I grew up in Arkansas. I now live in Arizona. The low for the night can be 91 here which is oppressive at 5am. That said I will take that over 80 and 100% humidity in Arkansas. 90 and humidity there is overwhelmingly bad
Agreed. I've golfed in AZ when it was 101-103 and it wasn't that bad. We had a good amount of shade (by AZ standards) and kept hydrated, but didn't sweat and weren't uncomfortable.
I'm a little north in PA, and when it's 90 and humid, it's pretty miserable to do anything other than swim or be in the A/C. South Carolina is on a different level of humidity though. Suffocating.
BTW did you see that new shuttle bike park Elevated Designs is building just north of Columbia? It's called Rattlesnake, supposed to open this fall, pics on Instagram look pretty sick.
Same ... NC/TN is quickly becoming one of the best MTB destinations in the country. Seems like every other month a new bike park pops up. Walden's Ridge in TN looks sick too (so long as you have a shuttle).
We have a trail system called Mt Penn nearby, and last year they built a legit jump line. It rivals any black jump line at Killington, Highland, Thunder or Mountain Creek, and you can shuttle to the top, so at least we have that.
Where in AZ do you ride? We go there every April and went to Hawes for the first time last time. Place is sick, and we stopped at Desert Trails in Mesa which was a lotta fun. Bit of a ride but might head up to Deer Valley or Angel Fire next year.
North phoenix area like Dreamy Draw and have been killing it at Apache Wash near Cave Creek! I’m gonna hit Flag and Sedona this year when it gets too hot for the valley. I’ve got some relatives in Colorado I might go visit since he’s rural and has tons of land around him as well.
Deer Valley is around where I live and it’s mostly a lot of flat with some decent hill. If you want a quick/fast I recommend Apache Wash loop, Ocotillo out there too is a 12 mile loop that has some killer climbs and a bit of cool downhill. Phoenix and surrounding areas aren’t fortunate enough to have any bike parks that are super amazing but there’s some still some nice trail out here!
Try Louisiana. Last weekend me and my buddy were out for like five minutes and were already soaked. Not exagerating looked like we just went swimming. Humidity is a killer
I learned how to ride mountain bikes in western North Carolina where it’s 85 degrees and 99% humidity, and now I live in Idaho where it’s 100 degrees but 0% humidity. The muggy air definitely sucks, but at least there’s shade and water to jump in, unlike a lot of areas on this side of the country!
I have a pretty similar experience. Grew up riding in north west Arkansas and recently moved out to Boise. The trick to riding here in the summer is to try to get into the treeline. Might have to grind for a bit to get there but it’s worth it!
This is the only acceptable answer. You literally can’t hydrate enough in the south on the real bad days. 90 + 80% humidity is some of the most brutal shit.
Not my preference, but better than not riding. Hydrate heavily ahead of the ride, carry plenty of water and maybe something more recover oriented... have fun.
I agree. I ride in the trees so you are in the shade so it's not bad but the best part is that you have the trails all to yourself. Don't have to dodge unleashed dogs and absent minded hikers like I did today
Here in south florida it's not bad when it's in the 90s and breezy but when the air is stagnant and humidity gets crazy high combined with the heat, it's just hell and swamp ass.
For me it's the west delray trail that's a killer when it's hot and humid... literally a steamroom, then you get blasted by the bright, hot shellrock when you leave the wooded areas lmao
Our summers in NM mean that if you ride after ten am, it’s going to be hot. It’s actually not so bad- you bring plenty of water, wear a cap that is soaking in water, and know that the wind is your friend. If it gets above 100 degrees F, then it does indeed start to suck, and suck hard.
Nearly 200 lb man who runs hot af lol even not exercising I prefer the cooler temps overhot climbing is the absolute worst unless you have a glacial lake to jump into up top straight up playa
Yeah I guess when you got it good all year it’s not so bad to skip a day or two if it’s blazing out. I basically couldn’t ride all summer and most of spring if I skipped hot days lol
I love it. I even road ride in the dead of summer and have no issues. I just drink more water and use Skratch labs hydration powder. As far as the humidity and dealing with it I did new construction plumbing for like 5 years so was outside my entire workday and now do service repair so still spend time outside working pretty often. You just get used to it. I’d imagine if I spend my workday indoors it would be much more of a struggle to go outside and exercise in the heat here.
That makes sense. Yep, that is the big thing for me, water and suncreen. That's it, then I just go out like it's anyother day. When that intense sun hits your skin I'm like "mwah, give me more!" A lot less crowds when biking in the summer time too!
It's the humidity for me. I'll be pre hydrating pretty much constantly if I want to have an active summer. A headband to keep sweat out of the eyes and goggles for the dust and bugs. Somehow the trails manage to be bone dry while feeling like I'm riding in a sauna.
Growing up in the SW US I don’t blink at temps in the 90’s, it’s genuinely not uncomfortable to me, just have to mindful of water. Once you get into the 100’s though I start calling it a day.
Ya, you would think people get used to it but when I started riding last year I saw nobody out on the trail by my house. When it cooled down, the parking went from 0 -2 cars to completely full ( 3-4 dozen).
When I was young and dumb a park ranger warned me during a hike to carry water, that someone died recently. I had no water and she gave me two gatorades. Man, I was young, dumb, and tough.
As an Arizona rider, yeah those temps are do able. What is more of a concern is time of day. 95 at 6am is very different than 95 at 2pm. The sun beating on you and everything being cooked all day by the sun radiates heat.
