10 Tips to Stay Cool While Riding in the Heat

By now, you've probably seen the "excessive heat warnings" our area has been receiving. Some see the heat as a reason to stay indoors while others still want to ride their motorcycles without this oppressive heat ruining all the fun. While Texas may lead the nation in heat-related deaths, you can still ride and stay (somewhat) cool during the "dog days of summer".

For starters, exposed skin dries out very quickly in the sun and wind. Yes, this can help with the cooling effect, but it also makes it harder to keep your body hydrated. 

Keeping your arms covered (remember that synthetic long-sleeve T-shirt) helps reflect the sun's heat, prevents sunburn, and helps keep your sweat from evaporating too quickly. [Harley-Davidson]

Be smart and plan before you ride with these tips to stay cool while riding in the heat.

1. Stay Hydrated: This may sound obvious, but there are things we do that dehydrate us without even knowing. For example, alcohol and caffeine will, both, dehydrate you. If you need that cup of joe before you hit the road, drink plenty of water along with it and while riding. Alcohol is a no-brainer. Leave the booze until the end of the ride, not while riding. When drinking water, the key is to drink small amounts frequently instead of a lot all at once. This will help you stay hydrated and cooler throughout the day.
2. Wear Wicking Clothing: Sweating is our body's way of regulating its temperature and when we wear synthetic base layers, that clothing helps wick away the sweat from our skin thus aiding in evaporative cooling. 
3. Wear Full-Coverage Gear: You might think it's better to wear less clothes, but it's really not. The more skin you have exposed, the greater the chance you get burned (even if you tan). Even if you may not burn, the exposure to the sun's UV rays can heat the skin and body. Couple that with lack of hydration and you're well on your way to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Wear long, breathable sleeves and pants to protect against the UV rays. Prolong exposure to the sun can also dry out your skin which makes it more difficult to stay hydrated.
4. Wear a Cooling/Hydration Vest: Some of these vests can be dipped in water before wearing, which can keep your core from overheating. Other cooling vests have water in them to aid in cooling. 
5. Wear Cooling Neck Wraps/Bandanas and Sleeves: Dip 'em in some water them wear them around your neck and arms to help cool you off. When they dry, make sure you get them wet again at your next stop. Both also have the added protection against the sun as they're meant to cover exposed areas.
6. Avoid Riding During the Hottest Time of Day: Sometimes this can't be avoided, but most of the time you can plan your rides around the hottest part of the day.
7. Make Frequent Stops/Take Frequent Breaks: It's really easy to jump on your bike and "get in the zone" and ride for hours. During this excessive heat, it's best to stop frequently and enjoy some shade as much as possible. It'll help you and your bike cool down.
8. Wear Sunscreen: Another one of those no-brainers, but many of us only apply sunscreen just once. Personally, I apply it on the exposed areas every time I stop. Protecting your skin from a sunburn will definitely help keep you from suffering from the heat.
9. Wear a Helmet and Keep the Vents Open: Helmets save lives and can protect your head/face from exposure to the sun's UV rays. Much of our heat is released through our heads, so keep those helmet vents open to cool off some.
10. Wear Sunglasses: Our eyes are incredibly sensitive to UV rays and protecting them with proper eyewear can help keep you from feeling the miserable effects of the sun and heat.

As you can see, most of those tips deal with wearing the right clothing. Swing by Kent's, or your local H-D shop, and ask the motorclothes associates about the best gear to wear on these hot days.