Hot Weather Riding

[MarkG]

Summer riding will once again present some interesting challenges. Especially for the ones of us that live in temperatures that are over 99+ F (37+ C). One of the better articles that cover this subject is When You're Hot, You're Hot! by David Hough.

"What catches most people by surprise is the idea of putting all the gear back on when the temperature is above 99 F (37 C). "The lesson here is that if air temperature is in the 80s or 90s, it helps to open up the jacket vents, or wear a mesh jacket. But once air temperature climbs above 99 F, the best way to keep from getting cooked is to keep your insulation on, and the vents closed. Desert nomads wear long, loose wool garments, both to keep the sweating skin in the shade, and to insulate the body from the hot air."

"Another concern about exposed skin is sun and wind burn. Even if you wear heavy duty sunscreen to protect against a nasty sunburn, the wind at motorcycling speeds can also irritate the skin. If you’re riding more than a few miles, it’s best to keep your skin covered. The other important tactic for hot weather is to drink lots of water, to replenish your electrolytes and refill your sweat glands. We're talking about at least a pint per hour."

Symptoms of trouble

The human body won't take much of an increase in core temperature without complaining. The symptoms of overheating are leg cramps, tired muscles, headaches, dizziness, and even fainting. The various symptoms are trying to tell you how overcooked you're getting.

Heat Cramps

Muscle cramps caused by heat usually effect the legs and lower abdomen first, then the arms. Heat cramps are a symptom that the body's electrolytes are running low. It’s not smart to ignore muscle cramps. Find some shade and take a break. Sip water or an "exercise" drink Exert firm pressure or massage the cramped muscles to relieve the spasms. If you’re still in pain, the recommended first aid dose is 1/2 teaspoon of table salt per half glass of water every 15 minutes.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs as the body continues to shunt blood away from the brain and muscles. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
1. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, momentary fainting
2. Cramps
3. Tiredness, weakness
4. Profuse sweating
5. Pale, clammy skin
6. Approximately normal body temperature

If you begin to feel these symptoms during a desert ride, take immediate action before you pass out.
1. Get into some shade, preferably into an air-conditioned room.
2. Loosen clothing and wet down skin or undershirt to increase evaporative cooling.
3. Slowly sip water, or salt water solution, same dose as for heat cramps. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
4. If you feel faint, lie down and get feet raised above head level.
5. If you can’t keep the salt water down, get emergency medical aid. You may need an intravenous salt solution.
6. Even after you begin to feel normal again, consider staying out of the heat for a day or two. Your body needs some time to recuperate. If you are on a long trip, consider a 24 hour layover in the next air-conditioned motel.

Heat Stroke

If you experience heat exhaustion and just try to "tough out" the heat without getting cooled down and rehydrated, the body thermostats will begin to fail. Core temperature continues to rise (may go as high as 106 or 107 degrees F.), sweating stops, the heart beats even faster, and you may pass out. If you are coherent enough to recognize the symptoms, immediately get medical aid while you are still mobile. And watch your riding buddies for any of the following heat stroke symptoms.

1. Victim incoherent, staring vacantly, blanking out, or unresponsive
2. Skin hot, red, dry (no perspiration)
3. Rapid pulse
4. Body temperature elevated

Yes, heat stroke is life threatening. It’s a medical emergency. Don’t be bashful about calling 911 for assistance. In the meanwhile,
1. Get the victim into some shade, out of riding gear, and cooled down by any means available. If possible, get the victim into an air-conditioned room, or use fans to help provide evaporative cooling.
2. Repeatedly sponge skin with cool water or rubbing alcohol. Apply cold packs or ice cubes if you can get them. The goal is to get body temperature below 102 degrees F.
3. Don't give the victim any stimulants, especially not any alcoholic beverages.
4. If the victim's temperature begins to rise again, repeat the cooling process.
5. As soon as possible, get the victim to emergency treatment.

The evaporative vests, discussed in another thread, work reasonably well in the dry climates. However, as the humidity goes up they lose some of their effectiveness.

I have gotten better at following Mr. Hough's suggestions. Especially since I did it all wrong going to Mesquite and back last year. It takes some getting used to when putting all the heavy gear back on in the high temperatures. However, I do feel better without the hot air blast dehydrating me faster than I can replenish it.

Remember, insulate your skin from the sun and hot air, use evaporative cooling around your neck, and drink lots of water. Oh, learn to ignore the stares of other motorists and dehydrated bikers who think you’re crazy to wear heavy gear on a hot day.

(For the others here in the high heat. Stop and go rush hour traffic is the absolute pits regardless of what we are wearing.)