As cyclists, we all look forward to the arrival of summer with sunshine and good temperatures to enjoy our sport, but depending on our latitude, we may encounter challenging weather. In this guide we have compiled a series of tips and tricks to turn these days into fantastic cycling outings.
Plan to enjoy
It is important that before you go on a summer cycling trip, you have at hand an forecast of the temperatures that will occur on the route. We live in the information age and accessing heat wave warnings and alerts is relatively easy, as well as thinking about other days to go out, if we are warned that the heat is going to be extreme or these are our first routes and our body is not acclimatized.
If we know a little of the territory, we can deduce the best routes to avoid the most leaden sun over our heads and even plan outings at lower speeds, less demanding, and therefore more enjoyable.
First and last hours of the day
When the sun falls vertically, plumb down on the rider, it is annoying and even unhealthy, a sometimes invisible file that gnaws at the cyclist's capacity to the point of often leaving him dry.
This is why it is important to make the effort to get up earlyThis is why it is important to make the effort to get up early, which not everyone enjoys, or to use the late afternoon, which is not as cool, but avoids the perpendicular incidence of the sun. We insist on the first hour of the day, cycling is a pleasure to try. Nature awakens, the smells come out and the heat is bearable.
If there is no other option but to go out in the middle of the day, then two important things: sunscreen and sunscreen. sunscreen y mineral salts together with water. The first is important to apply it to the arms, legs, neck and nose, renewing it every 2-3 hours of walking. The second, something basic to avoid dehydration and also to drink in thin and repeated sips.
Dehydration, the enemy that doesn't warn you
But let's go back to that word, dehydration, and the importance of knowing what heat we are suffering, depending on where we ride, dry or humid.
Although for normal life, the former is more bearable, the latter is the humid heat is much more suitable for cycling, as it keeps the body always humid, with a perspiration sensation that is perennial in the cyclist.
The same is not true for the dry heat and especially from 1000 meters onwards. When we climb a mountain pass, the body dries out imperceptibly, and the altitude contributes to this dryness. For this reason, it is always a good idea to drink, even if you don't feel like it, and not only during the ride, but also the days before the ride.
From 35 degrees, the human body's performance drops because the brain orders arrive with more difficulty to the different parts, we must take special care at this time, reduce the demand and even make short stops in the shade to rehydrate and eat.
Clothing and accessories to enjoy cycling
In addition to the above, cycling clothing is essential, not only in terms of cooling and breathability, but also in terms of ultraviolet protection. GobikThe company, born in a land of generous summers like Murcia, has a lot of experience in the creation of products with this profile. We review them by category.
Jerseys
Models with a wide range of colors and designs of our choice and an average sun protection factor of 40 SPF.
We highlight the Carrera 2.0with its exceptional breathability, perfect for the most intense and torrid days:
Also the Infinity, Attitude, CX Pro y Stark for days of more moderate heat. You can click on each image to go to the product page:
 |
|
 |
 |
Culottes
In addition to its breathability, the choice of bib in summer hides other keys, such as avoiding wounds caused by chafing. A poorly healed wound in this period can be a nightmare, so go for soft, velvety and tight-fitting fabrics.
Gobik launched the bib Utralite a few days ago, in a bet by and for the hardest summer. It is a piece that rewards the cyclist with a chamois top, which withstands long rides, wicks away perspiration and dries quickly. Its fabric is extraordinarily soft and has perforations in the thigh area:
As a second option we have the Absolute Revolution.
Vests and undershirts
If the outing does not take place in the central hours and the first or last light of the sun is the chosen scenario for the same, a vest like the Plus 2.0 and a base layer Second Skin will extend the rider's range of comfort in the event of temperature changes:
 |
 |
Socks
The asphalt also contributes to that feeling of extreme heat, so it is advisable to take care of the feet and stop from time to time, to loosen shoes and ventilate them. If the foot does not "breathe" for many hours, it can become swollen, very painful and contribute to the cyclist's fatigue.
In socks, the Lightweight are a good choice, as they are cool and thin, without increasing the space inside the shoe, avoiding chafing:
The line of socks Superb The sock line is breathable and its weight is perfect for high temperatures:
Other accessories
Finally, there are a number of accessories and complements that will also play an important role:
Drums: One, two or even more, if the bike allows it.
Many colors are available:
Caps: that serve to improve the evacuation of sweat from the helmet and offer a small visor, also to prevent insects from sneaking in through their slots.
With a wide range of colors:
Gloves: an element of controversy for many cyclists that, in addition to avoiding chafing, can rinse away sweat well on climbs and prevent some scratching of the hands in the event of a fall.
