Warm Weather Riding

When the weather turns from rainy gloom to sunshine, a lot of us are eager to strap on our riding jackets, saddle up, and hit the road for warm weather thrills. But a sun-baked freeway has dangers for more than just potential roadkill. Dehydration is a serious concern for riders, as it can lead to impaired senses enough to cause an accident. At Big St. Charles Motorsports, we know the allure of the sunny weather is enough to get anyone up and out the door without a second thought, especially if they’re rushing to their motorcycle for an afternoon of thrills and fun. But the whipping wind won’t be enough to keep riders cool for long in hot weather. That’s why we’ve put together this short list of some practical solutions to hot weather. Read on for more information.

Dress to Beat the Heat

We’re all used to shedding layers of clothing when we want to stay cool in warmer weather, but much of the heavy clothing involved in motorcycle riding is there not as stylistic choice but for safety reasons. This just means it takes a bit of thought to prepare clothing for a hot day on your bike. When it comes to your jacket, ventilation is key. A good jacket will encourage air flow and keep you insulated from the sun’s insistent rays. Cooler colors better at reflecting light are also a good option for lessening the heat. Consider investing in a bandana or some other absorbent gear to wear under your helmet to help keep sweat from dripping into your eyes.

Stay Hydrated

Even the toughest veteran riders can be hit by dehydration when riding in high heat. It sneaks up on you, and it can be hard to notice the difference between normal thirst and the absolute need for rehydration. It’s a good idea to keep several bottles of water with you in your saddlebag or a backpack to consume periodically, especially if you’re planning a longer ride. For those who still feel an unbeatable thirst while riding, try a hydration system that gives you quick access to hands-free drinking. Remember that as you sweat, you’ll also be losing necessary electrolytes. This doesn’t mean you need to just drink sugary, high calorie sports drinks. But it does mean you should make sure you’re ingesting some salt.

Use Your Head

There’s no better preventative tool to avoid the dangers of warm weather riding than using your common sense. That means not taking rides during the hottest times of day and instead getting your miles in before it heats up or into the evening when things are cooler. It could also mean avoiding riding entirely during a heatwave, as there’s no reason to push yourself into extreme conditions if you aren’t after exactly that. It means taking lots of breaks to keep yourself hydrated and not to push yourself past your limit for the sake of doing so.

Summertime rides are often the best, and doing a little prep work to make sure you can bear the heat make them even better. For more warm weather riding tips, or if you’re just interested in checking out some great new and used motorcycles, head to Big St. Charles Motorsports where we proudly serve St. Peters, St. Louis, and Columbia, Missouri. Come in today and talk with our team of knowledgeable and courteous staff who’ll help you find the gear you’re looking for and answer all your questions.