Summer is a wonderful time for biking because of the warm, sunny weather and lengthy days. However, when the weather warms, you should expect higher-than-average temperatures, especially on multi-day tours where you’ll be riding for several hours each day.
These suggestions by the vintage Yamaha motorcycle parts manufacturer will assist you in maintaining your composure.
Take a Day Off
We go on motorcycle tours because we enjoy riding, but it’s also beneficial to take a day off now and then. Long days in the saddle on hot days are more likely to leave you exhausted, dehydrated, and hurting than long days on cooler days. Make your next excursion a day trip to a national park, historic landmark, or city that is best experienced on foot. Alternatively, schedule a leisure day where you may relax at the campground or beside the hotel pool. Americans are always in a hurry and on the move. The Summer motorcycle trips are wonderful, but when the weather becomes extremely hot, the best thing to do is to sit back and relax.
Use Common Sense
Your body could be overheating if you start to feel lightheaded or dizzy, get a headache or cramps, or notice your skin becoming unusually chilly and clammy. Heat exhaustion can develop to heat stroke, which is very serious and can even be fatal. Don’t attempt to tough it out and “ride it out.” As quickly as feasible, take the next exit or come to a complete stop and find a way to calm down. Remove your helmet and wrap your head in a cold, wet cloth. Order a pitcher of ice water from an air-conditioned store or restaurant. Take a refreshing swim in a cool lake, river, or pool.
Take Frequent Rest Breaks
If you’re anything like us, you won’t stop until the low-fuel light comes on on a picturesque back-roads trip. However, on a motorcycle with a range of 200 miles or more, this can mean riding for several hours between stops. On warmer days, you should make more frequent stops. If you don’t have a hydration backpack, frequent breaks provide you the opportunity to sip water and eat a snack. Remove your helmet and drench your head in cool water. To get the blood moving throughout your body, take a walk and do some mild stretches.
Avoid Riding During the Hottest Part of the Day.
According to a vintage Honda motorcycle parts company, because the hottest part of the day is usually between noon and 5 p.m., ride during the cooler morning and early evening hours if at all possible. Get up early, eat a light breakfast, and get a cup of coffee before hitting the road. You can ride for several hours and then stop for lunch, a siesta in the shade, see a matinée movie in a cool, dark cinema, or go sightseeing. Early evening rides can be a tremendous joy, but be aware that wildlife activity, including as deer crossing the road, is sometimes higher at these times.
Wear an Evaporative Cooling Neck Wrap
Add an evaporative cooling neck wrap to take it a step further. “Filled with water-absorbing polymer crystals that can hold 350 –400 times their weight in water and release it gently,” says the 100 percent cotton neck tie. You can also use a saturated bandana or neck gaiter, but they will dry considerably faster. Neck wraps offer the extra benefit of providing sun protection for your neck.
Wear an Evaporative Cooling Vest
On particularly hot days, wear a special-made vest under your riding jacket to maximize the power of evaporative cooling and keep your core from overheating.
