Video: Stay Cool and Bike All Summer Long - 10 Tips for Riding in the Heat

 Good time to insert a friendly reminder that in many regions of the US, especially near large cities where a local government might be the land manager of your favorite park, there is a leash law. This means no trail dogs (unless you plan to pedal around the entire trail slowly with a leash wrapped to your bike). Even in spots that allow trail dogs, please keep control of them. Bones have been broken due to unattended dogs running into trails and surprising riders.

You know what, maybe just don't go trail riding with your dog unless you reasonably believe the entire place is deserted.

 I live in the South East. Every summer sucks!

Things I learned walking and hiking with dogs in the heat.
1) A collapsible dish is a cool thing to have, but be careful how much you give them at a shot.
2) My experience shows that ice water isn't a good idea. Cool or ambient is better.
3) If you think he or she is slowing down or hot, pour water on their shoulder / nape of neck.
4) They like shade too. :-)

 @BDKR: Roughwear swamp cooler vest also works well for darker fur dogs in my experience.

 @wolftwenty1: Awesome dude! Of course, we have rain coats and jackets for when it's cold. Never that about what you mentioned.

Thanx!

 @WaterBear: I think people should just tailor the expectations more when riding with their dog, I take my pup (2 year old aussie) out for mellow XC rides all the time with him on a 8ft waist leash. we go a bit above jogging pace and enjoy some wider singletrack and he enjoys the faster pace than normal human walking. Its far from an "exciting" ride but sometimes its just nice to slow down and take in all the nature around you with your best pal.

Originally, I had aspirations of him becoming a shredder trail dog, but seeing peoples feelings on trail dogs both online and in person has made me a bit hesitant for him running off leash. the risk of injuries and wear on their joints with them chasing you full tilt leads to a fairly short life of being your riding buddy it seems, and with a dog like mine with a high prey drive(and questionable recall when in herd mode), I worry that he will see a deer and just be gone.

Not that I am casting judgement to anyone who rides with their pup off leash, but with your dogs health you really have to prepare for, be thoughtful of when you are riding, and also think long term about.

 @wolftwenty1: Only in dry climates. Otherwise it just makes things worse.

 @acdownhill: I hear ya when it comes ot worrying about their health, but on the other hand a lot of dogs tend to WANT to be out. They WANT to run. And if they are with you, it's even better too them.

It's a difficult balance to find for sure.

The biggest thing too me where my dog is concerned is good food and plenty of rest. The rest part is easy, but finding good food that's not EXTREMELY expensive is tough.

 @acdownhill: "Tailor your expectations" is a tall order. People mean well, but they get lax.

 @BDKR: oh totally some breeds just want to run non stop, its all about knowing your dog and his limitations, and specific traits. I know my guy loves to run, but he has no moderation filter...its full tilt the whole time and will burn himself out in like 20 minutes. with him on leash we still get to explore together, gets to run on some wide straightaways, and he's outside sniffing all those smells. A lot of people make it seem like riding on leash is out of the question, but I think you can really have a great time with your dog if you just accept it will not be a full tilt ride and more of almost a nature walk.

Like everything fun in life it seems a lot cheaper until you get into it! good food has been a shocker in cost though.

 General rule of thumb is just don't take your dog at all, unless it's a gentle path in the shade.
Not only will your pup over heat very very quickly, their joints aren't designed for continuous and prolonged high intensive activity.
And to all those people that say " oh yeah, my dog loves it and doesn't mind the heat". Your dog doesn't like the exertion and heat at all, it just likes being beside its owner and will do anything, or go anywhere to do that. It's up to the owner to set its limits.

 Can‘t agree more. As i saw the dog, i turned it off and left. The dog is no accessory. It’s a living thing to take responsibility on and care of.
Anyway is running trails at full speed ruin your dogs joints. I don‘t like this trialdog hype.

 Phoenix passed a law a few years ago prohibiting dogs from being on South Mountain, which is a public park, when the temperature hits 100 degrees F. There were numerous dogs dying each month during the summer months beforehand.

