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View Full Version : Desert rules for hot weather riding


racer108
09-18-2009, 09:57 AM
A few years back I went racing at Willow Springs and it was 110 degrees outside. I was afraid to get out of my RV. When I went outside I saw a few of my buddies who rode there regularly out on the track having a blast. I thought these people are going to cook themselves. When they came in they all looked at me like I was a pussy. I thought I was being smart. One of my friends came up and asked why I was not riding. I said, um it is to hot and I am afraid of getting in trouble with heat stroke. Well, he said no worries we are riding under desert rules. I said, what? I soon learned how they do it. They took me around the side of the building where there was a garden hose and short line of people. Each of the people in line were ready to go out for their event. As I watched, each of them opened up their leathers and proceeded to completely drench themselves to the point where there was water coming out of their boots. My friend looks at me and says "radiational cooling". Get yourself completely wet and as the water is sucked away by the desert air it gets cold and keeps you cool.

What a revelation! So I tried it. And damn did it work. For the first ten minutes I was actually cold and it was 110 degrees outside.

And drink a lot of fluids as well.

adminjeff
09-22-2009, 09:47 AM
One added foot note, I passed out on the East course at Pocono several years ago and crashed pretty hard. So, whether or not you are in the desert you should always keep yourself cool when possible.

MetalScorpio
09-22-2009, 12:27 PM
oh yeah, i will forever remember that one so i make sure i'm good or i'm not riding ;)

great advice Jeff

adminjeff
09-25-2009, 08:03 AM
So we don't forget.