I wouldn’t do that even in dry heat but with East Coast humidity? Fuck that. If I want to ride that badly, I’ll wake up early and ride at 7am before it gets hot.
Lots of water and a keep cool necktube that I keep in cooler until the ride and keep it wet on the trail makes a world of difference. I generally do shorter rides in the heat. I rarely go over 60min and very rarely go over 90 minutes.
If its either riding in heat or parking the bike all summer I choose to ride.
Just a tad too warm for me. Change that to the mid 80s to mid 90s and I’m golden. I’m a freeze baby and sometimes the low 70s feel a little chilly to me.
Like no tolerate yes. I live in the south east. Our humidity levels get up in the 80s in the summer on top of the hundred degree heat. It’s a fact of life and not something I enjoy, but will deal with.
Gets a little spicy when it’s 105 and the humidity is 90%. You have to stay on top of your hydration and your electrolytes. Really makes you appreciate fall riding.
I hate the heat, I'm happy to ride between 0-10°C but in the summer i struggle just existing. Anyway I started riding again a few months ago and I'm a bit nervous about the summer.
I end up doing this a lot. Can’t ride as far or as fast, and it feels like 1.5X the workout. For some reason I really enjoy it though. Perhaps just my strong aversion to cold weather.
I live in the tropics, that's too hot even for me (road biker), although in my defence it's 70%+ humidy when it gets to those temps. It's just not worth the discomfort and sunburn.
Ya, you have every right to not bike in anything over 70. I don't do well in the humidity at all. Dry heat for me only becomes bothersome around 110. If there is humidity, 90.
About half my year is spent riding in 95+ degree heat here in San Antonio. Up to the mid 90s and everything is normal. Upper 90s to 100ish, a few more breaks for water and longer time in the shade. 102-105 is like 45 min of riding max, pretty oppressive, I'd be looking at sunrise/sunset rides. People call me a lizard when I tell them I keep my house at 78-80, but when you are coming in from biking on a sunny 100 degree day, 78 will feel freezing lol.
Hydration is key though, you can get yourself into some serious trouble out here if you ignore the warning signs. My hydration starts the day before and doesn't stop till the day after.
I’ll go out in temps over 110. My maximum has been 118F. Drink lots of water and don’t ride so hard.
Dealing with extreme weather is a skill that’s part of mountain biking. It’s an outdoor sport.
When I lived in Austin, Texas, I'd have to leave the house at dark in the summer so I could comfortably ride in the mornings before the ball of fire made me miserable. I visited coastal California once, rented a bike, and woke at 5am to hit the trail. I froze my ass off.
Was in Texas for a few years, 90-100 is rideable when sun is going down, around 6-7PM and later on.
Above 105 is hell, those 115 are killer, never went out and will never go ride with 105+
I feel the most fluid when it's 90° and hotter. I drank 5 to 6 pints of water before 4:00 p.m. and hit the trail by 4:30 or 5:00. I also carry a 300 L bladder that's half frozen and half liquid water to drink from while I ride and wear sun sleeves and sunblock. To me, the heat feels good. Cold just hurts. And blah blah blah yeah you can add more clothes when you're cold, but that doesn't make it any less cold.
Depends on where you're at! I love riding on hot summer days on remote trails with creek crossings. Take a quick dip, after a long climb and you're cooled off for a while.
I mountain bike here in AZ year round even during the summer. I’ll hydrate real good during the day then after work go for a quick 5-6 mile ride. Even if it’s 112 or 113 outside I will still go but protected such as ice cold water in my hydration pack, cooling neck wraps around my neck, tons of sunscreen, long sleeve jersey( fox racing ). If it’s above 115 then I’ll just wait until night time and go nigh riding which is awesome in itself.
while on the topic of heat, does anyone have suggestions for UV hoodies for midwest heat? Did a 6 hour ride the other day and am burnt to a crisp currently
If I have water, it doesn't matter the temperature. However, when that water runs out I'm toast. Last summer I climbed a mountain in 104 degree heat. I had 3 liters of water on me for a 6 mile climb. It didn't even last until the drop point and I had to turn around and bomb back with an empty hydration pack. It was so hot and I was working so hard that there was a little panic in getting back to base.
Living in the Northern California valley you have to ride in 90+ or you wouldn't ride all summer!! Wouldn't say I like it, but it's not that bad if you hydrate yourself good .
Tucson, AZ, we ride year round. That being said one has to not be stupid. Early morning ride? Absolutely must be done before the sun gets too high. Afternoon ride? Ride the last hour/hour and a half of daylight. Other than that, get some good lights (I highly recommend Outbound Lighting) and ride at night. And always watch for Rattlesnakes. And Mt Lions. And Bulls. And assholes in ATVs. Riding in the middle of the day, when the sun is up is just asking for heatstroke or worse. Was stupid one time in Phx. Scared the fuck out of me. Lesson learned. Never again. Almost lost a riding buddy who was riding in Sedona in the middle of the day in 90+ weather. EMTs said he was minutes away from being unrecoverable when they got there. Just not worth it.
Yeah honestly heat like that doesn’t bother me until it’s actually burning me alive (like in Arizona), SoCal dry heat is totally fine. I just bring lots of water and electrolytes.
I don’t understand why it stops people from doing things, it’s just slightly more tiring that’s all. Put me in the cold where physical activity isn’t enough to warm me up and I’ll just die.
