Cycling in the heat

Get ready for the hottest rides

Once again, we have managed to break records - but unfortunately, this is no reason for joy. With a global average temperature of 16.95 degrees, July 2023 was the warmest month ever recorded, and there is currently no real sign of improvement. In short: It was hot. And it's going to stay hot for now. The great heat was also an issue at this year's Tour de France. During the stages in southern France, air temperatures of over 40 degrees were measured. And on the asphalt, that quickly turns into 60 degrees - the poor peloton groaned in the face of this oppressive heat.

You may not drive a Tour de France, but you can switch your bike tour to another day if it's 40 degrees out. Nevertheless, we all want to be able to pursue our favorite activity (cycling, duh.) despite the high temperatures. Here are the buycycle tips for cycling in the heat so you can enjoy your next summer ride. Even though most of them seem obvious to you, they are vital. So let's take a look at the whole heat 1x1 again, instead of underestimating or forgetting something.

1. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough is the solution to just about everything: it helps against headaches, against stomach aches, against dizziness, against everything. That's why you can't repeat yourself often enough when you play the same old song: Drink. Enough. Water.

That applies to bike tours, but it's even more important in hot weather. Often, we do not feel enough thirst at high temperatures. And once it does arrive, we/ve already skipped our drinks for way too long. But don't drink a whole liter of water, apple spritzer or iso all at once; instead, take a few sips at regular intervals. For example, 100 milliliters every 20 minutes is a start.

Juice spritzers with a 2:1 water-fruit ratio, iced tea, or good old water are good choices. In the latter, it's best to add a little salt, as our bodies lose plenty of it when we sweat. You can also fill your water bottle directly with an electrolyte solution that provides your body with (almost) everything it needs. - Alice Huot @ buycycle.

2. Eat well

Not only your thirst but also your appetite is much too quiet in the heat. Once again, looks (or feelings) deceive: your body needs extra energy to cope better with the additional stresses of the heat. So remember to eat enough food, pack bananas for magnesium and your favorite energy bars, or kill two birds with one stone with one of the carbohydrate drinks from the Ministry of Nutrition. They have their own "Heat" line of beverages designed for the high water loss when riding in the heat.

3. Use sunscreen

Even if it's a nuisance sometimes, put on sunscreen. Apply it all over your body and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 50. Ideally, it should also be waterproof so that you can still protect yourself even if you break out in sweat.

So put sunscreen on your legs, arms, neck and face properly and don't forget your hands and lips, as the skin is particularly sensitive here. Bald people should be aware of the sun's rays that hit them through the vents in their helmets and provide sufficient protection. Those who wear mesh jerseys (see tip 6) should also apply sunscreen under their clothing.

4. Use sunglasses

The sun can be dangerous not only for your skin but also for your eyes. To protect them and also for the convenient reason of having a better view in glaringly bright light, you must not forget your sunglasses. Remember that the lenses should have a UV protection of 400 so that they actually work. Last but not least, make sure your sunglasses fit snugly and tightly.

Nothing is more annoying than constantly pushing the temple of the glasses back up your nose when riding at full speed. - Alice Huot @ buycycle.

5. Insect protection and tick check

Insects, especially the little mosquito beasts, love moisture and heat; your sweat is a formal invite for them. So after applying sunscreen, you should protect yourself from the bloodsuckers' flirts by covering yourself in a cloud of anti-mosquito spray (please don't inhale that, though).

In some areas, you should also arm yourself against ticks. In that case, you should also check your entire body thoroughly after the trip to ensure that nothing has bitten you. Ticks love soft and thin skin, so look extra closely at your chest, stomach, back of the knees and loin area.

6. Stay cool

Clothes make the man and the cyclist too, even in the heat. In the sun, light clothing is ideal, and it's best to go straight for breathable mesh jerseys and shorts. They are lighter, let air and wind through and cool your skin. Riding topless may sound like the most refreshing solution, but it's more stressful for your skin and body.

Covering your head is a must, but if you have an inch of cyclist's decency, you'll be wearing a helmet anyway. That's enough in most cases. If you sweat a lot on your head, though, you can put a wet cloth under your helmet on your forehead. This will keep the sweat out of your eyes and can be moistened every time you take a break. This also cools your head!

7. Plan your route accordingly

This may not work on the way to work, but it's best to plan the route for your tour so that it will lead you through shady spots, forests, or long avenues. This will keep you cooler and protect you from the sun's rays. Also, skip the long climbs if it's 35 degrees out.

If you then even take a break at a lake, stream, or river, you deserve a medal in summer route planning. Here, you can recharge your batteries and cool off in peace (but don't jump directly into the cold water; that will crash your circulation). Speaking of proper breaks, you should definitely take more of those than usual. Your body needs that extra breather.

8. The early bird does not catch a heat stroke

The highest load of heat and sunshine is between 2 and 5 p.m. So get up extra early to take advantage of the early, cool morning hours or take a short tour into the darkness in the evening. Be sure to avoid the midday sun and take an extended break here. If you want to bike all day, take it easy in the afternoon.

9. Heat training

Before you venture out on your first longer heat tour, you should have already gained experience with many short tours in high temperatures. Take it slow and prepare your body for the special challenge!

In short, Take care of yourself—always—when cycling, especially when it's hot. Don't underestimate the load, listen to your body (except when you're not thirsty or have no appetite, because you'll still be shooting up), and don't overexert yourself. Then, even a hot tour will be unforgettable.

The team is always there for you. Everything else around the topic bike you will find on the blog. The perfect bike for your heat tour is available at buycycle, pre-owned and up to 60% cheaper. Check it out; we wish you happy browsing and cycling! Stay cool.