Cycling in hot weather can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. It is important to take precautions to ensure you stay safe and healthy when cycling in hot weather.

There are ways to make your cycling experience much more pleasant even during the hottest months of the year! Keep reading for our top seven tips for how you can keep cool when cycling in hot weather...

Plan your route

Before you head out for your ride, you might want to make sure you know the route you are planning to take. This can be especially important if the weather is extremely hot.

Consider bike touring routes that take you closer to the coast, or that ensure you can cool off in a swimming pool or river at the end of the day's ride.

Make sure that you plan a route that will allow you to find cooler and more shaded areas to ride in. You want to make sure you plan to cycle in an area that will be comfortable to ride during your chosen dates.

If you’re not sure where you can find cycling routes that are cooler, we offer some suggested bike touring routes in Spain and Portugal. There are tons of different maps out there that can help point you in the right direction.

Find a route that tells you areas that are the most suitable for cycling in the heat, and what the best months are for that specific destination.

Dress for hot weather

When riding a bike, it's important to always dress for the weather conditions. If it's warm, then you will find it easier to change into more comfortable and breathable clothes.

Wearing clothes that are too thick or heavy can increase your body temperature and make you feel even hotter than you are. You’ll also be more likely to sweat in heavier clothing, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous in the heat.

When dressing for hot weather, you want to wear light and loose-fitting clothing. I prefer cotton over synthetic material for very hot cycling conditions. More on that later on.

You also want to wear clothing that has a high level of breathability, which will allow your body to release some of the built-up heat. It can be a good idea to wear fabrics that are designed to wick away sweat and moisture from your body, as this will keep you feeling cooler and drier overall.

Ride at the right time of day

You may feel too hot for comfort during the heat of the day in a place with extreme heat. If you can, try to ride during the early morning or late afternoon hours. This will give you a chance to avoid riding in the heat of the day and it will help keep you a bit cooler.

If you have to ride in the heat of the day, it will be beneficial to find shade as often as you can. That might be a shady forest, an old barn or a shaded part of towns and villages you are cycling through.

Avoid cycling at peak heat and sunlight hours. There is a common misconception that the hottest time occurs during midday, while the coldest time occurs at midnight.

The hottest time of the day usually occurs between 3 pm and 4:30 pm, 3-5 hours after noon (when the sun is at its highest point in the sky), when the radiant heat absorbed by the sun is radiated back out from road surfaces and rocks and the like.

Keep hydrated

When cycling in hot weather, it’s very important to remember to stay hydrated. You may even feel like you have a lower need for water when compared to riding in cooler weather. However, this is not the case. In fact, you may require more that twice as much water as normal when cycling in hot weather.

You might need to carry additional water with you when cycling in hot weather to avoid dehydration, this is especially ture if you are covering long sections, far from towns or villages, as can happen alongparts of the Camino de Santiago.

Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water before, during, and particularly after your ride.

Drinking smaller quantities more frequently at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking large amounts infrequently.

On very hot days, you will loose more salts through increased sweating, so you must also replenish electrolytes, and often the fastest way to do so is with a good isotonic product.

I prefer adding isotonics to a separate water bottle, either as a powder or tablets. So if you do choose to carry a sports drink, do make sure to drink plenty of plain water as well!

Don’t be afraid to take a break

If you are cycling in hot weather, you may find that you need to take breaks more often than you do when cycling in cooler weather. This is completely normal and you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed to take breaks when you need to!

If you are feeling really hot and dehydrated, you might want to consider taking a break more often than usual and even hold off finishing the ride util later in the day when the temperature has dropped.

There is no shame in stopping for water, food, or to take a break from the heat. If you don’t take breaks when you need to, you could end up passing out and getting seriously hurt. This happens to the best.

Taking breaks when you need to can help you avoid passing out from dehydration or overheating. It can also allow you to start your ride fresh and energized.

Pack for the heat

If you plan to cycle in a place that experience really hot weather, then you pack accordingly, with supplies that can help you stay cool. There are a number of things you can pack in your bag to keep you cool and comfortable when cycling in hot weather, I personally favour cotton over synthetic material for very hot cycling conditions, as it allows sweat and water to evaporate more slowly, prolonging the cooling.