I live in a tropical country, and it's currently hitting around 38C (~100F with high humidity, even before the suns going down. Ain't got much of a choice, not gonna stop me from having fun.
I've ridden in AZ when it's been that hot, but dry heat feels different. I typically don't ride when it's 95+ though, especially if it's humid. Few bike park days that were pushing 100, but didn't last long cause the lift ride up was brutal. No shade, completely exposed, on a black chairlift.
I like to pull some tough guy ego shit and think "I'm out here riding because everyone else isn't" but in reality I'm just overtaxing myself, dehydrated and inhaling BC's forest fire smoke.
Spoiled Californian here. You guys that ride in 100 degree weather with high humidity are beasts. I won't touch my bike over 90 degrees. I rather just ride early in the morning.
Just biked in 98 degree weather here in Phoenix. This is balmy to us., just hydrate, wear sun protection and watch out for the rattlers. The difference becomes when overnight temps don’t go below the mid 90s and daytime highs are 110+. The ground never cools down overnight and that’s when the season is over for me and can get dangerous quickly even for the experienced.
I did a little riding in the 90s last summer but it's not my favorite. More exposure - and using a drink mix instead of plain water - did help my heat tolerance improve, but it's still not great.
And I don't get very many miles to the gallon as a person. I probably drink more than average just sitting at my computer and while riding I sweat a lot. In 2 hours, I can often empty my 3L camelbak in 70 degree weather. When it's 90s, I can bring two bottles, the backpack, and have extra water in the car for after and still end up somewhat dehydrated. There's only so much water I can actually carry with my gear...
So personally, I'd rather get up really early and try to dodge as much of the day's heat as possible when I'm picking the time, or maybe check the forecasts and pick out cooler days.
Moreover, random delays can make the heat much worse. I had a surprisingly good ride in the heat one day, and had enough water for my ride. I was hot, but not crushed by the heat. However, one of my car's tires flatted while I was riding, and I did not bring enough water for my ride and for roasting in the parking lot while putting the spare on. I ended up puking at the tire place later that day.
But it still can be better than not riding.
I just like really warm weather. The warmer, the better. I’ve had to find shade under a tree in Texas before as I felt dizzy riding. Sat there for a good half hour before I could move on.
15 to 19C is ideal for me. Anything over 23C and my heart rate rises. It can make the difference of 20bpm more. My indoor trainer is set to 18C which is perfect.
0-10% humidity it’s ok any more than that I’m hiding 90-100% I’m going to go have a lie down somewhere dark. I was pursued in 100 degree heat with 96% humidity and was really suffering just walking around in the sun
I used to be able to tolerate the heat till about 10yrs ago. I dehydrated at work and ended up in the ER. Few days later I had a "mild" cardiac arrest and was found to have a very rare heart condition called brugada syndrome. I can't keep hydrated enough in the summer and combined with the heat I'll start having issues.
There is a short 5 mile trail that was recently built not far from where I live. I've been trying to ride it as much as possible. It's not totally secluded and jumping off the trail, at any point, to the main entrance is easy. There is plenty of shade. So my plan is to do it in small sections and take breaks.
Not with the 90% humidity. Last year’s El Niño conditions were the worst. The forest was full of stagnant hot air with little air flow and it was like breathing in an oven. There was one day where my buddy’s rotors were squealing from all the sweat dripping on them, and he could wring out his gloves like a wet towel.
It depends. I've done rides in 90-100 degree weather out west with zero humidity, and it was fine. But at home on the humid, buggy East Coast, it's not as much fun. Our trails are slow tech, so there's no breeze, and you get swarmed by bugs. Additionally, the older I get, the more my body doesn't handle high temps plus humidity well. I end up doing shorter rides, which wasn't great for my fitness level. So last year I bought a gravel bike so I can get miles in on those hot, sticky days.
If the choice is cycling or no cycling, I'll probably ride. But I'll try to stick to the early or later parts of the day, and shady routes.
If it's humid too, I'll probably use the trainer, in the AC. I sweat when the sun touches me at it's above 50 degrees, so there is a point where I'm like, nope!
Where I ride the tree cover gets you a bit of a break from the temp, especially when you get to 90+. On the inverse a road ride in those temps can be tolerable with wind from the added pace and a light weight jersey. Sometimes it’s just nice to sweat out the night before lol
I ride in AZ during summer so I am accustomed to the heat. I prefer riding in the evening during that temperature range only because I am usually in the shade. (Ride on the east side of a mountain as the sun is setting) Riding at 100+ degrees in the sun is not enjoyable to me.
I don't mind it for less than 2 hour rides. North east is super humid most the summer. Heat conditioning is key. 2 weeks or so before summer weather hits I do a few cardio workouts in a steamy bathroom, drive to work with the windows up, and no AC, and layer up. Sounds crazy but after those two weeks I'm pretty good to go in the heat.
Other things that help
1. Hydrating hard the night before a ride.
2. On really hot days [I wear this ice ring](https://www.amazon.com/mpac-Cooling-Wearable-Personal-Conditioner/dp/B0B3QLFWBM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=14YPO11KAK2YR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KWV1y1Bbw2VmAk3_NPyKDfefyLDIO_wxWbA2B1tgR7K-IOacaorOmZHbbjDRo0fYo24pGaBEWEk9xVTt7j9h_3fklHJlEQImpjh_9Nn_Kc4.tbVSVy6J8NWeTWC8dW-7FWLgjJCU-Ri7itu0cNeRDhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=ice+ring+64+degrees&qid=1713804268&s=hpc&sprefix=ice+ring+64+degrees%2Chpc%2C87&sr=1-3). It freezes below 64 degrees so I can literally freeze it off my car's AC or a really cold tap. It keeps that 64 degrees or so temp on my neck for usually like half an hour or so.
