I almost went out without my gear today. It hit 97 degrees, and had to be over 90 when I gave up at 10 or 10:30am. We've had 4 or 5 days straight over 90, 10 this month, and tomorrow is supposed to hit 99. Heck, it is 11:15pm and it is still 85 out there. It is only June!
I was out this morning around 8:30 and I was already hot when wearing my mesh jacket. It was OK when moving, comfortable when moving and in the shade, but every time I had to stop for a light it was sheer torture. I was very close to going out without my gear (the jacket and gloves anyway), but instead decided simply to go home and not go back out (when I went back out today it was in an air conditioned car).
Luckily, this summer is not our usual summer. Our first 85-90 degree days were early to mid April. Usually we don't get those until late May. Most summers the weather we've had this month is late July and early August weather (though we usually have a couple 100 degree days in July and August).
What do you guys who live further south or in the desert do? My jacket and helmets are black, would a lighter color really make that much of a difference? I do understand reflecting v. absorbing light and heat, but when it is this hot does a light colored jacket and helmet really make a noticeable difference? Should I just limit my riding for fun to early morning, evening, and nights when it isn't as hot? Stick to the highways and country roads where I can minimize lights (though I would have to deal with them to get from my apartment to the country or interstate)? Brosh has these "evaporative cooling vests" (I assume you drench them in water and the evaporation is supposed to help cool you?), do they work? Do they work in a very humid area or do you need to be in a dry heat?
Sun Glasses - Motorcycle jackets and clothing
Anyone have ideas and tips to help make riding in high heat more pleasant.
I was out this morning around 8:30 and I was already hot when wearing my mesh jacket. It was OK when moving, comfortable when moving and in the shade, but every time I had to stop for a light it was sheer torture. I was very close to going out without my gear (the jacket and gloves anyway), but instead decided simply to go home and not go back out (when I went back out today it was in an air conditioned car).
Luckily, this summer is not our usual summer. Our first 85-90 degree days were early to mid April. Usually we don't get those until late May. Most summers the weather we've had this month is late July and early August weather (though we usually have a couple 100 degree days in July and August).
What do you guys who live further south or in the desert do? My jacket and helmets are black, would a lighter color really make that much of a difference? I do understand reflecting v. absorbing light and heat, but when it is this hot does a light colored jacket and helmet really make a noticeable difference? Should I just limit my riding for fun to early morning, evening, and nights when it isn't as hot? Stick to the highways and country roads where I can minimize lights (though I would have to deal with them to get from my apartment to the country or interstate)? Brosh has these "evaporative cooling vests" (I assume you drench them in water and the evaporation is supposed to help cool you?), do they work? Do they work in a very humid area or do you need to be in a dry heat?
Sun Glasses - Motorcycle jackets and clothing
Anyone have ideas and tips to help make riding in high heat more pleasant.
