hydration

The Heat Is On, Again

~ A Dude Abikes ~ 8 Comments

Summer again approaches Austin, America and well the northern hemisphere. With a 100 degree day forecast, the heat is on, again. It’s been almost a year since my post Surviving the Summer Heat on a Bicycle. While full of useful advice about not just hydration but acclimation and other stuff, there’s no need to repeat it, but feel free check it out. Even knowing what to do to minimize the effects doesn’t change the fact that it’s just sweaty and uncomfortable. In addition, I’ve attended several protests and demonstrations for Black Lives Matter (see posts here and here). One involved a march that was in the hottest part of the day. People were ducking into the shade, and numerous volunteers were handing out water. Add into that the increasing temperatures from global warming, and it’s that least wonderful time of year: summer. How can we make it less of a bummer?

Continue reading →

Summer Is Coming: Surviving Cycling in Sunny Central Texas

~ A Dude Abikes ~ 8 Comments

If I had seen a second of that program about dragons and stuff on the Home Box Office channel, I could continue the allusion. But I haven’t so I can’t. But I can however tell you that the hotter-than-hell-fire breathing dragon that is summer in Central Texas is starting her terrifying approach. Temps are already topping out at the low 90’s in Austin, Texas. People, get ready, a lack of rain is comin’. I share my tips on how to deal. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor in real life or TV. I’m just telling you how I deal with the heat. If you have or may have a medical condition that makes being outside dangerous, ask a real doctor, not a dude. This goes for everything on my blog. If my experience helps, great. But always use common sense, take responsibility, and you do you.

Continue reading →

Surviving the Summer Heat on a Bicycle

~ A Dude Abikes ~ 14 Comments

As temperatures in Texas and around the world are heating up — Central Texas had the hottest May on record — dealing with it becomes even more important.  For cyclists and other outdoor enthusiasts, there are precautions that can be taken and practices implemented to mitigate the effects.  But as global warming increases (and I side with the 97% of scientists who use, well, SCIENCE, to prove that it’s real), there may come a day where cycling at any time of day and season will no longer be possible.  We have plenty of blistering hot days as it is that make biking untenable for many people. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are real risks, and you should learn the difference and seek help if you are suffering from either.  This is not an exhaustive scientific post, but below I will share a few of my approaches that may be good reminders or news to you.

Continue reading →

A Dude Abikes Likes: 5 Legal, Natural and Safe Products to Help You on Long-Distance Bicycle Rides

~ A Dude Abikes ~ 1 Comment

There are few topics in cycling, at least professional, that are more perennial than doping, the use of performance-enhancing drugs.  Especially in Austin.  Need I say more?  I think not.  (If you’re confused, read this.)  The good news is that there are plenty of legal and safe substances that non-professional riders have tried to make the rigors of long-distance bicycling more tolerable and less damaging to our bodies.  Forthwith and posthaste, here are five of A Dude Abikes’ favorite over the counter sports aids.  DISCLAIMER:  While someone who used to know me called me Dr. Feelgood, I am not a physician, so please check with an actual medical doctor or nutritionist before taking anything new. Continue reading →