Warm Weather Riding Guide
On a warm, sunny day, you often feel like the open road is calling out to you and your bike is just waiting to hit the asphalt. The weather may feel perfect, but safe riding requires some precaution on your part to make it enjoyable.
We at Arizona Honda have prepared this guide to help you get ready for warm weather riding. For more information or if you want to get your motorcycle expertly serviced, head to our dealership in Snowflake, Arizona. We welcome all our friends from Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.
The Risks of Hot Weather Riding
Once you understand the risks involved in hot weather riding, you’ll be able to reduce them. You have to treat it the same way that you prepare for riding your motorcycle in the rain or at night. Sunshine may not seem menacing, but it poses its own risks. It can impair your vision, which makes it harder for you to see clearly. When it’s sunny, a “sun dazzle” appears on the road. It’s in the east in the morning and in the west in the evening. It causes problems like strong glare coming off of other vehicles around you.
Another problem while riding your motorcycle out in the sun is the health issues it can pose. Sunburns are one of the milder issues, while heatstroke is much more serious. This happens when your body overheats and leads to symptoms like dizziness, headache, loss of consciousness and even organ failure. You can stay ahead of these problems by being proactive!
Stay Hydrated
One of the biggest issues of riding a motorcycle in hot weather is the risk of dehydration. As you ride, you lose hydration due to heat, exercise, and the wicking action of your clothing. You’ll need to pack a large amount of water (either in the form of water bottles or hands-free hydration). You’ll also need to keep replacing your electrolytes since these deplete as you sweat. Salty snacks or a sports drink can help. Don’t wait till you’re thirsty to have a drink, make it a point to drink water frequently.
Avoid Peak Sun Hours
Sometimes, you may not have control over when you need to ride your motorcycle, but when you can, choose to drive only during the cooler times of the day. Temperatures usually peak from 3 to 5 PM in the summer, so avoiding those hours will protect you from the worst of the heat. If you are out at such times, take a break by eating a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant. Try to ride your motorcycle early in the morning or wait till the sun is setting. If you can, check the weather the day before your ride so you can plan your day accordingly.
Take Breaks
Finally, you should take frequent breaks when you ride your motorcycle in the sun, as the heat takes its toll despite all the precautions and you’re more likely to tire faster. Give your spine, eyes, brain and bike a break by stopping at rest areas or tourist attractions to wander around, sit under a shady tree and drink plenty of water. Fuel up on snacks to replenish lost salt and nutrients and take in the scenery around you. Your body will thank you for giving it a chance to recuperate before the next stretch of riding. Don’t try to go a few hundred miles without pause when it’s hot, and don’t overextend yourself in general. Using common sense will let you ride in the heat without suffering ill effects.
We hope these tips help you have safer and better rides in summer! If you’d like to get your bike serviced by trained technicians, come on down to Arizona Honda. We’re here for all your motorcycle needs! Our dealership is located in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also serve Show Low and Holbrook.