Wow...it's HOT!
Summer hasn't exactly crept up on us this year—it has arrived with a bang.
Blue skies, dry roads and sunshine make it incredibly tempting to head out on the bike. But before you do, remember this:
Extreme heat can change a lot for riders
It affects you, your bike and the road beneath your tyres. Here's how to stay safe and enjoy every mile.
Looking after the most important part...you!
Let's get one thing out of the way...
No matter how tempting it is, don't swap your riding gear for comfort.
Nobody has ever slid down the road thinking,
"I wish I'd worn less protection."
Your helmet stays on, securely fastened.
Your boots stay on too. Trainers and sandals may feel cooler, but they won't protect your feet and ankles if the unexpected happens.
Leathers can feel like you're riding inside an oven, so if you have the option, lightweight ventilated riding kit or Kevlar-reinforced riding jeans can help keep you both cooler and protected. Don’t be temped to ride with jackets open as they will just come off if you slide down the road.
Gloves are just as important. They'll help protect your hands if you come off and make longer rides much more comfortable.
A tinted visor or approved sunglasses can reduce glare, but remember that bright sunshine can make it harder to spot hazards. Also legally it must transmit 50% of visible light (or in basic terms, not be too tinted)
Perhaps the biggest risk of all?
Fatigue.
Heat tires us far more quickly than we realise. Concentration drops, reactions slow and small mistakes become much more likely.
Plan shorter rides where possible.
Stop regularly.
Drink some water and if you’re on your bike for longer periods, drink electrolytes to maintain balance.
Take five minutes to cool down before setting off again.
Looking after the bike
We might enjoy the sunshine.
Our bikes don't always share the enthusiasm.
If the air temperature reaches around 33°C, the road surface can easily exceed 50°C, placing extra demands on your tyres.
Hot roads can soften the rubber and reduce grip, so ride smoothly, leave yourself plenty of time to stop and adjust your riding to the conditions.
Heat can also place additional strain on engines, brakes, batteries and cooling systems.
Before every ride, give your bike a quick safety check.
- Brakes
- Oil
- Lights
- Tyres – Pressure, tread and condition
- Suspension / steering
(Building a quick BOLTS check into your routine only takes a few minutes and could save your ride.)
On longer journeys, both you and your bike will benefit from regular breaks.
The road is changing too...
Hot weather changes the road surface more than many riders realise.
As the tarmac softens, grip can reduce, particularly at junctions, roundabouts and busy roads where oil from the road itself can rise to the surface.
Leave a bigger gap than normal.
Brake a little earlier.
Be especially careful on bends, roundabouts and at junctions where surfaces may be less predictable.
Watch out for tar snakes!
Those black lines used to seal cracks in the road become much softer in hot weather and can be surprisingly slippery.
Ride across them smoothly if you can't avoid them.
Keep the bike as upright as possible.
Avoid sudden braking, harsh acceleration or abrupt steering inputs.
Stay relaxed and let the bike roll naturally across.
Enjoy the sunshine...safely.
Summer riding can be one of the best parts of the year.
Just remember that the heat affects you, your bike and the road.
A little extra preparation, staying hydrated, regular breaks and a smoother, more measured ride will all help you arrive where you plan to be
Because at the end of the day, the best journey is always the one that ends at home.