 Yes indeed. When I took my dogs riding, if it was going to be hot, the rides were early and on trails where there was good water. And often enough included a lake for some swimming. Or we’d just walk and I’d ride later. And more often than not, on trails where I was not as likely to see other people.

 @BDKR: I started feeding my aussie raw hamburger, canned tuna, carrots, green beans, and peas some time back and supplement with dog food. Its not much more expensive, if any. I pick up the 1lb packs from walmart and the larger canned tuna or even chicken, but chicken is high in colesterol.

Dog food is complete crap and will kill your dog eventually. II watched one of my lab pups and mom die from intestinal cancer too early.

Her teeth are fairing better too.

I tried the trail dog thing...once. too much to worry about and did not really enjoy it. Dogs don't know any better.

 @acdownhill: proper and diligent training can overcome the prey drive. It takes awhile (like, years in some cases) and you MUST have an e-collar. Finding a legit trainer (look for those that train working dogs, they tend to be les full of shit) is also helpful and lets you learn and gain confidence along with the dog. My dogs are by no means perfect, but the younger one can ride with me on group rides in busy areas and he does not leave my wheel. He will move if told and will not pass bikes unless directed. I can both prevent him from chasing animals and call him off if he starts (we have practiced both scenarios extensively. I used to have some real bad problems with him just breaking after herds of deer or a moose or elk.) He has some other issues that we are still training, but I worked very hard with him to become a trail dog and it paid off. Granted, he is a hangin tree cowdog (herding worker), so that helped. I am by no means an expert dog trainer (far from it), but I do believe that most owners can get their dogs to do incredible things and listen impeccably if they put in the correct work.

 @rossco2210: that's a little bit of a sweeping generalization? you don't know my dog. I couldn't keep up with him without a bike. and even then he is faster than me on all the climbs and most of the flats. He definitely doesn't like the heat and I'm very aware of his health and wellbeing when I do take him out. But he is very energetic and "a gentle path" doesn't do anything to get his energy out. Then he tries to get that energy out indoors and tears the house apart. Dogs(much like humans) need exercise. Every dog is different in their physiology though. so for some dogs you are probably right.

 Hmm not one person said “ride an emtb instead of a mountain bike to keep your heart lower and prevent over heating.” Anybody think there could be some truth to this in a hot climate ?

 @trialsracer:
Ecollars a definitely not a must, but they can help with certain behavioral issues. I live with two hungarian vizslas, a pointer-style breed(like the gsp, but way more gentle and a bit smaller). We never ride, but hije and trailrun a lot 2gether usually off-leash. Trust and control no matter what is a must. Neither of my guys would chase any animal in any case, nor they would leave my side if dont say/sign otherwise. We have used clickers and shitloads(haha, literally ) of treats, so positive reinforcement 99% of the time.

 @Spencermon: if your buddy still overly energetic after days of riding amd running, i'd recommend some trainings where her/his brain do most of the work. My younger dog would run for hours, sleep a bit, and continue where he dropped out. But after 2 hours of disciplined and focused training he is toasted.

 @devinkalt: i want an ebike for summer riding... now. LOL In my mid 50's, I just cannot take the heat like I used to.

 @gmoss: makes an huge difference!

 Thank you for this PSA! Trail dogs need love, and hydration, too!

 @gmoss: I always have trouble finding canned tuna that's not loaded with sodium, but when I do find it, I load up. My 3 y/o laborderdor loves it, and it makes her coat shine so nice. Haven't done raw red meat, but do supplement her dry food (high quality, grain free) with canned tuna, salmon, eggs, grilled elk, olive oil, she loves carrots, green beans, and spinach and baked kale too, and the fruits: apples and banana. She's a funny girl, loves to go for rides but they're definitely more mellow and focused for her, and usually just us or maybe another friend + dog, I let the dog lead so she can set pace and I can observe her condition to know when to take breaks. We've also had great success w/o an e-collar, we tried it, but found that we were getting similar results from just repetition and positive reinforcement.

