Warm Weather Riding

As summer arrives, we’re all prepping to hit the road for some warm weather riding. There’s no better time to enjoy a long ride down backroads or a speedy dash down the freeway, but with the warmth comes dangers both minor and major for riders. Dehydration can affect riders of all skill levels, and there are a few pieces of equipment that can turn an unpleasant heat into a bearable bit of warmth. At Freedom Cycles, we know our customers are excited to get in the saddle of their motorcycles and hit the road, but taking a few moments to prepare for a hot day’s ride can mean the difference between thrill-injected fun and a lousy, tiring experience.

Apparel and Gear to Beat the Heat

Rising temperatures usually mean we want to shed layers. While that might make sense when riders are used to cloaking themselves in heavy riding leathers, those aren’t there for keeping us warm. A heavy riding jacket can be the difference between a tickle of a slide and a severe case of road rash. There are a few things you can do to keep cool without losing that protection, though. Firstly, stick to cooler colors that are better at reflecting light and fabric that is more breathable, like cotton or linen. A ventilated riding jacket can both protect you from road hazards and encourage cooling air flow, and a bandana worn under your helmet can keep sweat out of your eyes, but you still need long pants and sleeves for general road safety.

UV light protection is another important point when dealing with summer sun. Put some sunscreen on exposed skin, like the back of your neck. Sunglasses can be a great boon as well, especially if your helmet doesn’t have UV protection. To stay cool, you can also dip a T-shirt or bandana in cool water and wear these on the road to enjoy the breeze from the evaporation. Tying the wet bandana at the base of your neck can cool you down quickly as it will rest over your carotid artery.

Stay Hydrated

Like your bike’s engine, your body’s continued operation depends on a full reservoir of fluid or else it’ll slip into a hazy slouch of dulled senses and loss of focus. Worst of all, dehydration can hit quickly and without much warning! Fortunately the solution is as easy as bringing along some extra water for your trip. If you find yourself going through several bottles at a time, or you’re riding often enough to roll your eyes at wasting all that plastic, consider investing in a wearable hydration system for hands-free hydration from a backpack or similar piece of apparel.

Along with lost water due to sweat, our bodies lose a lot of important chemicals too, like salt and electrolytes. As any sports fan knows, those lost chemicals can drastically hurt rider performance. Eat some snacks or a sports drink that provides vitamins and minerals in additional to replacing some of the salt.

Common Sense Riding

Sometimes all it takes to avoid the dangers of a too-hot day is to not ride when it’s too hot. That means timing your rides either before the hottest parts of the day during summer, or sticking to early evening as things cool down. Stop frequently when riding in the heat to allow both you and your bike time to cool off. A hot bike means a hot rider, so giving your Harley a well-deserved rest can help you both out. Use your breaks to check out the scenery around you, rest in the shade and drink water. If your bike’s windscreen is adjustable, you can put it down to get more ventilation.

With a few of these warm weather riding tips you’ll be well on your way to some summertime fun in the sun with your bike to keep you company. If you’re looking for more riding tips, need to pick up warm weather apparel, or just want to check out the best new and used motorcycles around, head into Freedom Cycles in Grandview, Missouri, near Lee’s Summit and proud to serve Independence and Kansas City, MO, plus our neighbors in Overland Park, Kansas. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are eager to answer all your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams.