How To Ensure You Have a Safe Summer Biking Experience
Whether you like it or not, the summer months are officially here. This time of year is marked by an abundant amount of sunshine and sweltering temperatures. If you enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer months, then finding fun activities to participate in should be a top priority. Riding a bike is one of the best things you can do when the weather outside is nice.
If you are planning an upcoming summer biking excursion, you need to consider the heat. Thousands of heat-related injuries and illnesses occur in the United States annually. Failing to take precautions when spending time in the summer heat can be dangerous. If you are adamant about having a safe summer biking experience, then you need to consider the tips below.
Choose The Right Time of Day For Your Biking Adventure
Whether you are planning a solo biking excursion or a trip for the entire family, being mindful of the weather where you’ll be riding is vital. If you are going to be riding in an area where sweltering summer temperatures are commonplace, then you need to think about riding your bike earlier in the morning. By planning an early morning bike ride, you can avoid hotter temperatures in the mid-day and afternoon hours.
If you feel like an early morning bike trip is your best bet, then you need to avoid staying up late the night before the ride. You also need to set your alarm to ensure you get up on time. If you are riding with a group, pre-determining a meeting spot and time is crucial. By doing this, you can keep this experience organized and enjoyable.
Water is Your Best Friend On a Summer Bike Ride
When spending time outdoors during the summer months, you will probably sweat a good bit. The more perspire, the higher the risk of dehydration becomes. If you aren’t replenishing the fluids your body is losing during a summer bike ride, it is only a matter of time before this bad decision comes back to haunt you.
Ideally, you want to drink at least 20 ounces of water for every hour you spend biking. Keeping your body hydrated will help you avoid issues involving muscle cramps and dizziness. Most bikes have water bottle holders installed on them. This means you have no excuse for not taking water along for your ride.
Pack a Quality Protein Bar
Not only do you need to focus on staying hydrated on your bike ride, you also need to consider the amount of fat you’re burning. Biking is one of the best forms of cardiovascular exercise on the planet. However, if you are riding for an extended period of time in the heat, you need to have a way to replenish the protein your body burns.
The easiest and most effective way to do this is by packing a high-quality protein bar. With this bar, you can reduce your hunger and increase the amount of usable energy at your disposal.
By following these tips, you can have a good summer biking experience.