Properly Preparing for the Summer Heat

As the spring rainstorms subside and the sun comes out for good, more and more motorcycles can be seen on Utah roads. Although summer may seem like the perfect, carefree time of year to ride, precautions still need to be taken while traveling in the heat.

Summer temperatures in the Salt Lake City area average in the high 80s and 90s, but days can also reach 100 degrees or more.  Because Southern Utah has more of a desert landscape, temperatures are already reaching into the high 90s or even 100 degrees in cities like St. George and Beaver.

John Glimmerveen, a motorcycle enthusiast who writes for About.com, offers several suggestions and precautions to consider when riding in the summer months:

•  Try to avoid the freeways because of their prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Instead, look for tree-lined roads or backroads that offer more shade.
•  Avoid routes with an excessive number of stoplights. Engines will overheat due to the constant starting and stopping, and motorcyclists will be even hotter because of it!
• Do not travel on roads that are undergoing construction or that experience frequent traffic jams. These situations will also cause motorcycles to overheat and require the engines to be turned off.
• Make sure to bring your fully-charged cell phone, enough water to last at least half a day, and an umbrella when riding across desert roads

The Lost Adventure, an American motorcycle touring company, also offers several tips on their website about how to manage the heat when traveling long-distance by motorcycle. These tips include:

• Bring extra water for summertime rides: Water is one of the most crucial elements to surviving high-heat travels, and The Lost Adventure recommends drinking a liter each hour while you are riding—in addition to the fluids you consume before ever getting on your bike. You can, ideally, purchase water along the road, but pack extra in case of emergencies or unforeseen situations.
• Plan for frequent stops: Even in the early hours of the morning, summer temperatures can be extreme. Plan to always stop in towns or service areas that have convenience stores and gas stations where you can cool down and buy water. The Lost Adventure riders stick to roads that meet this criteria and that provide opportunities for rest every 30 minutes.
• Be aware of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: Heat Exhaustion precedes Heat Stroke. If symptoms are not recognized and dealt with properly, a rider’s condition can worsen and Heat Stroke may occur. When the body becomes overheated, the symptoms include: weakness, fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps, and shallow breathing. Motorcycle riders experiencing these conditions should pull off the road, rehydrate, and rest.
• Dress properly: While it may seem more natural to forego protective riding gear and dress in summertime clothing, it is crucial to dress properly to ensure both safety and temperature regulation. Shorts and t-shirts may seem like a fitting choice for the July heat, but covering your skin actually means less dehydration and more protection from the wind and possible impacts.

When riding during any season of the year, always exercise caution and be aware of the elements. Take the time you need to prepare supplies beforehand, and rest and refuel your body as often as it needs. A few minutes in the shade or an extra bottle of water can mean the difference between an enjoyable ride and serious injury.

For more information about warm-weather riding gear and how to beat the summer heat, visit BikeBandit.com and John Glimmerveen’s “Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding Gear” blog post.

Photo Courtesy of Vir Nakai and Creative Commons.