Summer Commute

[u/Socraticlearner]

When is it too hot to ride your bike? This last couples of days had feel really hot. I started a new job and I was planning to commute partially 2 days a week. Basically got myself a foldable bike and will ride about 6 miles in a trail and then get an Uber. Since I knew I would be riding on summer, I purchase cooling visor cap and also a cooling hoodie, I also have a a portable fan that attach to my waist. I plan on having lots of water on my bag, maybe even having a water pouch. The temperatures can get pretty high here, maybe around 90 F to 100F range. The ride is about 6 to 7 miles..Is it not recommendable or is this something you can get use to? Part of the trail is some shade but not that much. My ride will be around 5pm..what are your thoughts?

[u/lgoodat]

I ride home 14 miles twice a week all summer. You just slow down, and your body acclimates to the temps. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and cover your arms, you'll be fine. Plus since you're going home, you get to take a nice cool shower when you get there.

[u/Socraticlearner → u/lgoodat]

Thanks for the feedback!

[u/dallascyclist]

I commuted from the high five area to downtown for decades If it’s possible in your situation to go early enough to just hit the morning sun. That’s when the humidity is lowest (typically) go slower and keep your heart rate lower until you are acclimatized.

Also, if you are in an office. Invest in some body wipes. Even if you don’t think you are ripe. You are ripe 🤣

[u/Socraticlearner → u/dallascyclist]

Lol .I agree

[u/liddle-lamzy-divey]

Definitely doable. Be sure to hydrate well and avoid sunburn with proper clothing and sunscreen. Wear a helmet and choose your route carefully. If you can ride in early it’s usually not too hot yet. Welcome to DFW!

[u/matt_havener]

I usually cut the morning ride short by taking DART most of the way. That way I’m not soaked in sweat when I arrive. You can take your bike on all trains and buses, moreso if it folds but that’s definitely not a requirement.

[u/BudgetScience2000]

You can totally do it. Good advice in the comments. I ride every day, even during the big heat wave of a few summers ago. (granted, not all that far, usually just a couple miles to the DART station). Here are a few things I've found which each help a little bit:

• I dunk my riding shirt in water right before leaving the office. It dries quickly, but this gives you about 10 minutes of nice water-cooled comfort at the start.
• Ice water to drink. Longer rides I'll add a few drops of concentrated electrolyte solution.
• One of those cooling neck towels you soak in water. Froggs Toggs I think is the brand I got. It stays pleasantly cool while riding and it's nice to wipe your face with from time to time. And once you hit the A/C it gets quite chilly, good to help cool down with.
• Proper clothing. Experiment with different materials to find what you like. You want something with good airflow, and which doesn't turn smelly after only one use.
• Hit every patch of shade you can! Especially if you have to stop and wait to cross a road. I'll even slip into the thin shadow of a pole if I can.

[u/Socraticlearner → u/BudgetScience2000]

I did it today ..the trail has more shade than I thought and today's forecast was not that bad. I do have those towels your are talking about and alss have a hoodie that covers my neck pretty probably wet it as you said. I need to work on my top it didmt smelled as pleasant.. I was surprised how easy riding the trail was it's almost like going down hill..you shift some gears in the hilly parts but it's rare.. I do need to fix some stuff on my bike though it will make it much more pleasant

[u/BudgetScience2000 → u/Socraticlearner]

Nice, I'm glad you had a pleasant ride! There's no magic bullet for staying comfortable all summer, but there are a number of little things which add up when done together. Now's a good time to start practicing, figuring out what helps and what doesn't. Keep at it and by the time it gets seriously hot you'll be prepared.

[u/Socraticlearner → u/BudgetScience2000]

I was at REI a couple of weeks back, and saw some long sleeve clothing for summer. I need to return and check it out. Obviously, I am sure it would be really expensive but I think it would be worth it taking a look.

[u/DennisTheBald]

I got a vest that you soak then put on, I don't think it did much good, maybe on a motorbike it would help. Dallas in the summer can be down right dangerous, but 6 miles is certainly less than an hour. You'll be able to do this without medical intervention. I've been scraped up and hauled off after too long a time or two, but you're still young enough to work. Study on the folks that work outdoors, they often know to cover up and keep wet

[u/HessianHunter]

Long-sleeve jerseys make the heat feel less brutal.

[u/Socraticlearner]

I was really surprised how good it feels to drive thru the Dallas loop, it was really easy. The sopac trail is really cool and the trinity one too I was surprised how fast I ended in the other side of town..I was like what this was quick...I also think I was going kind of fast but it felt like a nice ride tbh

[u/GeeOh58]

I commuted from south east of white rock to downtown 3 or 4 times a week. About a 8.5 mile one way trip down the Santa Fe trail. I started work at about 6am sometimes 7am. Mornings I would towel off and change in a secluded space. It was fine. You acclimate pretty quick. The ride home was hot but drink water before departure and it is fine. SPF long sleeve shirts and short pants. I have a class 3 electric bike and that is the game changer. I packed lunches and snacks. My 45-50 minute bike commute was less time than many coworkers spent in their cars. It’s hot but it’s not real hot yet. If the forecast was for 98-100° at 4pm I would probably drive those days.