By MIKE Phillips |
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HOT ! wife , Paula , and I recently
MY attended the CMA National Rally at Iron Mountain in Hatfield , Arkansas . The " hot " topic of conversation other than the nightly service was the hot weather . Several people related stories of riding in excessive heat leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke . After I got home , I spoke with Mike Leath , a friend and CMA member from Wichita Falls , Texas . Most of us can relate to Mike ’ s story about riding in the heat . Mike said he and two other riders recently left Wichita Falls early in the morning for a ride to the Grand Canyon . All were experienced riders . They had stopped for gas several times , and all said they were feeling fine . They had ridden several hours and were on Interstate 40 around Tucumcari , New Mexico . At about 11:30 in the morning , Mike was riding in the lead and noticed the last bike was no longer with them . So the two went back to check . They found the other motorcycle parked on the side of the freeway .
The rider was lying on the ground beside the bike . The rider was suffering from heat issues . An ambulance took the rider to the hospital , where he was treated for heat exhaustion and released several hours later . Mike did not think they were having trouble from the heat . All were riding fine until the one rider dropped out . This could have been much worse as the rider might have passed out on his bike and crashed .
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Riding in hot weather presents several problems . We do not realize how hot we are until it affects us . We all think we are ok and want to keep riding beyond safe physical limits . We can do several things to make riding in hot weather safer . First , do not ride when the forecast is calling for excessive heat warnings . As the temperature rises , the wind from the bike and heat off the motor will cause dehydration at a much faster pace . Ride in the morning or evening and rest during the hottest part of the day . Perhaps , plan a breakfast ride instead of a lunch ride .
Second , cover your skin . Wear a long sleeve light-colored shirt that is moisture-wicking if possible . Wear light color pants . Shoes should be lightweight and breathable with white cotton socks . A fullface helmet that fits properly with vents and a tinted shield will keep the sun off your head and face . Sunglasses under the shield will add another layer of protection for your eyes from the sun . A do-rag or bandana under your helmet helps keep your helmet dry . If you don ' t wear a full-face helmet , wear a light color scarf or neck gator that covers your entire face and neck from the eyes down . Cooling vests and scarves are another excellent idea . These can be kept in a soft ice chest and used when needed . Do not put sunscreen on above your eyes ; it will run down into your eyes . Use lip balm often to keep lips from getting dry and cracked .
Third , always take more water with you than you think you will
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need . A rider should drink about 20 ounces of water every hour . That ' s about one plastic bottle an hour . It is better to take a few sips every 15 minutes than to drink a whole bottle when you stop . A squeeze bottle mounted on your bike works well . You can also squirt water on your face and body while riding . A camel back water pack is a great way to drink while riding . Fill the camel back with ice every time you stop . This will give you cool water to drink and a cool pack on your back . Drinks with added electrolytes , like sugar-free Gatorade , should be taken every couple of hours . Avoid sodas , coffee , or any beverage with lots of sugar , as they will dry you out at a faster rate .
Fourth , eat light meals with fruits , vegetables , and bananas . Take trail mix with you for a salty snack . Avoid greasy food and large meals until the day ' s ride is over .
Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy . Other signs include :
• Cool , pale , or clammy skin
• Rapid or weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
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