I'm not typically the best when it comes to cycling around in blazing sunshine. With a pale complexion and fond tendency to favour the shade of trees, I love the warmth of the sun, but the fierce exposure I can do without.  Somehow, I've found myself living in the subtropics for the past decade and increasingly out in full sun on a bike, which sounds like heaven to some, I know... But seriously, here are a few things that have helped me find comfort (and safety) during the hotter months when out cycling:

1. Hats off to the E-bike

Last year, I was on a multi-day cycle tour in Croatia during the summer, which was hot and sunny most days.  The topography of the landscape we traveled had little shade which made for exceptional views but the unfiltered dose of full sun could be intense.  Of course, we started riding as early as possible in the day and cycling at speed does creating cooling breezes of its own.  But here I'd like to think about the notion of the e-bike as an essential cooling aid. Bear with me here... Using an e-bike in hotter conditions than you might be used to, or can comfortably tolerate, can be a good way to mitigate heat stress.  Effort increases heat dramatically, so an e-bike can be an invaluable ally when you're out of your comfort zone, adding extra e-assistance during hotter spells or over more exposed terrain, and less during cooler stages. It's something not often talked about, but in my opinion e-bikes can make all the difference in more extreme climates - whether it's mitigating possible heat stress, battling against crazy winds, or trying to get out of the rain fast! 

E-bikes can optimise enjoyment and ultimately that wins out for me on a cycle tour in hot weather.  If an e-bike isn't on your radar, adjusting your regular pace especially on the first day of a tour, can be wise, so you can reasonably gauge your tolerance to the local conditions, acclimatise, and increase when ready.

2.  Wet your Whistle

Hydration is key during any cycle trip as we all know, and accessories like a trusty CamelBak can be invaluable as an easy way to drink and store large amounts of fluids on the go.  I always make sure I have plenty of sachets of electrolytes and rehydration powder with me to ensure my sun-sapped thirst can be quenched on the go.  Other friends like to use a small amount of salt in their water to help retain fluids.  

If it's possible to carry two different vessels for water, you can also consider drinking out of one and spraying yourself with the other.  Drinking often, even if you don't feel thirsty, is a good way to stay hydrated in hot conditions, so take some time to plan an easy-to-use system that works for you, ideally so you can drink without having to stop cycling. You might also want to be a bit cautious about how many celebratory shandies you have at the end of the day, to avoid any residual dehydration from the get-go...

3. Peaky Blinders

When I ride, I tend to always wear a separate visor under my cycle helmet.  Think 1980s sun visor or a baseball cap with its top cut off. The small built-in visors on helmets themselves just don't cut it for me – this English rose needs more sun shade!  So I'd recommend, if you feel the heat, to find a suitable visor or brim you can comfortably wear beneath your helmet of choice.  Try these delights as a good starting point. A shady brim can make a huge difference and can also keep any rogue beads of sweat out of your eyes. Skullcaps, bandanas or headbands can also be worthwhile investments.    

Quality sunglasses (perhaps even two pairs) are also essential kit and there are many helpful things to look out for, from rubber on the nose pads and grippy arms to stop sweat-slips, to the type of lens used (photochromic/mirrored/polarized..), the frame size (full frame/half frame), ventilation, safety and a whole host of other factors.  As a leisure cyclist, I tend to have less demands on my sunglasses so often look for 100% UV protection, something that is well fitted to my nose, and hopefully also hard to break!  I like looking at sunglasses for runners as there can be a good range of styles with many of the cycle-friendly qualities at a good price. Try these for example.  A good tip is to take your helmet (and any helmet accessories) with you if trying out different sunnies in a shop – my aforementioned visor can be a tricky customer with some sunglasses, so it's worth checking first.

For more cycling-specific advice, read Andy Turner's sunglasses guide on the Cyclist.  

