With the arrival of summer, many riders are excited to hit the road and enjoy some sunshine while cruising on their bikes. However, it's essential to remember that exposure to the sun and harsh weather can put your health at risk. To help you prepare for safe and enjoyable rides this season, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite tips. From choosing the right gear to staying hydrated and taking breaks, we'll cover everything you need to know to protect yourself from the sun and stay safe while riding. So, whether you are planning a long-distance ride or just a quick trip to the beach, read on to learn how to make the most of your summer rides while keeping your health and safety in mind.

Summer Riding Tips

Stay Hydrated

During the hot summer months it's very easy to become dehydrated while riding. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your ride can help you to stay hydrated while riding in the summer heat. It's a good idea to bring a water bottle with you or a hydration pack so that you can prevent dehydration. If you don't have a water bottle or water bottle holder we have a large assortment of options on our website.

Being hydrated can also help to regulate your body temperature. Being hydrated allows you to sweat. Sweating is the body's natural cooling mechanism, and without enough fluids, you may struggle to maintain a safe body temperature, leading to overheating and heat-related illnesses.

Protect Your Skin

Getting a sun burn is never fun and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause unwanted health effects. That's why we recommend wearing sunscreen with a high SPF while riding on your trike. Wearing sunscreen while riding can help to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Don't forget to apply it to areas that may be exposed, such as your arms, legs, neck, and face.

It can also be a good idea to wear a hat or a visor so you can protect your face from the sun. The sun is a loving, but unforgiving temptress and if you don't take her seriously you will get BURNED! In addition to hats, wearing long pants and long sleeves is a good idea if you're planning to ride in areas that aren't covered by shade.

Dress Appropriately

Our next summer riding tip is to dress appropriately. You probably wouldn't wear a t shirt and shorts in a snow storm just like you wouldn't wear a snow suit in the middle of summer. That's why it's a good idea to take the weather into consideration when setting out on a ride. When riding in warm or hot weather, opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that doesn't attract the sun and keeps you cool. Consider wearing moisture-wicking fabrics that draw sweat away from your body to help regulate your temperature. Avoid dark colors like black while roading so you can avoid becoming exhausted by the heat.

Wear Sunglasses

Investing in a pair of sunglasses with UV protection can help to shield your eyes from the sun's glare and harmful rays. This will improve visibility and reduce eye strain during your ride.

Riding in bright sunlight can create glare, which can be distracting and even dangerous while cycling. Sunglasses with polarized lenses help reduce glare from surfaces such as water, pavement, and car windows, improving visibility and reducing eye strain.

Bright sunlight can cause squinting, which can lead to eye fatigue and headaches over time. Sunglasses provide shade and reduce the need to squint, promoting eye comfort and allowing you to focus on the road ahead.

Plan Your Route:

When setting out on a ride it's a good idea to keep in mind where you want to go on your ride. When you know where you want to go you can reach different goals that you set out for yourself and see places you may not typically see. That's why our next tip to keep in mind is to plan your route before you leave on a ride. When preparing to go on a ride try to choosing routes that offer plenty of shade, such as tree-lined paths or routes along bodies of water. Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day if possible, and consider planning your rides for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

Take Breaks:

Don't push yourself too hard while riding. Riding a trike is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience. If you start to feel overheated or fatigued while riding, don't hesitate to take a break in a shaded area to cool down and rest. Listen to your body and pace yourself accordingly to avoid heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

If you feel like you may have heat stroke or heat exhaustion you should seek medical attention and call for help. Until that point try to cool yourself down by fanning yourself, misting yourself with cool water, or dumping water on yourself.

Use Cooling Accessories:

There are many different types of accessories that are available to help you stay cool while riding. Consider using cooling accessories such as neck wraps, cooling vests, or arm sleeves with built-in UV protection to help keep your body temperature down during hot rides. Using a small fan or mister can also help to keep you cool while riding. Try some or a combination of these accessories until you find what works for you. It's up to you to keep yourself safe and cool while on a ride, these accessories can help to make staying cool a bit easier.

Stay Alert:

Hot weather can affect your concentration and reaction times, so stay extra vigilant while riding. Watch out for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others, and be prepared to seek help if needed.

Check Your Trike:

One of the last tips that we have for you is to check your trike before going on a ride. Before heading out, ensure that your trike is in good working condition. Check tire pressure, brakes, and gears, and lubricate moving parts as necessary. Overheated pavement can also lead to tire blowouts, so keep an eye on your tires during long rides.

If you're curious about how to do basic and minor repairs to your trike check out our video on basic trike maintenance and our spring riding video we're we cover some tips to help you make your trike as good as it can be.

Enjoy the Ride

Despite the heat, riding in the summer can be a lot of fun! Take the time to enjoy the scenery, feel the breeze on your face, and appreciate being outdoors on your trike. Just remember to stay safe and take precautions to beat the heat.

Get Out and Ride!

We hope these tips help you get out and ride during the warm summer weather. If you're interested about riding in other seasons check out our article and video on riding in the spring and our article and video about riding in the winter.