Summer is the longest period of the riding season, but extreme heat is also a risk factor. In the heat the body tries to cool itself by sweating, loses fluid, and this loss weakens attention, decision-making and reflexes without you noticing. Even mild thirst is enough to lower concentration.
\nThe most common mistake in the heat is taking off the jacket and riding in a T-shirt. Tarmac is less forgiving in summer; also, the sun and hot wind dry bare skin faster.
\nWhen the air temperature approaches or exceeds body temperature, the wind entering through a mesh jacket starts to heat you instead of cooling you; it acts like a hair dryer. In this case partly closing the vents and using a dampened base layer or a cooling vest can be more effective.
\n| Condition | Symptoms | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exhaustion | Heavy sweating, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps | Stop immediately, move into the shade, loosen your gear, drink water slowly, cool the body with cool water. Don't continue until you recover. |
| Heatstroke | Confusion, incoherent speech, staggering, very high body temperature, hot and flushed skin (sweating may have stopped), fainting | Emergency. Call 112, move the person into the shade, remove their gear, cool them by wetting with water and fanning. If they are confused, do not force them to drink water. |
The seat, tank and handlebar of a motorcycle left in the sun can get too hot to touch. Park in the shade or use a seat cover. Don't leave your helmet upside down in the sun; the inside heats up and it is hard to put back on. Don't forget sun cream under your helmet and jacket; the area between the neck and wrist is where you burn most often.
\n