If only I could describe enough how hot this period is over here, it's bright and sunny during the day and too hot at night that one can't breathe well enough if there are no improvised air to keep cool. Everyone is forced to go light with their wears, take baths more often and love shady places more, it's really hot these days.
Image designed with Canva
And I believe no cyclist would stop just because it's hot season. Instead, they'll improvise ways to enjoy their rides while keeping cool. I saw a cyclist past by our house some days ago and I was like "The guy is so ready for the sun" 😅
He was wearing visibly light clothes and sandal, his helmet doesn't seem to be one that would protect him in case of accident but just to cover his head from the sun, he had a fancy water bottle with him... All ready and I could tell he had no excuse not to have fun with his cycling routine.
That brought about the idea to share some useful tips to keep cool for anyone who must go out cycling in the hot weather. My mum would always say "The rainy seaon is her favourite but sunny days at least lets us go about our activities unlike the rain". It would be hard to go about one's cycling routine when it's raining outside but anyone could continue with the routine in the hot weather if well planned.
I will be sharing a few tips that would work fine for a fun hot ride, they are tips that could also apply to other aspects of one's life during hot seasons but the focus here is to cyclists.
Getting wet, like having a cool bath in preparation for your biking routine seem like a must for hot season so that's a first tip. Planning your rides with the season in mind, you can decide to pick the time of the day weather you ride in the morning or in the evening that works best for you. Sometimes, the sun sets way too early so choosing to go biking in the evening would be preferable.
It's only right and makes sense to dress appropriately for the weather and that is wearing lightweight clothes, some can even prefer to wear what reveals some of their skin but this is dependent on the individual going for the ride. Protecting your eyes with glasses away from the sun and wearing sunscreen can also be added to the preparation.
Taking water, light food or snacks along is also important for your bike rides during hot weather.
During your rides, find shaded routes away from the sun. Natural shades like large trees or streets with big flowers are the best for cool rides, there's a street I always love to visit for it's shades and I can imagine it to be a perfect route for bike rides. Take breaks to drink enough water before you continue your ride, this would help keep your body hydrated and strengthened for the rest of the ride.
Eating is still fine but not heavy or hot meals, snacks can go very handy for this but it depends on the individual too. Take it easy on your ride, rest when you can and stop the ride if the weather becomes too hot. Someone said alcohol causes heat in the body so it should be avoided during hot weather too. That's just to add an extra tip to what I want to share.
There are more tips that would help cyclists go about their bike routine during hot weather and I'll appreciate any more you'd have to share in the comment section for other cyclists to learn from.
