For many of us, this summer has been a hot one, so we want to know how you’re staying cool on the trail. Because no matter how hot it goes, we are NOT riding a bike trainer in an air conditioned room.
How do You Stay Comfortable on Hot MTB Rides?
We want to know what you'r doing to make mountain biking in the heat feel less terrible this summer.
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Last Updated:
14 comments
Last Updated:
14 comments
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14 Comments
Jul 30, 2023
I have 4 Camelback insulated water bottles that I half-fill with water and keep in my freezer. I fill them with water or Pedialyte before a ride. The frozen block of water slowly melts but keeps liquids and me, cool, even for 60-80 mile mid-day road rides.
Would love to hear what folks in desert regions like Arizona or SoCal do. I'm guessing their access to shade while MTB is fairly limited.
Jul 31, 2023
Jul 31, 2023
Then there is forested singletrack a plenty. That is air conditioned riding that can bring ultimate adventure. Singlespeeding a feature rich singletrack is second to none.
I'm over the double and triple black DH era of my life and rippin a proper singlespeed plusser with real p l u s tires, not those little road bike tires they're tryna sell as plus tires.
Mountain living is awesome!
Jul 31, 2023
Aug 4, 2023
The daytime temp can exceed 40c (104f). Even nighttime can be 35c (95f).
Because there are sharp rocks everywhere, and I like riding jumps/features, I wear elbow/knee pads and a full face helmet (TLD “Stages” - expensive but light and well ventilated.)
In the summer, I fill my water pack with cold water and ice. I wear a highly ventilated jersey. And pedal off as the sun goes down. With great lights for the dark segment.
One of the biggest issues is sweat getting on my glasses. (Always wear a bandanna of headband)
It’s not great but I love riding. So that’s what I do.
The short winter we get is fabulous.
Home on the East Coast is much better, but I still ride “last thing” in the afternoon, in the summer.
Aug 3, 2023
--Get up early!
--Hydrate steadily throughout ride
--Cut it short if necessary
--Get up early!
Aug 3, 2023
Otherwise…..hydrate, salt tablets and more water. I douse my self with water as soon as my bike is on the rack. An plastic laundry detergent jug full of water works great when there isn’t running water available. I carry a stack of old towels in my vehicle and a change of clothes. It’s still hot, but definitely more comfortable.
Aug 3, 2023
Aug 1, 2023
Aug 4, 2023
On really hot days I soak the whole thing and wrap it twice for a serious cooling, the carotid artery carries heat up and if you cool it where its close to the skin at the neck the brain gets cooled blood thus reducing the thermal load on the body.
In cold temps the bandanna is the perfect scarf for keeping the neck warm, Silk is the best
Aug 1, 2023
While riding I keep a wet buff or hanky around my neck to wick away heat; increase water and salts by 20-30%; slow down the pace to keep my heart rate out of max HR territory as much as possible; and choose shadier terrain when convenient.
After riding I continue hydration with salts for 30-60 minutes, depending on the heat and my exertion level.
Jul 22, 2024
Aug 3, 2023
Aug 3, 2023