Riding a motorcycle releases dopamine in your brain. It gives you an adrenaline rush and makes you feel happy. Therefore, bike riding is often associated with feelings of excitement and freedom.
For some people riding their bike is an everyday activity which they cannot miss, no matter the weather. However, the temperatures in India can soar high. But that should not stop motorcyclists from taking a ride. Follow these tips to stay cool while riding in hot weather.
Avoid Afternoon Rides
Afternoons are the hottest times of the day as the sun reaches its zenith position. So, it is always best to avoid the afternoon timings starting from twelve noon to three pm. Most experienced motorcyclists choose to ride either in the early hours or in the late afternoons to beat the heat. Also, choosing late afternoons to ride your bike saves you from scorching heat and gives you access to open, traffic-free roads. You can also break your trip into two parts, such as going out in the morning and coming back during the late afternoon or evening.
Make Full Use of Motorcycle Gears
Use a sport top water bottle fixed to the bike’s handlebar to keep drinking water handy. Take a few sips now and then to avoid dehydration due to heat. Bikers usually wear abrasion and impact-resistant gear like jackets and helmets. However, some bikers avoid wearing proper gear to keep cool due to rising temperatures. Doing so is not recommended. Biking gear is necessary even in hot weather because exposed skin dehydrates faster when moving at high speed. If sweat buildup is the reason to avoid biker gear, opt for lightweight materials with moisture-wicking properties to keep yourself covered and cool.
Choose Colours Smartly
Another thing while dressing for a motorbike trip, remember the science of keeping cool. Light colours absorb less heat in comparison to dark colours. Therefore, dress smartly to stay cool. Opt for a bright-coloured helmet with vents, mesh, lightweight jackets, textile pants, perforated gloves with ventilation, moisture-wicking socks, and lightweight, vented boots. Most importantly, choose a cooling vest that goes under your gear.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is crucial for the body. Especially when you are riding a bike in hot weather. You sweat under hot conditions because your body tries to regulate its temperature. But the sweat evaporates quickly when you are moving at speed on a bike. It is known as convection heat loss. This constant sweating and evaporating can result in dehydration. Therefore, hydration is essential to replace the body fluids lost by sweating. The best way to overcome this problem is by drinking little but often. Also, make sure you drink a lot of electrolytes to maintain balance in the body. Wearing a camelbak makes it easier to drink water frequently while riding.
Keep Skincare Handy
When on the road under hot conditions, take care of your skin. Motorbike riding can result in sunburns which do more than tanning your skin. Sunburns can cause your metabolism to increase and, in turn, make you thirsty. It also makes you feel tired. Therefore, always use good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 at the least. Use it on your face, neck, and hands generously. You may have to reapply sunscreen depending on the product you use and the time spent on the road.
Make sure you also have a lip balm handy. Chapped lips not only look bad, but they also make you thirsty and worsen after a few days. So, it is very important that you carry good sunscreen and lip balm on any motorbike road trip.
Carry a Helmet and Sunglasses
Always carry goggles and a helmet with you on a motorbike trip. Wear sunglasses if your helmet does not have a visor to protect your eyes. When you get down from your bike, be it the classy r 1250 gs or a normal bike, protect your head from the sun’s heat by wearing a properly designed helmet. You can also frost your helmet overnight while riding on a hot day.
Create a Routine for Every Stop
Making frequent stops during a long motorbike trip gives you much-needed rest and relief. When starting a long road trip, create a routine to be followed at each stop. Things such as refilling the fuel tank, using the washroom to freshen up, having a snack, and restocking your water bottles should top your priority list. Making a routine puts you back on the road with renewed efficiency.
Conclusion
Motorcycle road trips provide a fun, exciting, and exhilarating experience. Whether you go fast or slow on a fancy bike like the BMW gs 310 or a standard bike, bikers love the feeling of being on the road. Follow the above tips and suggestions to make your motorcycle journey cool even under the hot sun!