Jun 05 2008
Riding A Heat Wave: Gatorade, Water, Gatorade, Water…
Man… did I drink a lot of fluids on the bike yesterday. I could have used more because after 60 miles I still didn’t feel the overwhelming urge to take a “natural break”. I drank a total of 168 ounces… that’s a combination of Gatorade and Water. I’m not exaggerating… we truly are in a heat wave. When I wiped my forehead it burned from the salt scraping across my skin. But if I didn’t catch it in time… it would hit my eyes and then more burn. There was a bit of a breeze but unfortunately it felt like a convection oven. 
All of a sudden, we’re in 90+ degree temperatures.
It was 94 yesterday on my ride but factoring in the humidity it felt like the upper 90’s. Today, there’s a forecast high of 97 with a heat index or “feel like” temp of close to 105. I think it was harder on me because I just haven’t ridden in temps this hot yet this season. Even on my vacation in Florida last week, it was in the low to mid 80’s with low humidity. I’ll take that again. Funny, it seemed like yesterday when I was cursing the arm warmers… leg warmers… base layer… full finger gloves and booties. Now, my cycling tan lines are looking like I’ve ridden a Grand Tour (sorry no picture). I know sunny and 78 degrees would be an ideal day for most cyclists… but I’m wondering what are your favorite conditions. What’s your take on the temperature when on the bike?
I will be getting some of that 90+ weather this weekend. I actually enjoy it when it starts really warming up. I think I ride better, although “better” is a relative term. The only thing that kills me out here on the East Coast is the humidity levels. When it is as high as the temps, it gets pretty hard to breathe. But I think I am beginning to adapt to it. But yeah, otherwise 75 - 80 is perfect.
By the way, I have found that water and Endurolytes or something with no sugar is more effective for me than Gatorade. It is probably and individual thing, but if you are getting that crusty on your hot rides, you might want to check it out.
I almost died of cold descending a mountain today. Nothing but gray and rain here for 2 weeks.
I like 18 degrees —— (Celsius!) about 65 F.
Seems like it’s been a cold spring in SoCal, I’ve been wearing my warmers well into May. Headed to the mountains this weekend where it’s forecasted to be sunny and in the low 80’s.
If I had to pick perfect weather conditions, it would have to be mid-70’s and sunny and no wind, of course.
Btw, I’ve been using pure maltodextrin in my bottles instead of gatorade with great results - I can get 80mg of complex carbs per bottle with no nasty flavoring, checmical coloring or raw sugar.
Uncadan– Thanks for the Endurolutes tip and reminder. I tried them once two summers ago. I think it’s time I check them out again.
Will– I knew you would still have a cold descent in there somewhere. I hope your ribs are feeling better. And I hope that nasty rainy weather ends soon… sunny and 65 sounds awesome.
Arlyn– As you might have read above uncadan suggested endurolytes. I have to look into maltodextrin. I don’t know much about it… but I’m willing to look into new things to keep me from turning into a salt pile. Thanks for the tip! Have a blast with the Monster Climbs this weekend.
I have a recipe for a maltodextrin-based energy drink from TOUR, the German cycling magazine, and I plan to try it out soon. Will let you know how it goes. But this weekend I on Gatorade as I don’t plan to try anything new on the Rideau Lakes Tour, all 350 kms of it.
I actually enjoy riding in the heat since it seldom is all that hot here! We’ll be pushing 90F here for a change so it should be interesting.
Donald, if you want to even out those tan lines, just go to a nude beach and put on your arm- and leg-warmers.
That is almost 3 ozes per mile. That is a lot of fluid! Gotta keep hydrated in the heat.
Sprocketboy– Yeah… let me know how that recipe works and maybe you can post it for us. Hilarious idea for the tan lines… but no nude beaches in NC… which is great news for me. Or, for the others who would be on the nude beach if there was one. I could just go to one of those tanning salons with my arm and leg warmers. I can just imagine the people’s faces when I say I’m going to wear these in the tanning bed.
Chris– I know… I drink a lot anyway. But I didn’t float away that’s for sure. You would think I’d be stopping at a tree every 5 miles. I guess it’s better than blacking out from heat stroke and crashing into one of those trees.
Don,
Its funny, I read this when I was thinking about the same thing. Tomorrow, I’m riding a 100 miles and the temps are in the upper 80’s (not too comfy).
I dont want to impart conventional wisdom because I’m sure you already know it.
1. But yesterday, when I was watching a video of the 2006 tour (stage 17), I noticed how often Landis would take a bottle and pour it all over his his head. I’m talking every 10 minutes or so…
I have tried this and it soooo cools you. If you can afford wasting the extra water, try this.
2. If the helmet is too hot for you, remove it if its safe and strap it on the handlebar for a while. Let the head cool.
3. Potassium - Bananas!
3. Other than that, gatorade is OKAY, but I cant keep tasting that thing on a long ride. It makes me want to puke.
I’m going to try something else tomorrow. I’m going to take Gerolsteiner sparking mineral water with me, not crap spring water. Its sodium content is very high. I’ll see how that works out.
I’ll also try stopping at stores along the way for a can or two of Coca-Cola.
OHHHH and one more thing,
Talking about tan lines, I dont you … you guys would need sunscreens I guess, but I have darker skin so I think I’m okay.
But anyway, sunscreens dont work for me, thats one. In the recent past, I also remember reading somewhere they they interfere with the sweating mechanism in the pores of the skin and make you feel al the more hotter.
Opinions, opinions….
Ron– Weird… I think you helped me figure out my problem before it even happened. Check on my latest post on “the rash.”
I struggle with cramps once it warms up (85 F+), but have found the Cliff Shot electrolyte drink to work best. Most people assume that sodium loss is the main culprit with heat related issues, but other eloctrolyte losses can also also lead to problems; these include potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium, all of which are found Cliff Shot. No, I don’t work for Cliff, but I have experimented with countless sports drinks over the past 20 years.
Re: the heat rash on your legs, I’ve never used sunscreen on my quads, only on my nose, cheeks, ears, and back of my neck. Maybe someone with medical expertise could enlighten us, but I’ve never heard of anyone getting skin cancer in the quad area. Is it safe to ride sans sunscreen on legs?
Hi Team Chef– You know… I’m going to have to try a few different things. I do like Cliff products but I’ve never tried the Cliff Electrolyte drink. As for the heat rash on my legs… I think I might have to try a lighter sunscreen or nothing at all as you have said.