This summer is showing all the signs of being hot. Temperatures have already hit 100s here in the Midwest. With that kind of heat we have to remember that when we are riding, we are at the mercy of it.

When you drive, the chance of becoming dehydrated and overheating increases substantially. Between the heat and the wind, it can really hit you. This is especially true if you take long trips. I know this first hand. A couple of years ago I took a trip from St. Louis Mo to Eureka Springs Ar. This was not an exceptionally long drive (a little over 300 miles), but it was hot. I started the day well. I got a good early start with the rest of the group. By lunchtime, the temperatures had reached 100 degrees and the humidity was fairly close to it. We have lunch and start over. For about an hour I kept up well, but then I lost the group. They just seemed to disappear into me. I didn’t realize it, but I was the one who was lost. Two more hours of driving and one of the guys came up to me. He later told me that I was only going about 20 miles per hour and that I was staggering all over the road. Fortunately, he forced me to stop at the next gas station and stop for a while. That night he was sick as a dog. He could not hold down any food, suffered severe chills and cramps.

Simply put, he was suffering from heat stroke and dehydration. Both can be deadly on their own. You can only imagine what could happen on the back of a motorcycle traveling down the highway.

How can dehydration be prevented?

Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including the following:

• Drink lots of fluids, especially when you work or play in the sun. When riding, you can carry a CamelBak that will allow you to drink while riding.
• Make sure you are drinking more fluid than you are losing. A good rule of thumb is that you should urinate every time you stop.
• Try to schedule your trip during the cooler parts of the day (early morning and late afternoon)
• Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance.

How can heat stroke be prevented?

There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids during a motorcycle trip, especially on hot days. Aquatic and sports drinks are the drinks of choice. Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol, as they can lead to dehydration.

• Wear lightweight, tightly woven clothing (most shirts are not), loose-fitting clothing in light colors (don’t think this includes black).

• Schedule vigorous sports and activities for the cooler times of the day.

• Protect yourself from the sun with a scarf or cap [http://www.bikerwares.com/store/store.php?crn=88&action=show&show_products_mode=cat_click] (like our Flydanna, Road Hawg or USA Made doo rags) to keep the sun from falling directly on your head. and sunglasses.

• Rest in the shaded or air-conditioned area when you stop. Gradually increase the time you spend outdoors to get your body used to the heat.

• While driving, take frequent drinking breaks and keep your body cool by spraying it with water or wearing a cooling neck or head wrap. [http://www.bikerwares.com/store/store.php?crn=122&action=show&show_products_mode=cat_click] to avoid overheating.

• Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.

• If you live in a hot climate and have a chronic condition, talk to your doctor about additional precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

This has been information that will keep you safe and allow you to enjoy your driving days much more. Be safe … Enjoy the driving tools.