Top 10 Summer Cycling Tips for Beginner Cyclists

10 Summer Cycling Tips for New Cyclists

Riding your bike in warmer weather can be a challenge, but these summer cycling tips should make it much easier.

Tip 1: Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is not just important; it’s critical to your health and safety during summer bike rides. Heat-related illness can quickly escalate, making it a dire to even deadly situation for cyclists. So, always bring more water than you plan to use on your bike ride and take a few big swigs of your water every half hour or so.

You should bring more water than you plan to use on your bike ride. Try to take a few big swigs of your water every half hour or so.

Sometimes, you sweat out too much natural salt. Because of that, you need to mix hydration powders into your water to replenish some much-needed sodium.

Hydration is one of those summer cycling tips that you don’t want to ignore.

Tip 2: Wear Lightweight and Breathable Clothing

Wear Lycra-spandex cycling apparel in the summer. The material sits close to the skin and wickers moisture off as you ride.

For ultimate comfort, I suggest a pair of big shorts or cycling shorts, which are very beneficial. You can also wear a short-sleeved cycling jersey.

When biking on warmer summer days, it’s best to wear light-colored cycling apparel, which will help you stay dry from moisture.

Wearing a cycling kit is one of those summer cycling tips that will help keep you cool during your ride.

Tip 3: Ride Early or Late

Consider adjusting your cycling schedule to cooler times of the day. Riding during cooler times will help you avoid heat-related illnesses.

You can ride during the morning before the main heat of the day overcomes you. You might also ride in the evening as the temperature starts to fall.

If possible, adjust your schedule during the summer. Try to ride at the same times throughout the warmer months to make it habitual.

Most of the time, you should be able to ride every day if you choose the right time to do it.

Tip 4: Apply Sunscreen and Wear Protective Gear

It’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful effects. Many cyclists fail to do this until it’s too late.

Wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF or higher. However, most extended-use sunscreen recommends wearing at least 50 SPF or higher, and you’ll need to reapply as you sweat it off.

You should also wear sunglasses with UV protection. Consider other sun protection measures, such as helmet visors and sun sleeves.

Protecting yourself from the sun is one of the most important summer cycling tips.

Tip 5: Plan Shaded Routes

Try to pick cycling routes that are in the shade. The more shade you have, the cooler and safer your bike ride will be.

Rail trails and parks offer some of the best-shaded cycling routes. However, make sure these areas are appropriate for cyclists.

You should consider taking breaks more than you normally would. On warmer summer days, resting in the shade is essential to your health and safety.

The shade is often a cyclist’s best friend when it comes to warm summer days.

Tip 6: Adjust Your Pace and Listen to Your Body

It’s not a good idea to try your best and give it your all during hotter days on the bike. Instead, you should pace yourself and keep your health and safety in mind.

You need to recognize when your safety is starting to be compromised. If you’re experiencing fatigue, dizziness, cramping, or other related symptoms, you might be suffering from a heat-related illness.

When cycling in warmer weather, you should pace yourself and slow down a little. You should also take breaks and focus on hydration more than usual.

Protecting your health is critical to ensure that you can enjoy your bike ride no matter what time of the year it is.

Tip 7: Maintain Your Bike

Summer can also be a challenge for your bike. The heat of the day and moisture that falls onto your bike from your body can affect your equipment.

You should make sure you do a basic check of your bike before each ride. Check the tire pressure, brakes, and chain before you take off.

You should have your bike regularly maintained a few times a year. Take it to a local bike shop or check it yourself if you’re skilled in that area.

Keeping your bike healthy is just as important as keeping yourself healthy during the summer months.

Tip 8: Carry Essential Gear

Try to have an idea of what essential gear you need to bring with you on your bike ride. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit, and some money in case you need to stop for more supplies.

It’s always a good idea to pack light on warmer summer days because more gear makes the ride heavier, which can wear you down more easily. However, don’t sacrifice important safety items to help keep you comfortable during your summer ride.

You should definitely carry some identification information with you as well as an emergency contact source. Bring your phone with you in case you need to make an emergency call.

Carrying essential cycling gear is one of those summer cycling tips you don’t want to ignore.

Tip 9: Fuel Properly with Summer-Appropriate Snacks

Hydration isn’t the only important thing in these summer cycling tips. You also need to stay fueled for your bike ride with snacks.

Take snacks with you that will help you stay fueled, alert, and hydrated. I like to take gel packets with me for fuel, caffeine, and sodium replacement.

Be sure to eat something with healthy carbs before your ride so that you can fuel to go through while you ride. You should also make sure you eat something healthy and filling after your ride, too.

Staying fueled on your bike ride is just as important as staying hydrated.

Tip 10: Stay Informed and Prepared

One very important task you need to make a habit during the summer cycling season is being informed of the weather. Turn it into a daily ritual to check the weather and temperature forecast on the day of your ride and right before your ride.

Pay extra attention to the heat index. This is humidity, which gives you a real feel for the temperature outside.

If there are any warnings or advisories out, such as a heat advisory, consider adjusting your biking plans. You can always ride inside on the trainer or even just take a rest day.

Out of all the summer cycling tips, keeping yourself informed might be the best one to prevent most incidents from occurring.

Final Thoughts About Summer Cycling Tips

This concludes my summer cycling tips for beginner cyclists. The tips above apply to all levels of cyclists.

You should definitely continue to enjoy cycling even during the warmer summer months, but you should use common sense while doing so.

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