Cycling in Hot Weather: Tips & Tricks

Although the summer is arguably one of the best times to get out on your bike and cycle, there are some challenges that come with cycling in hot weather. From dehydration to sunburn, these obstacles require extra planning and coordination in order to be best prepared for warm weather cycling. However, don’t let the heat put you off summer cycling – there are more daylight hours in which to get out, and our fitness levels are generally higher during this season, with the increased activity many of us take on. Read on to learn BETD’s tips and tricks for tackling the heat whilst cycling: Eat Prior to Cycling Summer heat means that additional exertion is often required from the body during cycling – particularly for long or challenging rides. Because extra exertion burns carbohydrate at a faster rate, it’s important to make sure your body is well-fuelled with healthy carb-filled foods before setting off. Cycle in the Morning or Evening With the sun is at its hottest between the hours of 11-3pm, it’s best to avoid these hours for cycling on a hot day. The morning and evening provide a cooler time of the day, which will make your ride more comfortable. If you don’t have any other choice but to train during these hours, make sure these sessions are easy recovery sessions and you start off super slow to ease yourself into them. Find Shade Regardless of the time you are out cycling, seeking shadier routes is still important. These can often be found within parks and forest trails, which feature lots of trees. Stay Hydrated Although hydration is needed for all cycling trips, hot weather means that fluid replacement is vital. Specialist sports drinks will effectively replace electrolytes lost from sweat and increase water absorption rate, making them perfect for staying hydrated in the summer. Prepare Your Bike & Kit Hot weather cycle clothing should be lightweight and feature numerous air vents to keep you cool, with high SPF and sunglasses used. As well as preparing yourself, you should also take the right steps to get your bike ready for summer cycling, with a complete examination before each time you head out. Any worn components should be replaced in order to prevent any lasting damage to your bike, and prevent any mid-ride malfunctioning. Within our extensive collection of road bike, MTB, or gravel bike components at BETD, you’ll find a huge range of derailleur hangers, shock bushes, chainrings, and bicycle hubs – all available in a myriad of sizes and fits for your unique bike requirements. If you require any assistance, get in touch with our team of cycling experts today via our website, or email info@betd.co.uk.