| Author | Message | ||
| david1300
Moderator Username: david1300 Post Number: 323 Registered: 09-2003 |
Our summer days are regularly in the high 30's (high 90's plus) with high humidity, and sometimes this has spoiled our riding. I've done 2 things that have made a world of difference. They are: Forst - Purchased a few of these Neck Coolers. They work a real treat. Previously riding in these temps was like sitting in front of a fan-forced oven, but wearing the neck cooler it does make the wind a cooling wind. It worked for us, specially for Zea (up back) who previously felt the heat more than me. Second - Made a simple system to drink while we ride. It's always a hassle to stop, remove helmet, and drink. I priced a Camel-Back - great product, but around Au$100 - too much. Instead I purchased 2 meters of 3mm id clear plastic tubing (68c a metre), a set of in-line taps as used on garden irrigation systems (3 per pack, approx $4). Made up a length of tube as follows: 300mm/12in (one end to mouth, other end to tap), tap, 1200mm/4ft attached to other end of tap, fed through an appropriately drilled hole in a soft-drink lid, with about 300mm/12in hanging through (also drilled a 1mm vent-hole in the bottle top). I attached 2 S/steel nuts to the end of the tube that goes into the bottle, so it would sink to the bottom. I have a bottle 'cooler' that takes a standard 1.5litre 'spring-water' bottle, and this complete with full, chilled water, goes in my soft bag. The bottle can be replaced at any petrol station. Drink when you want, turn the tap off when you put the end of the tube in your pocket (to stop water dribbling all down your front - not a good look) Riding today in high 30's, 10 hours away from home (approx 7 to 8hrs on the bike), Zea and I went through approx 5 litres of water, and we arrived home much fresher than previous shorter rides. I know we should stop and drink water often, but like I said at the start, sometimes it is too much hassle. Now we drink while we ride, and my usual dehydration headache didn't hit me today. Total cost - around $6. |