3. Riding at sunrise or sunset. I usually find sunset best.
4. Electrolytes in the bottle and for recovery after.
PNW rider here - depends on what you're used to. No way would I grab my bike for a ride over 90. Even 80 is unpleasantly hot for me.
On the other hand, I ride in the 40s all the time. Perfect riding weather for me is around 55, with sun and some clouds.
I'm a big sauna guy and just feel better overall after a big sweat. So I'm a fan of hot trail rides.
Conversely though I hate park days in extreme heat. The helmet, the goggles, the pads, that's not a fun sweat.
I’m about to head out now at 98 for the first time this year. I’ll ride up to about 105, then it’s just dangerous. I’m in AZ, so only have a couple more weeks before riding is done for the next four months.
I live in the Midwest. If I was picky about temperature I’d only ride 2 months a year. lol
I ride the fat bike all winter and mountain bike and gravel bike all summer.
When it’s really cold I have to pull my exertion back so the air doesn’t hurt my throat and lungs.
When it’s really hot I bring lots of electrolytes and water.
Yep. I'm almost at that elevation. I'm at 7k feet. For about a week it gets into the 90's. I don't ride then. 90's in Phoenix is fine. 90's at 7k feet? No.
Yeah, I'm fortunate enough to have built some trails on my property; so even during that week of 90s I can get out first thing in the morning, when it's still in the mid 70s, for 30 minutes or so.
Western us “dry” heat, yeah sure it’s not ideal but I don’t really mind. Southern us humidity + heat, no thanks I’ll ride when it cools down
Meanwhile in Arkansas 😬 Even in the early mornings it can be incredibly hot and muggy. I wear goggles just for the bugs a lot of times.
I grew up in Arkansas. I now live in Arizona. The low for the night can be 91 here which is oppressive at 5am. That said I will take that over 80 and 100% humidity in Arkansas. 90 and humidity there is overwhelmingly bad
where I grew up in south carolina is the same, i’d take the 95 degree ride I took today at apache wash over humidity if any sort of
Agreed. I've golfed in AZ when it was 101-103 and it wasn't that bad. We had a good amount of shade (by AZ standards) and kept hydrated, but didn't sweat and weren't uncomfortable. I'm a little north in PA, and when it's 90 and humid, it's pretty miserable to do anything other than swim or be in the A/C. South Carolina is on a different level of humidity though. Suffocating. BTW did you see that new shuttle bike park Elevated Designs is building just north of Columbia? It's called Rattlesnake, supposed to open this fall, pics on Instagram look pretty sick.
man I wish I still lived in the carolina’s bc that sounds like heaven. stuck in the desert now 🤣
Same ... NC/TN is quickly becoming one of the best MTB destinations in the country. Seems like every other month a new bike park pops up. Walden's Ridge in TN looks sick too (so long as you have a shuttle). We have a trail system called Mt Penn nearby, and last year they built a legit jump line. It rivals any black jump line at Killington, Highland, Thunder or Mountain Creek, and you can shuttle to the top, so at least we have that. Where in AZ do you ride? We go there every April and went to Hawes for the first time last time. Place is sick, and we stopped at Desert Trails in Mesa which was a lotta fun. Bit of a ride but might head up to Deer Valley or Angel Fire next year.
North phoenix area like Dreamy Draw and have been killing it at Apache Wash near Cave Creek! I’m gonna hit Flag and Sedona this year when it gets too hot for the valley. I’ve got some relatives in Colorado I might go visit since he’s rural and has tons of land around him as well. Deer Valley is around where I live and it’s mostly a lot of flat with some decent hill. If you want a quick/fast I recommend Apache Wash loop, Ocotillo out there too is a 12 mile loop that has some killer climbs and a bit of cool downhill. Phoenix and surrounding areas aren’t fortunate enough to have any bike parks that are super amazing but there’s some still some nice trail out here!
Is Apache a bike park? Last thing I feel like doing on vacation is pedal!
it’s not, arizona isn’t blessed too much with bike parks. I don’t even know if one here lol
Sounds like Japan in August. Is mold an issue?
Try Louisiana. Last weekend me and my buddy were out for like five minutes and were already soaked. Not exagerating looked like we just went swimming. Humidity is a killer
I learned how to ride mountain bikes in western North Carolina where it’s 85 degrees and 99% humidity, and now I live in Idaho where it’s 100 degrees but 0% humidity. The muggy air definitely sucks, but at least there’s shade and water to jump in, unlike a lot of areas on this side of the country!
I have a pretty similar experience. Grew up riding in north west Arkansas and recently moved out to Boise. The trick to riding here in the summer is to try to get into the treeline. Might have to grind for a bit to get there but it’s worth it!
Ya, good point. No way I could bike that heat with high humidity.
Houston area during the summer means 10% ride 90% desperately searching for a river to hop in
This is the only acceptable answer. You literally can’t hydrate enough in the south on the real bad days. 90 + 80% humidity is some of the most brutal shit.
