Riding Through the Heat: Summer Safety Tips
Updated: August 21, 2026 The calendar may flip to July, but for long-distance cyclists like me, the training doesn’t stop — and neither does the heat. Here in West Texas, the summer sun can be relentless, and yet, if you’re training for a big ride or tour, you can’t always wait for a cool morning breeze. Sometimes, you’ve got to ride when the sun’s high, the pavement’s sizzling, and the heat is pressing down like a wool blanket. I’ve done my fair share of rides in the 90s and even 100s. And I’ve learned — sometimes the hard way — that riding smart in the heat is the difference between a good training session and a dangerous situation. 1. Hydration Starts Before You Clip In If you're waiting until you're thirsty to drink, you're already behind. I start hydrating the night before a long ride and take regular sips from the first mile on. I always carry two bottles: both with electrolytes to replace what I’m sweating out. My go-to: Elete Electrolyte Drops . I put these dro...
