What do you guys wear down there?

[jbrough7]

Hopefully heading down to Texas in July so at least we won't get into the dog days of August...I have basically just a cordura jacket with venting that is okay up here in canada in the summer if i'm moving - but is it going to be a million degrees down there?  Should I invest in something really lightweight but safe?

jim

[Desolation Angel]

Biking Texas in July/August?     Good thinking!

I feel for you, man!

[txbanditrydr]

I wear a Fieldshear Mach 3 mesh jacket and Fieldshear Air Titanium mesh pants.  Both have lots of good armor and allow plenty of airflow.  Gloves, boots and full face helmet complete the package.  Yeah, it gets warm standing still (sometimes even when moving) but wearing the proper gear is much more important to me.  Don't kid yourself.... t-shirts and jeans can be just as hot in the Texas heat.

If you are planning any extended rides I highly recommend some sort of hydration pack (Camelbak or similar) and drink plenty of water during the ride.  You can quickly get dehydrated which will lead to all sort of other problems.  

Finally, be aware of our "chip-seal" or seal-coat roadwork that is prevalent in Texas.  This stuff is really nasty when recently applied and tends to be very slick when wet.  

Where abouts are you planning to ride in Texas???

[kedeg_97B12]

A speedo and mesh tank top.

[txbanditrydr]

A speedo and mesh tank top.

What... no flip-flops??????  

[Red01]

A speedo and mesh tank top.

What... no flip-flops??????  

You gotta have flip-flops, man... unless you've toughened up the bottoms of your feet enough the hot pavement won't burn 'em when you stop.

You gotta have cool shades, too...  

[txbanditrydr]

You gotta have cool shades, too...  

DOT approved no less.....  

[Desolation Angel]

Speedo, no.  Knit shorts, yes.

You know how to roll up a pack of cigarettes in your t-shirt sleeve, right?  Canadians are at least that manly, yes?

[mike]

Another little trick is:
Carry a white cotton tshirt with you.  If it gets hot, hot, during the day and you need a cool down.  Stop, hydrate yourself and soak the tshirt in cool water.  Wring it out and wear it under your vented jacket with all the vents open.  Hit the road and the wind will dry the shirt out, and suck the heat out of your body.  It really does feel like air conditioning at 70mph.

It makes for a nice break in the heat of the day...  I used to do it on 100 degrree days coming back from a weekend in Austin and hill country mid trip...  Re-energizer.

[deepink]

Just wear all black!

riding pants, vented jacket, and black helmet.  You should overheat in about as much time as it takes to get to 75mph.

Nah- really I wear a damp bandana on my head under my helmet.  Open all the wents and get the same effect as the wet t-shirt under the jacket.

I always take a break every hour or so - if it is feasable, to get off the bike in the shade and throw down 20 oz. of water.

Have Fun.

[Desolation Angel]

Another little trick is:
Carry a white cotton tshirt with you.  If it gets hot, hot, during the day and you need a cool down.  Stop, hydrate yourself and soak the tshirt in cool water.  Wring it out and wear it under your vented jacket with all the vents open.  Hit the road and the wind will dry the shirt out, and suck the heat out of your body.  It really does feel like air conditioning at 70mph...

Good tip for him!  That wet t-shirt really helps when doing yard work, too.  Wet yourself down periodically, maybe even your shorts, and you don't overheat nearly as fast.  Oh, and soak your cloth baseball cap, too.

[gtbandit]

The wet t-shirt trick works better with a vented jacket than with a mesh jacket because a the mesh will allow it to dry it out faster. Definately, bring a hydration pack!

[jbrough7]

I wear a Fieldshear Mach 3 mesh jacket and Fieldshear Air Titanium mesh pants.  Both have lots of good armor and allow plenty of airflow.  Gloves, boots and full face helmet complete the package.  Yeah, it gets warm standing still (sometimes even when moving) but wearing the proper gear is much more important to me.  Don't kid yourself.... t-shirts and jeans can be just as hot in the Texas heat.

If you are planning any extended rides I highly recommend some sort of hydration pack (Camelbak or similar) and drink plenty of water during the ride.  You can quickly get dehydrated which will lead to all sort of other problems.  

Finally, be aware of our "chip-seal" or seal-coat roadwork that is prevalent in Texas.  This stuff is really nasty when recently applied and tends to be very slick when wet.  

Where abouts are you planning to ride in Texas???

I've been reading your hill country around austin is pretty cool and i've seen some neat shots.  i'll be heading due southwest to austin from ontario and then head up to Colorado Springs from there.  If my better half comes along, it'll take 10 days.  If i go solo, i'll be three weeks  (gotta hunt for chicks!)

jim

[jbrough7]

Speedo, no.  Knit shorts, yes.

You know how to roll up a pack of cigarettes in your t-shirt sleeve, right?  Canadians are at least that manly, yes?

i am so manly - I just asked my wife and she said I was!

So it sounds like i can leave my long johns at home, eh?  Man!  This doesn't sound like it's going to be a lot of fun!!

jim

[Silverstreak]

We rode through NYC last August when it was 97. I wish ida known about the wet Tshirt trick. I'm gunna hefta splain that one to m'wife - should be interestin.