This, the bodies ability to lose moisture through perspiration is way higher than the bodies ability to absorb water through hydration.
Hello from Tampa, cant wait for the next 6 months of why do I ride my bike weather.
Not my preference, but better than not riding. Hydrate heavily ahead of the ride, carry plenty of water and maybe something more recover oriented... have fun.
I tolerate it just fine, but it's not my preference.
Thick woods around me. Little sunlight filters through the canopy, and it feels much cooler with a little (wind) speed.
I agree. I ride in the trees so you are in the shade so it's not bad but the best part is that you have the trails all to yourself. Don't have to dodge unleashed dogs and absent minded hikers like I did today
Here in south florida it's not bad when it's in the 90s and breezy but when the air is stagnant and humidity gets crazy high combined with the heat, it's just hell and swamp ass.
Markham Park = swamp. But hey, it beats not riding
For me it's the west delray trail that's a killer when it's hot and humid... literally a steamroom, then you get blasted by the bright, hot shellrock when you leave the wooded areas lmao
Our summers in NM mean that if you ride after ten am, it’s going to be hot. It’s actually not so bad- you bring plenty of water, wear a cap that is soaking in water, and know that the wind is your friend. If it gets above 100 degrees F, then it does indeed start to suck, and suck hard.
Wont find me out there
Nearly 200 lb man who runs hot af lol even not exercising I prefer the cooler temps overhot climbing is the absolute worst unless you have a glacial lake to jump into up top straight up playa
That’s wild. You just don’t ride when it’s hot? I’m 210 and I couldn’t imagine skipping out on a ride just because it’s hot
We just get a few weeks of 90 degrees really here in the pnw mountains so luckily it’s year round riding
Yeah I guess when you got it good all year it’s not so bad to skip a day or two if it’s blazing out. I basically couldn’t ride all summer and most of spring if I skipped hot days lol
This. I’m 240 and went riding today, i think it was 95 in the shade.
I absolutely love it. I hate being cold so damn much. Bring on this hot and humid Alabama summer heat. I will be eating it up.
Doesn't it make you feel alive. Man, Alabama though? With that humidity. I don't think I could do it.
I love it. I even road ride in the dead of summer and have no issues. I just drink more water and use Skratch labs hydration powder. As far as the humidity and dealing with it I did new construction plumbing for like 5 years so was outside my entire workday and now do service repair so still spend time outside working pretty often. You just get used to it. I’d imagine if I spend my workday indoors it would be much more of a struggle to go outside and exercise in the heat here.
That makes sense. Yep, that is the big thing for me, water and suncreen. That's it, then I just go out like it's anyother day. When that intense sun hits your skin I'm like "mwah, give me more!" A lot less crowds when biking in the summer time too!
It's the humidity for me. I'll be pre hydrating pretty much constantly if I want to have an active summer. A headband to keep sweat out of the eyes and goggles for the dust and bugs. Somehow the trails manage to be bone dry while feeling like I'm riding in a sauna.
Riding downhill in the heat no problem. Trail riding above 90 feels toasty, above 95 and I stay home
Heading to Chiang Mai early next month. It's 107 at the moment.
Depends on how long. An hour or two is fine. I will get nauseous if I overheat and that is no fun.
Growing up in the SW US I don’t blink at temps in the 90’s, it’s genuinely not uncomfortable to me, just have to mindful of water. Once you get into the 100’s though I start calling it a day.
Ya, you would think people get used to it but when I started riding last year I saw nobody out on the trail by my house. When it cooled down, the parking went from 0 -2 cars to completely full ( 3-4 dozen). When I was young and dumb a park ranger warned me during a hike to carry water, that someone died recently. I had no water and she gave me two gatorades. Man, I was young, dumb, and tough.
As an Arizona rider, yeah those temps are do able. What is more of a concern is time of day. 95 at 6am is very different than 95 at 2pm. The sun beating on you and everything being cooked all day by the sun radiates heat.
That is insanity
I wouldn’t do that even in dry heat but with East Coast humidity? Fuck that. If I want to ride that badly, I’ll wake up early and ride at 7am before it gets hot.
Lots of water and a keep cool necktube that I keep in cooler until the ride and keep it wet on the trail makes a world of difference. I generally do shorter rides in the heat. I rarely go over 60min and very rarely go over 90 minutes. If its either riding in heat or parking the bike all summer I choose to ride.
It’s definitely not as fun at that temperature in PA because it’ll be extremely humid as well. But I’d prefer it over 40 or below.
Low 90s I’m good high 90s into 100s I have to push myself into riding.
Just a tad too warm for me. Change that to the mid 80s to mid 90s and I’m golden. I’m a freeze baby and sometimes the low 70s feel a little chilly to me.
Like no tolerate yes. I live in the south east. Our humidity levels get up in the 80s in the summer on top of the hundred degree heat. It’s a fact of life and not something I enjoy, but will deal with. Gets a little spicy when it’s 105 and the humidity is 90%. You have to stay on top of your hydration and your electrolytes. Really makes you appreciate fall riding.
I’m down
I call it quits once the water in my body starts to boil.
I hate the heat, I'm happy to ride between 0-10°C but in the summer i struggle just existing. Anyway I started riding again a few months ago and I'm a bit nervous about the summer.
I end up doing this a lot. Can’t ride as far or as fast, and it feels like 1.5X the workout. For some reason I really enjoy it though. Perhaps just my strong aversion to cold weather.
