasons throw at you. However, the heat gets unbearable at times here in Texas, which is why you need to learn some simple techniques to stay cooler while you’re out riding on a hot day. At Woods Fun Center, we put together this simple guide to help you stay safe and comfortable in the summer. If you have any further questions, feel free to come talk to us at our dealership in Austin, Texas, where you can also check out our selection of motorcycles.
Stay Hydrated
Hot weather puts a lot of strain on your body. You’ll be sweating, which causes you to lose water and salt, both essential elements of hydration. That means that you’ll need to make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids throughout your ride, especially if you plan to spend more than an hour on the road. It’s generally recommended that you drink at least eight ounces of water per hour while doing a strenuous activity. Since riding a motorcycle involves a lot of stabilizing muscles and fighting wind resistance, you’ll be using a lot of energy, so it’s definitely important that you take a break every few minutes to sip some water. If you don’t want to stop so often, consider investing in a hydration system, which has a nozzle you can drink from while you’re riding. We also recommend that you drink a healthy sports drink, especially when you’re riding all afternoon. This will replenish your electrolytes, keeping you more hydrated even if you’re sweating a lot.
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Water and sports drinks are great to drink during a hot summer ride, but you’ll want to strictly avoid anything that will cause your body to lose more water. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol are two such types, because these substances are diuretics, meaning that they cause you to sweat more and dispose of fluids quicker. You’ll want to stay away from these and sugary drinks, electing instead for water and the occasional sports drink.
Ventilated Gear
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to keep safe while wearing a t-shirt and shorts while on a motorcycle. This apparel might work for a short stroll on a hot summer day, but the shorter sleeves won’t protect you from ultraviolet light, which is ultimately what will drain your energy the fastest. That’s why you should instead wear motorcycle gear that’s ventilated. Many manufacturers design helmets and jackets that boost air flow, so your skin is covered from the sun while also cooled off by the improved wind. On top of that, motorcycle gear will always protect you better in the case of an accident, and you never want to sacrifice safety for comfort.
Plan Ahead
Finally, if you want to be safe while riding a motorcycle in the summer, you’ll need to plan ahead before every trip. When the weather’s going to be extremely hot, make sure you anticipate the ride to take a little longer, because you’ll need to take several breaks along the way. We actually recommend taking a break at least every half hour. However, this is just our recommendation, and if you feel that your body is getting overheated faster than that, don’t hesitate to pull off to a rest stop or restaurant and cool off before getting on the road again. Of course, sometimes it’s simply too hot to ride comfortably or safely, so try riding in the morning if the weather forecast predicts temperatures getting close to or above triple digits.
It’s very important to stay comfortable and safe while riding in the heat, so make sure you follow these tips next time you take your motorcycle out in the summer. If you have any other questions or just want to check out our selection of bikes, come visit us at Woods Fun Center, where we serve the areas of New Braunfels, Round Rock, and San Marcos, Texas.