You can check out our brief article on packing for the the Camino, which offers a good outline of what to pack for a bike tour with all weather conditions.

When cycling, you will likely sweat and may even become dehydrated. If you don’t carry a water bottle with you, you may not get the hydration you need and you may start to become overheated.

You can also pack a snack or two in your bag, consider fresh rather that dried fruit for very hot rides. Eating can help to keep your energy and hydration levels up, and it can also help to keep you cool.

Certain foods, such as watermelon and fruits and veggies that hold a lot of water will help hydrate you and help cool you off. Hot days are also great excuses to treat yourself to some gelato - I certainly do!

It's also best to lay off the alcohol during the day, and save up for a post-ride glass of crisp white or green wine, a G&T or an ice cold beer as a reward for you efforts!

Conclusion

While hot weather can be challenging and uncomfortable, it doesn’t have to end your cycling season. With the right precautions, you can easily stay safe and healthy when cycling in hot weather.

The most important thing you can do when cycling in hot weather is to remember to stay hydrated. You can also wear light and loose-fitting clothing, ride in the morning or late afternoon hours, and find shade as often as possible.

Stay cool and comfortable by packing your bag with supplies that can help you stay cool, and don’t be afraid to take a break when you need to.

If you want to tour, but you’re not sure which type of bike is right for you, you’re not alone. Choosing the perfect bike for your trip can be an overwhelming task. There are so many options and variables to consider. Are you looking for a gravel bike, a mountain bike, a hybrid bike, a touring bike, a trekking bike, or a road touring bike?

Read on to understand the differences and make an informed decision on how to pick the right touring bicycle for you!

How Do You Want to Tour?

Before you start looking at bikes, you’ll want to determine how you want to tour. Do you want to ride long distances? Are you interested in more challenging climbs? Do you want to experience different terrains? Do you want to ride through cities and towns? Or do you want to ride away from main roads on unpaved or gravel roads?

Whether you’re interested in gravel biking, mountain biking, or a hybrid bike, there are specific features to look for depending on what type of bike you’re interested in, and I have tried to break down the differences as clearly as possible below:

Touring Bikes

Touring bikes are characterized by their more upright riding position, wide rims, and drop, flat, riser or butteryfly handlebars. Usually, such touring bicycles come in men's and women's specific frames. They are most often equipped with wider tires suitable for paved and unpaved roads. Many touring bikes also feature front suspension for a more comfortable ride, and all touring bikes must include mounting points for racks to carry panniers and other accessories.

Although a typical touring bike weighs around 15 kg unloaded, they usually feature a wide range of gears to make cycling on hilly and flat terrain equally accessible. Touring bikes are designed to be versatile and durable, ideally using mid-range componenents which are easy to replace anywhere in the world, which makes them ideal for long-distance touring on mostly paved roads.

Trekking Bikes

Trekking bikes are essentially touring bikes, with a more off road design - and largely a marketing designation. Just like touring bikes, they are designed to provide support for heavy loads, or for riders that want a bike that will be able to handle their camping gear or other supplies.

They have a sturdy frame and wide, mixed surface or off-road tires to handle both paved and unpaved surfaces. Trekking bikes also feature racks and front or rear suspension and usually also include mudguards.

Mountain Bikes

Mountain bikes are designed to ride over a variety of terrain and tackle steeper hills and mountains, thanks to generously low gears. They feature wide rims, knobby tires, and suspension, which improve handling and maneuverability off road and increase the comfort of the off road ride. Mountain bikes are commonly equipped with suspension forks and additionally rear shocks for increased control and smooth riding on uneven surfaces.

Mountain bikes are typically heavier than road or hybrid bikes, but can easily be equipped with pannier racks make great touring bicycles, for comfortable use on all types of terrain from cobbled roads to forest trails, even when fully loaded. This makes them ideal for bike tours with over 50% unpaved roads.

Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are specifically designed to ride comfortably on unpaved and gravel trails. They are essentially road bikes, with wider, off-road tires and wider handlebars, and a slightly reinforced frame. While gravel bikes are normally slightly heavier than road bikes, they provide a bike that’s perfectly suited for a long-distance ride or for touring on and off paved roads.