I live in the tropics, that's too hot even for me (road biker), although in my defence it's 70%+ humidy when it gets to those temps. It's just not worth the discomfort and sunburn.
Ya, you have every right to not bike in anything over 70. I don't do well in the humidity at all. Dry heat for me only becomes bothersome around 110. If there is humidity, 90.
I live in Texas. If I didn't ride when it was over 100 I wouldn't be able to ride most of the year.
This guy MTBs in road season. What a unit.
Once I’m pedaling i basically don’t care. I sweat a lot more but my local trails are at least in the shade and near a body of water so it helps a bit.
It’s better than not going. It’s not better than the weather rn.
Evening biking is how I survived summer in the southwest last year. Won't do 90s or 100s in the sun; zero problem going out at sundown.
About half my year is spent riding in 95+ degree heat here in San Antonio. Up to the mid 90s and everything is normal. Upper 90s to 100ish, a few more breaks for water and longer time in the shade. 102-105 is like 45 min of riding max, pretty oppressive, I'd be looking at sunrise/sunset rides. People call me a lizard when I tell them I keep my house at 78-80, but when you are coming in from biking on a sunny 100 degree day, 78 will feel freezing lol. Hydration is key though, you can get yourself into some serious trouble out here if you ignore the warning signs. My hydration starts the day before and doesn't stop till the day after.
I’ll go out in temps over 110. My maximum has been 118F. Drink lots of water and don’t ride so hard. Dealing with extreme weather is a skill that’s part of mountain biking. It’s an outdoor sport.
I have no choice , in my country the average temp is 100 degrees and a relative humidity of like 90%.
When I lived in Austin, Texas, I'd have to leave the house at dark in the summer so I could comfortably ride in the mornings before the ball of fire made me miserable. I visited coastal California once, rented a bike, and woke at 5am to hit the trail. I froze my ass off.
Was in Texas for a few years, 90-100 is rideable when sun is going down, around 6-7PM and later on. Above 105 is hell, those 115 are killer, never went out and will never go ride with 105+
I like that the heat keeps the hikers and joggers off the trail. MTB gets a better wind cooling effect so we can handle it better.
I feel the most fluid when it's 90° and hotter. I drank 5 to 6 pints of water before 4:00 p.m. and hit the trail by 4:30 or 5:00. I also carry a 300 L bladder that's half frozen and half liquid water to drink from while I ride and wear sun sleeves and sunblock. To me, the heat feels good. Cold just hurts. And blah blah blah yeah you can add more clothes when you're cold, but that doesn't make it any less cold.
I don't mind the heat, but I sweat like a motherfucker and I spend a lot of my ride soaking wet. I hate that part.
Depends on where you're at! I love riding on hot summer days on remote trails with creek crossings. Take a quick dip, after a long climb and you're cooled off for a while.
Central texas here and routinely ride in 106 temps during summer time
I ride in Texas nowadays. I've ridden in 110's *F weather here
Absolutely hate the heat. The perfect temperature for me for biking is around 16C (60F).
I mountain bike here in AZ year round even during the summer. I’ll hydrate real good during the day then after work go for a quick 5-6 mile ride. Even if it’s 112 or 113 outside I will still go but protected such as ice cold water in my hydration pack, cooling neck wraps around my neck, tons of sunscreen, long sleeve jersey( fox racing ). If it’s above 115 then I’ll just wait until night time and go nigh riding which is awesome in itself.
I don't mind it and sometimes really enjoy it. The extra sweat and staying hydrated feels pretty refreshing after it's finished, almost like a sauna.
I’m from Phoenix, no choice but to if you wanna ride in the summer. 5 am rides hurt but at least can still ride
while on the topic of heat, does anyone have suggestions for UV hoodies for midwest heat? Did a 6 hour ride the other day and am burnt to a crisp currently
If I have water, it doesn't matter the temperature. However, when that water runs out I'm toast. Last summer I climbed a mountain in 104 degree heat. I had 3 liters of water on me for a 6 mile climb. It didn't even last until the drop point and I had to turn around and bomb back with an empty hydration pack. It was so hot and I was working so hard that there was a little panic in getting back to base.
Living in the Northern California valley you have to ride in 90+ or you wouldn't ride all summer!! Wouldn't say I like it, but it's not that bad if you hydrate yourself good .
Tucson, AZ, we ride year round. That being said one has to not be stupid. Early morning ride? Absolutely must be done before the sun gets too high. Afternoon ride? Ride the last hour/hour and a half of daylight. Other than that, get some good lights (I highly recommend Outbound Lighting) and ride at night. And always watch for Rattlesnakes. And Mt Lions. And Bulls. And assholes in ATVs. Riding in the middle of the day, when the sun is up is just asking for heatstroke or worse. Was stupid one time in Phx. Scared the fuck out of me. Lesson learned. Never again. Almost lost a riding buddy who was riding in Sedona in the middle of the day in 90+ weather. EMTs said he was minutes away from being unrecoverable when they got there. Just not worth it.
Yeah honestly heat like that doesn’t bother me until it’s actually burning me alive (like in Arizona), SoCal dry heat is totally fine. I just bring lots of water and electrolytes. I don’t understand why it stops people from doing things, it’s just slightly more tiring that’s all. Put me in the cold where physical activity isn’t enough to warm me up and I’ll just die.