 @chacou: awesome, good to hear other ideas for food. I also give mine plain organic yogurt. My Lab used to follow me around my small trail loop on my dirt bike, slower speeds. I never meant for her to, she just did it one day. I ended up putting her up then, and spent time throwing her a ball. LOL

 @slayerdegnar: haha. I am sure it does and why I am trying to stay away as long as I can. Just picked up an SST this year and really need to stick it out with that for a bit. And, there really has not been an ebike that stands out for me. Riding lately in close to 90 temps with 70-80% humidity in the woods is just not fun. There is no cooling off when it is too humid for sweat to evaporate. Last couple times out had to hang my shirt up outside to let the sweat drip out of it. LOL

 @gmoss: Pinkbike REALLY needs to fix the code to allow one to correct an accidental down vote. I'll do it for free!

I'm similar to you. Raw for the most part. We actually will make our own dog food which is a blend of most of the stuff you mentioned with the addition of some rice.

There are some brands that are essentially raw (stored in their own refridgerators), but inflantion being inflation, they are getting more expensive and the quality is waning. Thankfully, I have access to a butcher(s) and can get some pretty fresh stuff as well as organ meat.

 @trialsracer: I think e collars are about to be banned in the UK.

 @moferenc: I have 2 vizslas as well. They are such great dogs. And they really only get one or two rides a week. I also take them hiking and trail running. Mostly just replied here to counter that one guy saying they should be fine on "a gentle path". lol

 How about you write up a summary on how to keep cool in your tent?

 This! I live in south of Spain and missing out on riding in July / August sucks! Gotta be back by 9/10 am, so crazy early starts. That said, dry winter rides in a single layer is pretty awesome.

 Sadly "shit" UK weather isn't even garunteed anymore. Remember last year when it was 40 °C, or the offensively hot spring we just had? My master plan is to get rich by selling expensive ink cartridges and then buy enough homes all over the world so they'll always be at least one that isn't flooded, on fire, being blown down etc...

 rainy? I'd rather pedal in 95F haha.

 @carlitouk: get a child and you'll happily start rides at 6am.

 @Muckal: Ha! That is exactly why I do it

 @Muckal: I do the same now. After accepting your getting up earily, and on my trails clearing the spiderwebs off the trail, you learn to like it. Less people on the trails too.

 @carlitouk: been on Granada for a semester from september till late february a few years ago, and it was the absolute best time ever. Since i led grouprides to the trails above Mijas, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Granada, but only in winter. I wouldnt go there even as a general tourist in the summer.

 From someone who lives in a rainforest... it's usually lovely here too haha but the heat has been real this summer and doesn't seem to be going anywhere

 @moferenc: Glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, it is pretty awesome, but in summer, those than can (IE have second houses lower by the coast or higher in the mountains) leave. July and August the city is pretty empty.

 Oh cool Christina covered a lot of these things. I probably would've known that if all the content wasn't buried in a video that I had to watch for 6min and was instead in text form too, which works really well for stuff like...lists of what to do on a hot day.

 yep, lightweight merino is great - 150gsm or lighter. 200 is way too thick!

 I typically wear cotton tshirts when riding in the heat....once they get wet, they stay wet and relieve your skin from constantly pumping out sweat to keep cool......you get less dehydrated from sweating with a soaked shirt.

 I am probalby going to get downvoted for this. It gets over a 100 here in northern california most of the summer. I find riding my Levo SL on the really hot days helps a lot with mitigating the heat. It gives me a larger window of time to ride, since I can ride it when its 100 out. It is going to be 104 today and I am going to ride at 10am.

 Better yet, get some BRWANDO™ THE THIRST MUTILATOR. It's got electrolytes!

