Summertime is the perfect season to hit some of the most exciting trails and premier lift-access bike parks located throughout the country. Whether you’re planning to ride alone or with a group of friends, summer biking is a great way to bond and have a great day of fun. However, before you hit the trails, you’ll want to prepare yourself for the heat and the elements. The last thing you want is for a fun time to turn into a nightmare. Here are a few tips that will help you get the most out of your summer mountain biking adventures.
Tune Your Bike Up For Summer
Hitting the trails can seem intimidating if extreme weather is in the forecast, whether it’s the height of summer or the middle of winter. But for enthusiasts, there’s no better time to increase endurance and work on your basic skills.
Before you start your summer regimen, take the time to check your bike components on your mountain bike. The weather may be hotter than you expected, and you don’t want to experience breakdowns on your ride and spend more time in the summer sun than you’d planned for.
If you have more than one mountain bike, consider bringing the lighter one out on the trails. There will be less chances for mud (barring any summer storm), and a bike that weighs less will take less toll on your body. When you’re dealing with extreme temperatures, lower exertion required on the body will keep your energy levels higher for a longer length of time.
Plan Your Ride Times
The worst time to ride is when the temperature is hot and unbearable in the middle of the day. Be smart and plan your rides early in the morning or later in the evening when the weather is cooler. It may sound like common sense, but our excitement often supersedes our judgment and such can pave the way to poor decision-making..
The same holds for the length of your ride. It is not a good idea to ride all day long in the dead of summer. Plan shorter rides that start as early in the morning as possible or later in the afternoon, and take your time. There’s no need for longer challenging rides, especially if you’re not a professional. Summer biking is much more enjoyable when you ride at the optimum time of day.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
The riding clothing you choose will be critical to keeping you cool when summer biking. Opt for breathable, sweat-wicking cycling clothes that can effortlessly layer depending on what’s in the forecast that day. Remember, summers in the mountains can be hot, humid, dry, cold, or wet, depending on the elevation and weather conditions.
High-tech fabrics that contain moisture-wicking or dry tech material work very well. Whether you wear short or long sleeve jerseys is up to you, but be sure it causes moisture to evaporate rapidly and provides sufficient airflow to help the body stay cool. You can prevent the possibility of heatstroke if you know what to wear while mountain biking in the summer.
Pay attention to the color of your helmet and visors. You don’t want to wear dark colors that absorb heat during the summer months. Go for lighter, more neutral colors that won’t trap extra heat or moisture. When choosing your helmet, look for a light construction with vents that will keep your head cooler.
Take Care of Your Body Inside & Out
Your body needs consistent hydration while summer biking and should always be a high priority. When you plan a ride, be sure you pack plenty of water with electrolytes. High temperatures will cause you to sweat more and lose vital nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. Electrolytes will help your cells to maintain the proper fluid balance inside and out, resulting in more energy. In addition, bring salty snacks to replace the sodium your body will lose due to heavy sweating and keep your cells functioning properly.
If you’re planning long rides, bring sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays that can cause sunburns and potential skin cancer. These suggestions may sound basic, but you’ll be much more at ease when these items are within easy reach on the trail. You must understand that while you may want to get a challenging workout in, your health and safety are always your top priorities.
With the tips we’ve shared, you can be confident that you have the necessary items to handle summer biking on the trails or out on the open road. You now know what to wear while mountain biking in summer and what to pack so you can enjoy yourself and have fun at the same time.