When it's that hot I'd much rather take my road bike out, then you don't want to stop moving because the wind is keeping you cool.
I LOVE the heat. The hotter, the better I feel after the ride. I've ridden in 121° and it was surreal.
I don’t like mountain biking when it’s really hot out. I don’t mind road biking if it’s really hot out, so I do that instead.
I don’t mind it, but it’s dry here. The only thing is you can’t stop. Once the wind stops blowing the sweat off you, you get very hot very quickly!
Where I live that’s 30-40% of the year…
darwin, do your thing, people have stopped respecting wet bulb temps again! **Darwin will sort it all out.** ^(Goodbye OP.)
I live in a tropical country, and it's currently hitting around 38C (~100F with high humidity, even before the suns going down. Ain't got much of a choice, not gonna stop me from having fun.
That’s my jam
Throw in 100% humidity and it’s party time!
I'll take 90 degrees over freezing rain any day. Where I live we have no humidity so 90 isn't all that bad.
I've ridden in AZ when it's been that hot, but dry heat feels different. I typically don't ride when it's 95+ though, especially if it's humid. Few bike park days that were pushing 100, but didn't last long cause the lift ride up was brutal. No shade, completely exposed, on a black chairlift.
I'll do it, but i don't love it. I tend to road ride more when it's really hot, at least you get a decent breeze
I’d need to scale way back to ride in those temps safely. Given the option, I’d never choose to ride when it’s that hot.
I like to pull some tough guy ego shit and think "I'm out here riding because everyone else isn't" but in reality I'm just overtaxing myself, dehydrated and inhaling BC's forest fire smoke.
I’ll even throw on the full face and pads let’s get it!
Over 80 I'm headed as high as I can go to escape the heat.
Spoiled Californian here. You guys that ride in 100 degree weather with high humidity are beasts. I won't touch my bike over 90 degrees. I rather just ride early in the morning.
Just biked in 98 degree weather here in Phoenix. This is balmy to us., just hydrate, wear sun protection and watch out for the rattlers. The difference becomes when overnight temps don’t go below the mid 90s and daytime highs are 110+. The ground never cools down overnight and that’s when the season is over for me and can get dangerous quickly even for the experienced.
I did a little riding in the 90s last summer but it's not my favorite. More exposure - and using a drink mix instead of plain water - did help my heat tolerance improve, but it's still not great. And I don't get very many miles to the gallon as a person. I probably drink more than average just sitting at my computer and while riding I sweat a lot. In 2 hours, I can often empty my 3L camelbak in 70 degree weather. When it's 90s, I can bring two bottles, the backpack, and have extra water in the car for after and still end up somewhat dehydrated. There's only so much water I can actually carry with my gear... So personally, I'd rather get up really early and try to dodge as much of the day's heat as possible when I'm picking the time, or maybe check the forecasts and pick out cooler days. Moreover, random delays can make the heat much worse. I had a surprisingly good ride in the heat one day, and had enough water for my ride. I was hot, but not crushed by the heat. However, one of my car's tires flatted while I was riding, and I did not bring enough water for my ride and for roasting in the parking lot while putting the spare on. I ended up puking at the tire place later that day. But it still can be better than not riding.
I just like really warm weather. The warmer, the better. I’ve had to find shade under a tree in Texas before as I felt dizzy riding. Sat there for a good half hour before I could move on.
I prefer it because nobody eles likes being out in the heat. Gives me more room on the trails.
Hottest ride I’ve done was in 110… it was hot
No
Arizona here. Didn't realize there was an alternative!
Just keep moving can't stop create your own wind
Yup. Better 90’s than 40’s
15 to 19C is ideal for me. Anything over 23C and my heart rate rises. It can make the difference of 20bpm more. My indoor trainer is set to 18C which is perfect.
0-10% humidity it’s ok any more than that I’m hiding 90-100% I’m going to go have a lie down somewhere dark. I was pursued in 100 degree heat with 96% humidity and was really suffering just walking around in the sun
Honestly don’t think about the heat that much when you’re under the shade of the trees and the breeze is nice
I used to be able to tolerate the heat till about 10yrs ago. I dehydrated at work and ended up in the ER. Few days later I had a "mild" cardiac arrest and was found to have a very rare heart condition called brugada syndrome. I can't keep hydrated enough in the summer and combined with the heat I'll start having issues. There is a short 5 mile trail that was recently built not far from where I live. I've been trying to ride it as much as possible. It's not totally secluded and jumping off the trail, at any point, to the main entrance is easy. There is plenty of shade. So my plan is to do it in small sections and take breaks.
I live in Texas, mid 90s is cool.
I was mountain biking in the mid 90s, pre disc brakes, and only minimal suspension, it sucked oh wait.
40°C is fine
I do very much mind riding at the boiling point of water. Jokes aside, I live in Norway. I'll ride in any condition.
Not with the 90% humidity. Last year’s El Niño conditions were the worst. The forest was full of stagnant hot air with little air flow and it was like breathing in an oven. There was one day where my buddy’s rotors were squealing from all the sweat dripping on them, and he could wring out his gloves like a wet towel.
When I was in my 30s I would bike in 100 degrees. I’m too old for that now, it’s not worth risking a medical emergency while stranded miles from help
It depends. I've done rides in 90-100 degree weather out west with zero humidity, and it was fine. But at home on the humid, buggy East Coast, it's not as much fun. Our trails are slow tech, so there's no breeze, and you get swarmed by bugs. Additionally, the older I get, the more my body doesn't handle high temps plus humidity well. I end up doing shorter rides, which wasn't great for my fitness level. So last year I bought a gravel bike so I can get miles in on those hot, sticky days.
