TEN TIPS TO RIDE IN COMFORT THIS SUMMER

Every cyclist has a different style. Hence we all have what we look for in a bike. The first thing that most riders ensure is that the bike they want to purchase will match their riding style.

Maybe you are the type that prefers aggressive rides flying down steep hills, or you might be the type that likes riding slowly and easily while appreciating the scenery. Or you are in between the two. Either way, the most important thing is to ensure you can ride comfortably, especially in long runs. So here, do well to buy a bike designed to hold and adjust to fit different shapes and sizes.

In addition, buy one that is equipped with pedal assist and throttle so whenever you feel like riding through hills, a unique one. Don't forget to check the leather seat and ensure it's the right type. 

One of the goodies that summer usually brings to us is the constant feeling of taste, especially when the sun is at its peak and dehydration.

Dehydration is a situation where your body doesn't have enough fluid to carry out its normal function. It's a condition that sets in quicker than expected and can be life-threatening if not attended to on time. So the best way to enjoy your ride without bothering about the sun or dehydration is to stay hydrated. To do so, take a water bottle and drink it at intervals.

Since most bikes even come with compartments where you can store things. You can easily fill a middle size bottle with water. And don't forget to replenish the bottle whenever you get the chance.

Another way of staying hydrated is carrying tender coconut water along. Aside from keeping you hydrated, tender coconut water is rich in vitamin C. A win-win! You can easily get this water in roadside shops, so pull over and drink one. 

You need to avoid heat stress when riding. This will help you pay full attention to the road and the operation of your bike. One of the easiest ways to prevent yourself from heat stress is to avoid riding during the hottest period of the day, and that's 12-3 pm.

There is plenty of time at the beginning and towards the end of the day that you can go for your ride in great condition and enjoy the experience.

Aside from this, riding at these times has a lot of benefits like quieter roads and less traffic. So unless you find yourself in circumstances where you must ride in the middle of the day, try and ride when the sun is less intense to prevent yourself from heat stress.

Furthermore, night riding can be fun, especially if you are living in urban or suburban areas. But for precautions, make sure to equip yourself with good visibility tactics. 

Riding is impossible when your eyes and skin aren't in the best condition. So no matter what, protect your eyes. And the best way to do so is to invest in goggles or a full-face helmet with a clear visor. It will protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause eye burns or cataracts.

In addition, exposing yourself to sunlight directly can block your vision which can lead to accidents. Remember, even if your two-wheeler insurance can take care of your precious vehicle when damaged, you will be the one to take care of yourself.

Also, if you are a motorcycle rider, you need to wear abrasion and impact-resistant wear that can be hot. It's not surprising that once or twice you've removed that gear and opted for simple vests or t-shirts and shorts on those hot days.

However, do you know the exposed area of your skin is harder to cool? Yes, sweat usually evaporates fast. Leaving your skin exposed can cause you to dehydrate fast. Even though the idea of covering yourself in the heat is counterintuitive, you still need to.

Moreover, with how technology is greatly advancing nowadays, you can find multiple lightweight materials that can withstand moisture and help you cool off and prevent that uncomfortable sweat from building up. 

The goal of every long-distance rider, especially those new to the game, is to reach their destination as fast as possible.

And To achieve this, they tend to push their vehicle, mind, and body without breaking.

This isn't nice because it can cause burnout, and mostly, you will find yourself de-energized to continue the run, forcing you to turn back instead of finishing your trip triumphantly.

The important thing to put in mind is enjoying your ride, not how fast you reach your destination. You need to be taking breaks in between the trip.

Taking breaks will give you the chance to stretch your limbs to allow your body to get back to its normal shape since right from the beginning, your body isn't created to withstand a long riding posture.

Stretching your limbs is more important if you are above 40 years because at this age, your body has already reached its maximum growth potential, so it's important to take care of your muscles and joints.

Aside from stretching your limb, stopping at intervals will also help the machine cool down. This will help it maintain the best riding parameters, and your machine will last longer. 