 "2) Cover your skin. Maybe controversial, but merino long sleeves are my go-to in the heat. Construction and farm laborers are covered head to toe in the sun - learn from the pros. Feels hotter at first but over time long sleeves make it easier to keep your temp regulated, and they keep your sweat from drying so quickly."

Your other points are fine but it's the sweat evaporating that cools you down, not just simply being wet. You can learn more about that here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet-bulb_temperature

 Hi, here as a friendly! Sodium, potassium, and calcium are all lost in sweat which is why all electrolyte tabs, powders, or ready to drink products have more than just sodium. Carb are added depending on length of activity ---fuel as you go vs just keeping up your hydration status. Depending on the human you might sweat more or less of each electrolyte which is why all are included. So, yes you lose sodium but I would suggest adding more than just that. I am lucky to have my sweat tested and right now we can only test the sodium so it is very focused on because it's the only reliable data --but it is getting better and better and I am sure we will see more with sweat testing. www.gssiweb.org/en ---Your friendly low sodium low volume sweating Sports Dietitian

 @rickybobby19: haha thank you for the great input, and eventually watching the video to see I did mention some of those I'll count it!

 @Hlkave: Love this!!! I also am a sweaty rider and would be intrigued to know what I'm losing the most. I don't have cramp issues so I feeeel like I'm losing more or less of different ones. Cool stuff!

 "... they keep your sweat from drying so quickly."

That is the exact opposite of what you want in hot weather.
Evaporation is an endothermic reaction, which requires energy (heat) from it's surroundings - which is why we have evolved to sweat when getting too hot. Evaporation of sweat effective runs on heat from your body.

 @vondur: it's what plants crave!

 No, but you can freeze a water bottle. Fill an insulated bottle halfway, freeze and top off with cold water, and you’ve got cold liquid for a couple of hours

 @bde1024: that's a good one I use often!

 I misread that....

 Up shirt creek without a pedal

 Creeks? Only see those in winter here.

 @pbuser2299:

 That's a sad story. I think the hero mode can distract one from their own body starting to shut down.

 or move lol

 @jdendy: same, I can get a 2-3 hour ride in the morning when it’s 85-95 degrees.

 Wow 100degrees? How you didnt evaporate already?

 @moferenc: because they use any other measuring system than the metric. They even create new ones just to not use their own. Their ride probably is like 5 cruise ships in lenght.

 @moferenc: I know! WOW.

 @Notmeatall: Actually I measure my rides in McDonalds Big Macs.

 @t2091: Murica!

 I used to do that. Got tired of clearing all the spider webs built overnight.

 @BDKR: Oh yeah, your first lap will be spent wiping spider webs from your face. But (depending on the conditions/season) I already accept that my first lap isn't going to be worth timing so I'll use that one for cutting branches too. Not necessarily the big stuff that comes down after a storm (I've learnt to not enter the woods alone after a storm) but just the brambles and other stuff that rips your skin off.

 @vinay: Yeah.... It is only certain times of year you have to deal with the spider.

Can I ask why you don't enter the woods after a storm?

 @BDKR: leaning trees can be dangerous

 @fielding: Ahh.... I hear ya. Me and my wife look for the ground bulge.

 @BDKR: I feel it is also a bit of a responsibility thing. If I get myself in trouble, I also draw those in the same situation who go out and find me, just for my recreation. If I want to ride alone after a storm, I can hit the pumptrack or just go running in the more open spots. That said, pumptrack riding in the early morning isn't quite the same. It is harder to be sharp and you don't experience the nice vibe of the woods in the early morning.

 @BDKR: I wouldn’t be caught dead using this, but here you go!

www.deepeastsupply.com

 or phoenix

 @aerlandson: You're right. Both places. You have the dry heat, we have the wet heat.

 this was my thought too. out here in NC, there's just no stopping it. you can drink all the water you want, wear special fabrics, go out early, and you still sweat your ass off.

 Chapetta is from Louisiana so she knows the score.

 @TwoNGlenn: Really? Then yeah ... she knows what's up fo sho.

