Welcome to Summer riding tips. Long, warm days, warm summer evenings with lots of opportunity to ride. Summer is the season that we use our bikes the most. You just need to be aware of the conditions you are potentially riding in and have solutions to any challenges.
Summer – the season to manage the heat
To enjoy Summer on your bike you need to get ready with some appropriate gear or bike accessories. Some additions are for safety, others to help with your temperature management. During Summer you may choose to ride more often and go a bit further than you have been in other seasons… what does this mean for your comfort & safety?
Everyone will have a slightly different list of requirements to keep them smiling while Summer riding. Just pick out the tips you think apply to you, in terms of how you would like to ride in Summer. If your bike of choice is an E-Bike all this stuff applies – perhaps more – as you can go further and be out riding for longer.
Heat Management
The biggest challenge for summer riding is heat. Always choose to ride in cooler conditions or in the shade if you can.
- Light, breathable fabrics are a must to pull moisture off your body. Damp, wet clothes and hot conditions will lead to chaffing. Is this the season you should be using chamois cream?
- Water intake is crucial if your riding is for 30 minutes or more. Take the right amount of water for the riding conditions you are heading into. Think carefully about how you will carry water and know where any potential water stops along the way are. During summer you may need to stop more often choosing shady places out of direct sunlight. Take the time to drink your water during these stops.
- Cover up with light, loose clothing, use sunscreen or choose to ride early morning or in the cooler evening temperatures.
FURTHER READING:
Riding Clothing: Fabric choice
Chamois Cream: When do you use chamois cream?
Carrying water is really important in the heat of summer. This includes the kids!
Heat & Your Contact Point Comfort
Warmer weather and longer days naturally leads itself to more time on the bike and more opportunities to enjoy that time. Prevent any issues arising from this increased riding by protecting your contact points (butt, hands, feet). Choose products that support comfort or prevent problems. Airflow is a big focus as well as temperature management.
At your saddle you can add padding in the form of a chamois sewn into padded bike underwear or bike pants. Again choosing a chamois that is designed to remove moisture will help with management in this sensitive area. Always wash after every wear or at least soak. As mentioned above warmth can lead to chaffing so be aware of how you are pedalling and keep good technique going over the full length of your ride. Get up out of your saddle in hot weather to allow airflow, and relieve points of pressure.
At your hands choose to wear some gloves that will support good hand placement and allow good air flow. Fingerless gloves are the obvious choice for this hot season, mesh panels in this type of glove and towelling sweat pads also help. You may want to consider additional padding (endurance gloves) for any larger rides you are doing. Especially if these rides are off road. Again movement is good, don’t get stuck in one position for long periods of time, this includes your hands.
For your feet we recommend lightweight socks that are breathable. You may want to adjust the length and go for shorter socks covering less of your leg. Shoes are important and should always be closed in but perhaps you have a pair that allows better airflow?
FURTHER READING:
Chamois – How to choose the correct chamois for the riding you do
Sit Bones – How to manage any aches or pains
Gloves – Why are gloves important?
Focusing on airflow at your contact points during summer is important to your comfort.
Choose lightweight, relaxed clothing for off road trail & town riding – Womens 3/4 Sleeve Riding Top
Be Safe When You Ride
Being responsible and thinking ahead is just part of safely completely any kind of ride on your bike, in any season. For more detailed information on helmets, tools, first aid, lights, carrying gear and how these things relate to safety, check out our stories…
As you ride more, you will need to clean and check your bike and riding gear more. This will keep you and the family safe every time you choose to head out on a bike. It’s always the right season to check over your bike and make sure all the parts and components are good to go. Things will wear out over time. Check tyre treads, handlebar grip surfaces, saddles, chains & sprockets, brake cables…
FURTHER READING:
Choose a challenge this Summer
It is always great to have a goal in mind or something that will inspire you to go somewhere you haven’t been. Whether this involves a series of small rides in fun places or building up to a bigger challenge. This can be individual, with the family or you can involve others, whatever suits. You could even simply choose to ride your bike more around town, leaving the car at home. We invite you to read through our extensive range of riding stories for inspiration… RIDE MORE PLACES
Your bike riding success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solutions.
Summer Riding Page
Stories & support to help you have a successful season of summer riding. Be prepared for the conditions.
Ride More Places
Bike Gear Stories
Women and families learning ...
Buying Guides
Solution Finder
Types of Riding Stories
Support and inspire other riders and families to ride
Share your riding outings, adventures and experiences on our quick and easy question and answer forms. Join us in helping others ride bikes. All entries receive a free shipping coupon and go into our seasonal prize draw.
goRide supporting women and families to SMILE when you ride