Taking a bottle of water is fine for short rides. If you are going for a long ride, you need electrolytes, proteins, and even carbohydrates. Electrolytes are salts like potassium, sodium, and magnesium.

They are vital for your normal cellular function, so they need to be replaced. They usually lose it in sweat. Nowadays, most drinks contain electrolytes and carbohydrates, and if you don't want to take carbohydrates, you can find effervescent electrolytes tablets.

Aside from drinks, it's also essential to eat properly during heat seasons due to the high temperature. Here are a few foods you can eat to help you during riding.

●Nuts: Nuts are rich in nutrients like omega-3 and are an excellent energy source. It prevents muscle pain and fatigue.

●Avocado: Avocado is a good source of potassium that prevents muscle cramps

●Pasta: Pasta is carbohydrates that are easy to digest and help you replenish your energy.

●Salmon: Salmons are proteins that reduce inflammation and help growth, maintenance, and muscle recovery.

●Banana: Banana is a good source of sugar. It's like a magical fruit that gives effective energy. It helps in muscle contraction and relaxation. 

The tires are an essential part of any vehicle because that's what connects and balances it to the road. Tires tend to get affected in summer more due to heated roads. If you ride a lot, it's essential to look after your tire's health.

Before you start riding for the day, first check the tire pressure at least twice a month this season. Dirt can affect the performance of your tires. Hence washing them daily in summer will not only increase the performance but also make them look good and shiny. Do tire inspection, replace the tires when needed, and always keep spare tires in case of emergency.

There are special tires specifically for summer riding available in the market. So you can easily purchase one and save yourself a lot of trouble. 

Summer can cause several road conditions, and one of them is melting tar and bugs.

Tars are one of the ingredients of asphalt. It's what bonds the asphalt together. When there is an increase in temperature, the asphalt will be more exposed to heat. As a result, the tar will seep up, affecting the lower part of your vehicle.

As for bugs, they are usually at their peak during summer because more heat means more food for bugs, and more food means more growth and spread.

To protect your machine, you can use paint protection film or a clear bra for the important parts of the machine. It's a strong polymer material that is exceptionally durable. Or ceramic coating, which is a professionally engineered product that you can easily use to protect machines from tars and bugs.

However, if they are already in your vehicle, you can use a clay mitt or clay bar to remove them. Or use glass cleaners and degreasers. 

Mostly, at the start of every summer, you ride in conditions hotter than what you are used to, and sometimes you suffer more than expected. That's normal. All you need is to acclimate to the heat. Heat acclimatization is the series of events that help you adapt to repeated heat exposure.

For example, if you are living in a cooler climate and you want to ride to hotter areas, your body can't withstand the sudden change of weather, and you will need to adapt to the condition slowly.

Hence, two ways you can acclimate to heat include active and passive protocols. Active protocols involve exposing yourself to the heat before your ride. You can use the time to exercise slowly. As for passive protocols, it's easier than active protocols. You can do so by immersing yourself in hot water before your ride or doing some post-exercise sauna. 

We all know how engines normally heat up in hot seasons. One way we think it is easier to cool the engine is by splashing it with cold water.

This is wrong, don't pour cold water on your hot engine. It will cause the engine to block and crack due to the sudden temperature change. Instead, keep coolant/antifreeze that offers boil protection in your vehicle.

In addition, there are a few tips to protect your engine from overheating during summer so you can have a smooth riding experience.

●Always do oil and filter changes: always check your vehicle oil level before you go for your riding. If the oil level is low, add or change the oil.

●Don't fill the entire fuel tank: fuel can expand in hot temperatures, especially if you park your machine directly under sunlight. Do well to spare some space in your fuel tank to prevent such from occurring.

●Make sure the radiator fan is working properly, especially if your ride has a liquid-cooled system in it. 

Riding in summer can be an awesome experience. However, most people find the heat a major setback. But with proper guidelines and preparations, you will find it easier and more enjoyable than expected. Above are tips you can follow. With them, you will not only keep your machine in good condition, but you will also remain healthy and enjoy a comfortable ride regardless of the weather.