Try to avoid riding during the hottest hours of the day. Instead, consider riding during the morning, when it’s typically cooler outside, then take the afternoon off to enjoy lunch and other activities before getting back on the road around 5 p.m., Rider Magazine suggests. And, if riding for extended periods, it’s a good idea to take frequent water breaks. While on the road, a wet bandana tied around your neck or an evaporative cooling neck wrap may help keep you cooler while also blocking the sun from your neck.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs as the body continues to shunt blood away from the brain and muscles. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea, momentary fainting
• Cramps
• Tiredness, weakness
• Profuse sweating
• Pale, clammy skin
• Approximately normal body temperature

If you begin to feel these symptoms during a desert ride, take immediate action before you pass out.

• Get into some shade, preferably into an air-conditioned room.
• Loosen clothing and wet down skin or undershirt to increase evaporative cooling.
• Slowly sip water, or salt water solution, same dose as for heat cramps. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• If you feel faint, lie down and get feet raised above head level.
• If you can't keep the salt water down, get emergency medical aid. You may need an intravenous salt solution.
• Even after you begin to feel normal again, consider staying out of the heat for a day or two. Your body needs some time to recuperate. If you are on a long trip, consider a 24 hour layover in the next air-conditioned motel.

Heat Stroke

If you experience heat exhaustion and just try to "tough out" the heat without getting cooled down and re-hydrated, the body thermostats will begin to fail. Core temperature continues to rise (may go as high as 106 or 107 degrees F.), sweating stops, the heart beats even faster, and you may pass out. If you are coherent enough to recognize the symptoms, immediately get medical aid while you are still mobile. And watch your riding buddies for any of the following heat stroke symptoms.

• Victim incoherent, staring vacantly, blanking out, or unresponsive
• Skin hot, red, dry (no perspiration)
• Rapid pulse
• Body temperature elevated

Yes, heat stroke is life threatening. It's a medical emergency. Don't be bashful about calling 911 for assistance. In the meanwhile,

• Get the victim into some shade, out of riding gear, and cooled down by any means available. If possible, get the victim into an air-conditioned room, or use fans to help provide evaporative cooling.
• Repeatedly sponge skin with cool water or rubbing alcohol. Apply cold packs or ice cubes if you can get them. The goal is to get body temperature below 102 degrees F.
• Don't give the victim any stimulants, especially not any alcoholic beverages.
• If the victim's temperature begins to rise again, repeat the cooling process.
• As soon as possible, get the victim to emergency treatment.

Even the most experienced rider should take safety precautions when riding on a hot (or even mildly warm) day. With the help of some preparation and a backup plan, you can take your bike on the road with the knowledge that you are better prepared to handle the summer weather.