8 Ways to Stay Cool While Biking in Houston This Summer
We’re just gonna say it: summers in Houston can be brutal. For anyone who has willingly left the cool sanctuary of AC to brave what feels like the center of the sun...we salute you. But as Houstonians and bike lovers, we will always find a way to ride.
There are plenty of ways you can keep yourself cool under the Texas sun. Here are some tips to help you have the most comfortable ride in Houston possible and combat the summer heat!
1. Ride during the right times of the day
The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, gets to enjoy the coolest part of the day. Waking up early and biking at 5 to 7 AM (when the UV index is at its lowest) will not only help you beat traffic, but also the scorching heat. You can also bike after sunset when the temperature starts to drop; however, make sure your bike is equipped with a tail light.
If you plan on biking in the midday window, we've got some tips to make your ride a lot more comfortable under the hot Texas sun. Read on!
2. Slow down
You expend more energy during the summer than you do in the cooler seasons, so make sure to take that into account when biking. Even if you’re running late, pace yourself and your body will thank you in the long run.
3. Dress to beat the heat
What you wear while biking can make a huge difference in how comfortable and cool you will feel. To maximize your comfort under the scorching sun, opt for a well-ventilated helmet to release the heat. Wear lightweight dri-fit or mesh material. Finally, don't discount the importance of sweat-wicking material; it'll pull moisture from the body to the exterior of the fabric, where it can more easily evaporate. Many athletic brands carry a line of sweat-wicking clothing in hundreds of different colors and designs, so you can look stylish while staying sweat-free.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Before you set off for a long ride in the Houston heat, drink a generous amount of water. An investment in a high-quality, insulated water bottle can be worth it for those sips of cold water well into your ride. Before your ride, fill your bottle with a good amount of ice and water (opt for a wider mouth bottle so that it's easier to pack in ice cubes).
5. Sunscreen is your best friend
Getting a sun burn can be awful and last for days. Adults should use a full ounce – enough to fill a shot glass – to fully cover their body. Make sure your sunscreen is above 30 SPF and sweat and water-proof.
6. Pre-plan rest stops for your ride
Houston has plenty of spots for you to take a break, get some refreshments, and enjoy every Texan’s favorite invention: AC. Here are some of our favorite stopping points to relax, snack, and get away from the summer heat:
· Heights Bike Trail is a wonderfully smooth and flat bike route with lots of local shops and restaurants to choose from near Heights Mercantile and M-K-T Heights
· Downtown is full of safe bike lines and you can grab snacks or a full meal at Phoenicia right off the Austin Street Corridor bike line or the Lamar Bike Lane.
· Hermann Park is a local favorite with plenty of shady picnic spots and trails for everyone to use. Located center of the park is a small cafe called Ginger Kale with high quality food and smoothies for your ride.
7. Stick with shaded bike routes in Houston
Natural protection from the sun will make your ride feel much cooler. Here are some shaded trails in Houston you should definitely check out:
· Rice University & Rice Village: with less students and staff on campus, the trees and buildings provide a perfect way to get away from the heat. With 8 BCycle stations in the Rice network, there are plenty of route choices.
· Hermann Park: 445 acres of shade, ponds and covered seating. Five BCycle stations ring the park.
· Downtown: Biking downtown is easy with lots of safe bike lanes and a surprising amount of green space in parks including Discovery Green, Allen’s Landing, Tranquility Park, Market Square Park and many more. With 15 BCycle stations in downtown proper, you could pick a different route and a different park every weekend.
· Memorial Park: Memorial Park is Houston’s largest urban-center park and is almost double the size of New York's Central Park. It boasts more than 30 miles of natural and surfaced trails for bikers of all levels. Pick up a BCycle from two stations along the Picnic Loop and Running Center.
8. Don’t trap the heat
One of the easiest ways to prevent excessive and unnecessary sweating is to be smart about what you're carrying on the ride. Backpacks can trap heat and sweat, and the additional weight on your back will make you increasingly uncomfortable during your ride.
Instead, consider investing in a basket or trunk for your bike. You can even buy biking bags specifically made to fit on bike handlebars and trunks.
Bonus Tip: Be Aware of Road Hazards
Summer is a popular time for road work so watch out for closed sidewalks, roads and bike paths. Check with METRO, the Houston Parks System or other entities when planning out your bike route. Our extreme heat can also affect the road surface so adjust your speed accordingly, especially on turns.
Stay cool out there!