 This girl is from Louisiana! hahah Maybe Texas heat is different... but the parents wonder why I don't visit home in the summer anymore

 @TwoNGlenn: I have PTSD from soccer camp 2-a-day's in the summer. Don't miss that!

 @christinachappetta: oh man. soccer twice a day in summer in the south. I totally forgot about that. now *i* have ptsd.

 @christinachappetta: We are just having a summer moment in TX for the past couple of weeks. Louisiana and all the Gulf states know the misery!

 Cotton t-shirts have an SPF of 5. That doesn't cut it for us genetically predisposed to skin cancer types. Most decent sun-shirts are 30. Some jerseys can be as high as 50.

 We have to wait until after work, wait until its not raining or we will ruin the trails, wait until its not hot, avoid the trails in the evenings because bears are out..... the culture of aversion is detrimental. We need to focus on management of risk, not handcuffing our lives because elimination is possible. Continue that trend onward and you may as well remove biking all together as it poses a risk.

 @maestroman21: Yeah, I still get plenty of riding in. Maybe miss 5-10 potential days each summer because it’s too hot. If that. I’m good with that. Sometimes it’s too hot to ride, just like it’s sometimes too cold. I’m talking extremes, not the rule. All the stuff you said — it applies to any outdoor sport. Sometimes you’re at the mercy of Mother Nature.

 @wbro74: But is it still called summer if it's souther hemisphere...in January?!?! Halp!

 I was at an enduro race and the long sleeve was superb because trials are so narrow that the plants hit your arms pretty hard so that was good.
The tattoo crowd also might want to invest in it because it’s pretty hard to scratch good long sleeves through.

 @Serpentras: I was going to mention the time I spectated the EWS here in Whistler when they had an amateur category. The amateur women were easy to identify from a distance because many were wearing tank tops. All the pro women were in long sleeves as far as I could tell. More advertising spec on the sleeves? I dunno but it just seems to be a good idea for racing or riding off road .

 @Serpentras: oh yeah, when the overgrown tendrils of blackberry hooks in your elbowpit while you're bombing down that lovely narrow trail.. Priceless. Even better when you're sweating.

 THIS! Today was actually a bit rough with the horseflies on the mtn. They are becoming so resilient!

 @Someoldfart: For sure! I hate growing skin back so it's long sleeves race day absolutely!

 I was looking for this comment. N/A for all of mostly all of Arizona and most of Nevada. Only way to do it is to escape.

 ClubRide Helios fits the bill.

 You do want the sweat to evaporate quickly as that is what actually cools you down. You can read about that here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet-bulb_temperature

 @jessemeyers: Exactly.

 @jessemeyers: I just misread that Check out what clothing to wear in the desert. Hot and humid you need synthetic materials, hot and dry you need natural materials.

 @carlitouk: maybe if you are in a survival scenario and you don’t have enough hydration. Otherwise, sweat evaporating cools you down so keep sweating and keep cooling. And the replenish with hydration and electrolytes. Don’t make it harder for your sweat to evaporate unless you’re balancing other considerations like protection from sunlight.

 @jessemeyers: Horses for courses I guess

 For real, that's why I chopped it. Thank you!

 I go for the 6.30 am, 90 mins dash. Sucks, but at least I get a ride in. But yeah, day time, straight up forgot it.

 @carlitouk: accidentally downvoted you, but yeah im lucky enough to be in seattle (high of 85/90 F) and still feel like 630 am is the only time to go

Not sure how you folks do it in TX though, not really a summer activity i guess

 @two-plank: that hot and humidity really does make it almost impossible. Hot and dry where I am is one thing, but that humidity just makes it miserable.

 Sadly, I think the lack of response to your comment explains that.

 I don't think there's much debate. But the solution is far outside my scope of influence and control. Citizens in Canada barely get politicians, let alone corporations, to do anything. When I moved to France I lost what small possible sliver of that influence I had as I'm only a resident here who barely speaks the language.

