Dealing with the heat - any tips?

[Elliot M]

This summer - as every summer - I really suffer like a dog in the heat.

The couple of Beastways I did this and last year I was getting really dizzy and even getting tunnel vision - definitely the limiting factor rather than lungs or legs. Pouring water over my head really helps but only temporarily

I don't think just getting fitter is really going to help - as a kid I used to race at athletics and was pretty fit, training most days - and I was known to keel over during the race!

Now I want to set some goals - maybe even have a crack at road racing - at some point but see this as a real barrier.

As far as wearing a better ventilated helmet goes I'm already using a pretty well ventilated Giro something other. I am seriously considering shelling out the 125+ for a Giro Atmos helmet which is generally reckoned to be the coolest out there - thinking that if I don't notice the difference I can always sell it on...

Anyone else got any tips at all? Or know where I can get one of Lance's ice pack vests? Noticed that a couple of people have a full zip version of the ACC short sleeve jersey which might be a good idea...

[siwickm]

Ride faster the wind will cool you down

Cheers

MArek....

[David Lombari]

Have you tried using energy drinks with Electrolytes?
http://www.active.com/story.cfm?story_i ... =mtnbiking

[Elliot M]

I pretty much always use plain water to allow splashing over the face and head. Very interesting -- although the article is about endurance events whereas I seem to start suffering within 30 mins

I will experiment with the drinks though on club runs, I could always take an extra bottle in jersey.

I have also heard that a lycra bandana is actually cooler than a bare head because of more efficient evaporation. Not sure I believe that but might give it a go - any thoughts?

[Elliot M]

I guess other options are racing in the spring/autumn or putting in some acclimatisation time in the tropics!

[siwickm]

I have started riding with a bandana and it stops the sweat from dripping down onto the sunglasses which is a big bonus, I think it may keep you cooler as well.

Cheers

Marek..

[Brett P]

Try using a lite mesh under vest. Get them from Butlers around £20-30,
I used one in the alps last month & it was actually cooler than wearing nothing under my cycling top.

failing that, move off this cold, wet island to somewhere more tropical and acclimatise!

BP

PS. Quite a few ACC'ers last night at Eastway. I think Toks placed 7th or 8th, so congrat's Toks.

[Elliot M]

cheers guys