It’s depressing to have five days off work and find the temperature so oppressive the thought of riding is only marginally better than cleaning the bathroom or mowing the grass. The air-conditioned view out the window belies the riding situation — the world today is outside my sweet spot. I thrive between 50F and 70F. Below is a challenge of planning and clothing. Above is just an increasingly miserable torture.
I don’t like the heat. Standing in the field making this picture brought back memories of misery at the BMW International Rally last summer in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania where I witnessed for the first time riders and their bikes being hosed down with cold water lest they melt and die.
The forecast doesn’t suggest a heat reduction until Sunday; an then only into the 80s.
It was so hot I was having trouble seeing at times when I stopped as sweat burned my eyes. The verbascum plant reminds me of the hottest times of the summer standing tall like a torch when everything else seeking the solace of shade. The Vespa is usually a reliable cooling device. Today, just a machine to increase the velocity of hot air burning away my will to live.
It is supposed to cool off here on Sunday, too. The high will only be 92F. Forecast high for tomorrow is 110F. Yesterday I surprised myself and did a longish ride. It was a little cooler. It was only 102F. There is gear out there that helps when the humidity is down, but I’m in total agreement with you: Cold takes planning, but after a certain point hot just becomes miserable. I’m certainly looking forward to some temperatures in the 80F’s…and, some rain. We need rain here very badly.
Like you I find my temperature sweet spot gets exceeded more often in Summer than Winter. Now, if it wasn’t for that snow and ice issue….
~Keith
I like that sweet spot but then I wouldn’t be able to ride much.
My condolences to you, Steve. Hot weather, and humid, is really uncomfortable. Of course, we’ve had triple digit temperatures for the past month and a half, but it’s dry! Lol
You might consider a cooling vest like the one I have…it really does help keep you comfortable. Mine is a Joe Rocket Sahara vest. I’ve noticed it even keeps my head cool.
TaKe care and try to stay cool.
Regards,
Karlu
Las cruces,NM
I was riding in dry hot air last week near 110 and reminded myself I prefer the humidity in the nineties kn the Keys. As hot as it was it was a true adventure and I was happy to be out in it.
Circle Blue: We are at the point here where rain is an issue for the farmers. Some rain and a drop of temperature would be a welcome change.
Riding in triple digit temperatures is brutal. At home in the shade is an attractive option….
RichardM: You’re in a completely different world. You have to grab opportunities when they present themselves. Is it snowing there yet??
karlu: That dry heat is a savior….*grin* I’ll have to look into a cooling vest. So far I just douse myself with the hose.
Conchscooter: Are you saying you were riding 110mph in dry heat? Or dry heat at 110F? The first sounds like a Jack Riepe escapade…
I suppose I would feel like you do about a high temperature adventure — after the fact anyways. Reminds me of a sailing adventure that wasn’t so great while it was happening but remembered fondly later.
Hot weather riding takes higher motivation and some planning. Since ATGATT remains a requirement, I pack along the powered sprayer to wet things down as I ride though if it’s hot enough like lately , all you end up doing is spraying heated water on yourself and while it does help briefly…all too soon you’re dry and hot again.
Hot enough and not wetted down, feels like riding in a blast furnace doesn’t it?
Going to try and find my wicking shirt and neck cooler for next set of hot days….today it’s in the 70s and so I shall ride if only for errands.
Dom
I had a riepe episode today getting pulled over for passing a van on my wife’s Vespa 150. Wish I could have hit 110mph, then the sheriff’s deputy would never have seen me. Where’s my Bonneville when I need it?
Charlie6: I have to confess to an easing of the ATTGATT in the heat of summer. I shed the armored overpants for jeans. I suppose a better choice would be to buy some Draggin Jeans. I wear everything else but those pants are so hot….
I hosed myself down last year before departing the BMW International Rally. Soaking wet. Ten miles later at 102F I was bone dry. Amazing.
Conchscooter: It could only be classified as a Riepe Adventure if you were jailed and tattooed against your will, or if the deputy was female and she ended up buying you breakfast the next morning.