Battling the Heat

Sometimes the weather itself conspires to make riding with less than optimal gear about as unattractive as possible.  Living in the city affectionately known as 'Hotlanta', we understand heat and humidity.  The last few weeks have seen temps in the 90's.  That really is not that bad, but when the humidity is a matching 90%, it can get really uncomfortable to ride while wearing full gear.

This is something that I can completely understand, and unfortunately, I find that even as safety oriented as I am, there are times when I make the less than safe choice.  I do so in full awareness of the risk I am taking. 

There has long been a phrase that applies here: Sweat washes off, road rash doesn't.  The problem is that while this is true, dehydration and heatstroke are  very real issues.  

In riding a good bit lately, I find that as the heat goes up, I need to stop often for water and the occasional salty snack.  Together this helps prevent problems, but there is the other issue.  Safety Gear adds layers and heat.  So finding gear that breathes well is something that we have to do.  

The longer I ride, the more I find myself collecting multiple sets of gear.  Winter gear, Spring/Fall Gear, Summer Gear, Rain Gear and other knick knacks.  This falls into the hidden costs category.  In the end, it is worth it.  But it is worth noting, that even choices in helmets play into this.  Though I have a couple of dark helmets, in the summer, it is white or silver with a lot of venting.  

For a cheap but lots of airflow full face, I like the GMax G68s (in solid white).

Content by dru_satori, edited on a Mac using SandVox (because I'm lazy)