4. Best Fit

Sage cycling advice will tell you that wearing lightweight moisture-wicking clothing in synthetic fabric will help keep you cool and padded shorts will help keep you comfortable by avoiding chafing – and it's not wrong. Products like air jerseys, sun sleeves, and flyweight fabrics can all be worth investigating too.  I tend to lean towards natural fibers more, enjoying merino or alpaca fiber options (not itchy, I promise!), hemp, and sometimes even light coloured, long linen shirts that are very breathable and provide great sun coverage.  I've not tried it yet, but Tencel (made from recycled wood pulp) is also worth looking at – this list by EcoCult has some exciting brands to try.

Experiment with what feels comfortable for you on the sort of trip you are undertaking and go with that.  Just steer clear of cotton if you can as that will stick to you in hotter weather.

5. End to End

Having a well ventilated helmet can sometimes be overlooked, but in hotter climes, it can be prudent to keep a check on all these relatively small adjustments, to provide a significant shift in comfort. Most tour companies these days encourage you to bring your own helmet on tour for health and safety purposes, so you can ensure you have the perfect fit, and have your choice of style.  If your neck is exposed to the sun you might want to wear a bandana, buff or snood to protect this delicate area.  
  
Don't forget your feet either!  My preference for breathable socks would be either Merino wool (which seems counterintuitive to be talking about wool but it works!) or bamboo, but there are lots of synthetic options available too if preferred.  Cycling in sandals is a bit of a contentious issue but there are a lot of people who like to do this, especially in hotter areas. You could opt for a closed toe sandal or even an SPD version.  If cycle sandals sound intriguing, see Codey Orgill's article here for more ideas. 

6. Grease my Palm

I can find on hotter rides that my hands can get super sweaty which leads to less grip on the handlebars – not exactly ideal on a bicycle.  Contrary to any natural inclination to wear less in the heat, actually slipping on a pair of lightweight breathable gloves can work wonders, cool things down and remove the sweat before you notice any change in grip.  But I do understand if wearing gloves doesn't grab you, in which case, you could try using sports chalk, used by climbers, gymnasts and weightlifters.  You could take a look into liquid or powder chalk – it will leave a small residue though on the handlebars so do check first cautiously.

7. Early Bird

Starting your ride early is always a good move in hot weather but, of course, if you're on an organized guided tour you'll be on a schedule not designed by you.  However, most operators will be working with this in mind, with longer lunch breaks during the peak heat of the day.  Get into the siesta lifestyle and relax during the hottest hours of mid-day if you can.

Along the lines of being a diligent early bird, taking the time to sufficiently train for a tour – even for a more leisurely tour – can pay dividends in helping you offset pesky heat stressors, with better overall fitness and stamina.  

8. Apres Ride

After your ride, be sure to rehydrate as you wind down. Take a cool shower, stretch and have a nutritious meal, hopefully with air conditioning available if needed.  Or a swim if you're lucky!  On a guided cycle tour, nutrition will often be taken very seriously and quality snacks and meals will be provided throughout the journey in comfortable surroundings.  If you're cycling self-guided or bikepacking you'll need to be prepared, making sure you have adequate food options and water stops pre-planned.  Make sure you're fully aware of the warning signs of heat stress and don't push through if it's not feeling right.  Always have backup options and flexibility if things don't quite go as planned.

Ultimately, I've found that I enjoy cycling more now during hotter weather implementing many of the above suggestions. Being prepared with resilient solutions can be empowering and enable you to expand your own repertoire of comfortable annual cycling days or touring options available.

My last few tips include stopping as often as needed for breaks (preferably in the luscious shade), having cold drinks at cafes along the route (who needs an excuse?) and wearing a good quality sunscreen (don't forget your ears and nose, and to re-apply often) – all things to help keep you safe and comfortable so you can get on and enjoy the ride!  

Lastly, this video by Roland & Julianna: Bicycle Tourists, has some good advice regarding cycling in heat (and cold, wind and rain too).

Enjoy the ride!