Gravel bikes have a wide, low stance for increased stability and the ability to tackle all types of terrain. They feature wider rims, knobby tires, and wide handlebars to reduce vibration and provide a comfortable ride when riding over rough trails.

Gravel bikes are normally designed with more rack and accessory mounting points than road bikes, making them the right choice for riders exploring smoother unpaved roads on their bike tour.

All our gravel bikes come equipped with a rear rack and optional handlebar bags and rear panniers - but you can use your own bikepacking specific bags too!

Hybrid bikes

Hybrid bikes are a combination of mountain, road, and gravel bikes. They have a hybrid frame and components, which combine the best qualities of different types of bikes to create the perfect, light touring bike. Hybrid bikes feature a rigid frame and ridgid fork, which aim to reduce weight. They also feature wider rims and mixed surface tires.

Hybrid bikes typically offer a more comfortable upright seated position for long-distance touring, and are ideally suited to paved roads and smoother terrain. We designate our hybrid bikes as "Light touring bikes", and they are popular for their lower weight and comfortable ride.

Choosing the Right Bike for You

To make an informed decision on which bike is best for you, you’ll need to consider where you want to ride and what style of bike touring suits you best. The best way to do this is to think about what type of touring you want to do and what type of bike you think will best suit your needs.

As you consider your options, keep in mind that not all bikes are made for every type of bicycle touring. For example, if you’re interested in riding through cities, you may prefer a road bike or a hybrid, light touring bike.

If you’re looking for a bike that’s best for long-distance touring off the beaten track, however, you want to look at gravel, mountain or suspension touring bikes instead.

If you're still not sure what bike is best for you, don't worry, we are here to help, so just reach out below!

The basics of self-guided bike tours

The first thing you'll want to do is make sure you know how to use your bike properly and perform some basic maintenance. It's important that you know how it feels to ride a bicycle with some luggage on varied terrain.

There's a difference between the feel of a road or mountain bike, so make sure you understand which type of bike will suit your route, well before departure.

Once you have an understanding of the appropriate bicycle for your type of bike tour, find the perfect route for beginners.

What Bike Touring Route is Best for Beginners?

Photo by Mohit Tomar on Unsplash

 

What to Wear on a Bike Tour?

Choosing the right clothing for a bike tour is crucial for comfort, performance, and protection. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat away from your skin and prevent chafing. On very hot days however, I prefer cotton or another slower wicking fabric to enhance cooling!

Padded cycling shorts can be essential for long rides, providing cushioning and reducing saddle discomfort. I personally prefer slick lycra boxer type shorts under light, washable baggy shorts and a touch of skin balm rather than padding!

Opt for a breathable, lightweight jersey with pockets for easy access to snacks and small essentials. Layering is key, so bring a lightweight, packable rain jacket for unpredictable weather and a windbreaker for cooler conditions.

Don't forget a good pair of cycling gloves to protect your hands from sun and road rash, and enhance grip, and a helmet for essential safety.

Sunglasses will shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and debris, while a buff or bandana can protect your neck and face from the elements.

Lastly, wear comfortable, moisture-wicking socks and sturdy cycling shoes suitable for your pedal type to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort on the road. These days I opt for comfortable hiking sneakers with a firm sole so I can easily hop off my bike and explore towns.

It may sound obvious, but do pack cycling clothes that are appropriate for biking, but also pack after riding clothes that can get dirty or that are easy to wash and dry.

Pro Tip: wear light colors so you don't get overheated while cycling in the sun. And if you plan on riding at night, make sure that your clothes are reflective and easy-to-see.

What to Pack for a Bike Tour?

Safety on a Bike Tour

Beginner Bike Touring FAQs

Quick Tips for Bike Touring Routes

Photo by Mark Stosberg on Unsplash

 

You need to be sure you are fit enough to cycle the full distance of the tour, while taking into account that the challenge level is not just the distance cycled, but also the elevation gain for the days ride.

​I also recommend allowing sufficient time to actually enjoy the rides and also your overnight destinations - and points of interest along the way! Many inexpereinced bicycle travelers overlook this and end up going home tired and underwhelmed simply from riding too late into each day.