I talk about the small problems of and preferences in hydration because, since we gave up our car (you're welcome, doing our small part), we walk (mostly) and ride everywhere. When you need to walk for groceries and carry them home and it's 35C I'm interested in looking after myself just doing that. More so if I get out for a ride, even in the morning before it gets nuclear. Those are the things my small self has within my scope of influence and control. The only thing "debating" the "main point" will do here is bring out trolls and get people in a yelling match trying to ignore or out-source the other people.

 Levy is now the Waldo of pinkbike

 I could just go for a drive with the windows open on my car to cool off too, or I could sit in my air conditioned house and watch YouTube videos, but pretending I'm riding a bike isn't exactly a solution.

 @RonSauce: riding an EMTB means “pretending your riding a bike” ? You sound like you’re referring to a VR mtb game

 I knew it - big ebike is causing the heat to sell more ebikes

/s

 Same problem...it sucks... current night temperature is 29c/84f.

 hahaha I seem to remember some record breaking days recently for heat! Few and far between, but stilllll

 @christinachappetta: for 2 days a year maybe!

 @christinachappetta: we had 2-3 days last year when it was 40c and the whole country freaked out.

 it's like a little suffocation straight jacket

 a crick? what do yall call them?

 @christinachappetta: I think they have (dry) arroyos that flash flood when it (rarely) rains?

 @christinachappetta: doesn't matter what they are called we just don't have any

 @barp: all we have are droughts and bad opinions

 Lol what?!

 @wolftwenty1: In desert type conditions, you use cotton or other natural fibers. You DON'T want to wick away sweat quickly. The wet garment, which won't stay wet for long, keeps you cool that bit longer, slowing down the sweating. It does not stay wet long enough to risk chaffing. Also, the way the garment is threaded makes a difference, some allow more air to flow through the garment.

 For real. Can't stand synthetic fabrics in hot conditions. Cotton for the win. Locks in the moisture you need to cool down, dries very slowly and breathes better.

 @carlitouk: Linen is ideal but not practical for biking in my experience. Not sure I agree about the garment drying quickly over long and sustained efforts. Nothing worse than a sticky cotton t-shirt.

 @wolftwenty1: If you visit somewhere crazy hot and importantly very dry, try it. After 13 years, I promise you'll stay cooler for longer. If I stop after a 600 m climb, I'll be dry in under 10 mins. Linen sounds lush but is pricey, cotton is cheap as chips.

 @carlitouk: I’ll give it a go. I’m mostly wearing Marino (mons) these days so perhaps I’m already half way there. Poly blends are bad regardless the weather

 Yes, because as we all know, cotton breathes well, doesn't get too wet and stick to you, and dries sooo fast.

 @arek: I guess you gotta live somewhere to actually understand what to wear.

 @wolftwenty1: Imagine linen riding shorts

 @christinachappetta: I’m here for it. Serious luxury.

 Yep here in Phoenix, AZ all the mexican landscapers are wearing long sleeve cotton, pants, and bandanas or some kind of head wear like a hat. They cover up every inch. It was 119 today.

 @carlitouk: idk it’s been 103-107° all week with 15% humidity and i will not be wearing my cotton work shirt to smash out 2000” elevation

 @fewnofrwgijn: lol, yeah, a cotton work shirt sounds crazy...I def wouldn't do that.

 @carlitouk:

 @carlitouk: sometimes I’ll wear my black bike jersey to work, it works amazingly, but it’s meltable and I’m grilling all day and it was $40 or something. Even just doing dirt jumps for 30 minutes in the cotton shirt gets pretty ridiculous. Pants are certainly a no-go, even in winter (for the most part) shorts are the most comfortable option

 @fewnofrwgijn: Pants, even in UK sub zero Celsius I never rode in them. I do like thicker synthetic shorts in winter though, morning and late afternoon get darn cold here in southern interior Spain in winter too.

 A whole season? Ever get lock jaw?

 @Eatsdirt: practice makes perfect

 What lip balm do you use ?