Summer Cycling – How to Roll When the Heat Is On

August 3, 2021 – Cycling is popular, especially in Titusville which is an official Florida Trail Town and the place where three major biking trails converge.

But as we move into the part of the year when Florida starts to really get steamy, there are some steps you can take to make sure you stay as safe as possible.

Here are some tips from Cycling Weekly, in a condensed form.  Follow the link at the bottom of the post to learn more.

1. KEEP HYDRATED

It a vicious cycle (see what we did there?). You sweat, it dries, you drink, sweat, dry, drink and so on and on.  You sweat to cool yourself down, but that happens through evaporation, so you may not realize how much fluid you are losing.  Always carry water with you and sip away all the time to keep from getting dehydrated. That problem can sneak up on you, so keep ahead of it with plenty of beverages, either good old water or drinks with electrolytes.

Get Maps for Happy Trails for You: here

2. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER

Obviously, when it’s summer in Florida you probably won’t be tempted to wear your favorite heavy hoodie for your ride. If you are just out for a leisurely excursion on your two-wheeled conveyance, a t-shirt and shorts may be all you need.  But there are plenty of choices for lightweight clothes that help wick the sweat off for the more challenging routes.

Also, if you are biking over a long distance, you probably want to invest in some bike shorts and purpose-made jerseys.  Under the clothes and after a few miles on the trail the parts of you that rub together can get annoying so ask at your bike shop about the joys of chamois cream.  Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the glare and can keep some bugs out of your eyes.  There are even special biking shoes that protect the soles of your feet and can leverage your leg power. Again, the folks at the bike shop can explain it all in detail.

A Florida Trail Town… and the Converging Trails map here

3. KEEP AN EYE ON THE ROAD SURFACE

“It’s so hot you could fry an egg on this road.” That can also cause some problems, like running into slippery or sticky tar that has lifted off in the heat. The bike paths around Tiusville were designed to be used year-round, so you will be more likely to run into this problem if you get off on an asphalt road.  Just be careful.

Lots of information on adventures for anyone visiting or living here

4. WE ALL SCREAM FOR SUNSCREEN

The Florida sun can be intense, and sometimes visitors learn that you can get burned in a fairly short amount of time. Slather on the sunscreen any place that’s exposed to the sun – arms, legs, face and in particular the back of your neck.  And really pay attention to the area above your knee on the front of your leg and your calves, because these areas seem to particularly vulnerable.

For personal help, tips and insider info: Welcome Center

5. RIDE IN THE MORNING OR EVENING

An old saying is “mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun.” We think it means mid-day in Florida is not the best time to ride, so get up early or ride in the evening when the sun is less “maddening”. If it’s dark when you start or may get dark before you get back, make sure you have lights and reflectors so that those four-wheeled motorist types can see you in the twilight zone or when you are on dawn patrol.

AND WHEN YOU GET HOME…

Make sure you top off your hydration when you get home, because, you know, sweat. Eat what you usually do, either before of after a refreshing hot shower, because, you know, sweat. And because you probably burned off a few calories out there in the lovely summer air – treat yourself to something cold, sweet and delicious. Just eat it before it melts.  Because, you know, Florida.

Titusville is proud of being an official Florida Trail Town. Learn more about that here.

And the adventures don’t slow down when you take your feet off the pedals. Get some ideas on what other fun awaits you by checking out our VISITING HERE link.  Want to talk to a real live human? How 20th century of you (just kidding). Stop by the Welcome Center near downtown Titusville and we’ll chat you up like crazy.

While you’re here, join the fun and share your pics…(you don’t have to be a professional photog, and images from all ages welcome), so start snapping. Remember to use the hashtag #picturetitusville2021 when you post your image to your facebook or instagram account.

Source: Hot weather cycling: keeping cool in summer heatwave | Cycling Weekly