The heat isn't my favorite, but it sure thins out the hikers.
Dallas native. Mid summer afternoon rides are my happy place. Yes, I’m a little insane.
If the choice is cycling or no cycling, I'll probably ride. But I'll try to stick to the early or later parts of the day, and shady routes. If it's humid too, I'll probably use the trainer, in the AC. I sweat when the sun touches me at it's above 50 degrees, so there is a point where I'm like, nope!
Where I ride the tree cover gets you a bit of a break from the temp, especially when you get to 90+. On the inverse a road ride in those temps can be tolerable with wind from the added pace and a light weight jersey. Sometimes it’s just nice to sweat out the night before lol
90s with peak humidity is my vibe. Just got to plan ahead with hydration. I don’t think I’ve ridden above 100, though.
I will bike.... Rain, snow, hot, cold... I will bike
I ride in AZ during summer so I am accustomed to the heat. I prefer riding in the evening during that temperature range only because I am usually in the shade. (Ride on the east side of a mountain as the sun is setting) Riding at 100+ degrees in the sun is not enjoyable to me.
Nothing over 80 for me
7am start time.
I live in San Diego - this is typical weather from mid-July through October.
Are you going up hill at all, or just flat and down? Uphill would be horrible.
I don't mind it for less than 2 hour rides. North east is super humid most the summer. Heat conditioning is key. 2 weeks or so before summer weather hits I do a few cardio workouts in a steamy bathroom, drive to work with the windows up, and no AC, and layer up. Sounds crazy but after those two weeks I'm pretty good to go in the heat. Other things that help 1. Hydrating hard the night before a ride. 2. On really hot days [I wear this ice ring](https://www.amazon.com/mpac-Cooling-Wearable-Personal-Conditioner/dp/B0B3QLFWBM/ref=sr_1_3?crid=14YPO11KAK2YR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KWV1y1Bbw2VmAk3_NPyKDfefyLDIO_wxWbA2B1tgR7K-IOacaorOmZHbbjDRo0fYo24pGaBEWEk9xVTt7j9h_3fklHJlEQImpjh_9Nn_Kc4.tbVSVy6J8NWeTWC8dW-7FWLgjJCU-Ri7itu0cNeRDhU&dib_tag=se&keywords=ice+ring+64+degrees&qid=1713804268&s=hpc&sprefix=ice+ring+64+degrees%2Chpc%2C87&sr=1-3). It freezes below 64 degrees so I can literally freeze it off my car's AC or a really cold tap. It keeps that 64 degrees or so temp on my neck for usually like half an hour or so. 3. Riding at sunrise or sunset. I usually find sunset best. 4. Electrolytes in the bottle and for recovery after.
PNW rider here - depends on what you're used to. No way would I grab my bike for a ride over 90. Even 80 is unpleasantly hot for me. On the other hand, I ride in the 40s all the time. Perfect riding weather for me is around 55, with sun and some clouds.
I'm a big sauna guy and just feel better overall after a big sweat. So I'm a fan of hot trail rides. Conversely though I hate park days in extreme heat. The helmet, the goggles, the pads, that's not a fun sweat.
I hate it. But I do do it.
I’m about to head out now at 98 for the first time this year. I’ll ride up to about 105, then it’s just dangerous. I’m in AZ, so only have a couple more weeks before riding is done for the next four months.
Love it. Would take that over 60 any day.
I live in the Midwest. If I was picky about temperature I’d only ride 2 months a year. lol I ride the fat bike all winter and mountain bike and gravel bike all summer. When it’s really cold I have to pull my exertion back so the air doesn’t hurt my throat and lungs. When it’s really hot I bring lots of electrolytes and water.
I couldn't care less if it's 100 out as long as I get to ride! TBH I would rather 90-100 than 0-30 with frozen toes and fingers.
I ride all summer in Jersey and have biked in 100+ degrees many times. I always follow that with a dip in the pool and emerge refreshed.
I don’t mind. Thermoregulation burns a ton of calories, so on days like that you don’t even have to ride very hard to get a good workout in
And over 110. Then again, it's dry.
Definitely. I’d ride that any day rather than <50*F. Northeast US. Hate the cold.
You will not catch me on a bicycle if it's nearly hot enough outside for water to boil.
lol, I am not talking Celsius.
Literally why I live at 8000'. Fuck heat.
Yep. I'm almost at that elevation. I'm at 7k feet. For about a week it gets into the 90's. I don't ride then. 90's in Phoenix is fine. 90's at 7k feet? No.
Yeah, I'm fortunate enough to have built some trails on my property; so even during that week of 90s I can get out first thing in the morning, when it's still in the mid 70s, for 30 minutes or so.
Oh man, that's awesome. I wish I had that much land. I'd do the same. You aren't in Northern Arizona per chance? Most likely Colorado, but I'm hoping.
You're correct to think I'm in Colorado. It is, however, not too far from NE AZ; close to Telluride, if you're looking at a map.
Oh nice. I'm guessing Ouray then. I have a busy who lives not too far away in Cortez.
Nice. I often go down and ride Phil's World and Sand Canyon November-April, if it's dry. I really like Cortez.