Summers are here, and so is the tiring heat. In such weather, it’s almost impossible to go for any outdoor activity, let alone cycling. However, don’t worry, as you don’t need to give up on this hobby. Instead, determine which is the best time for cycling in summer to keep enjoying riding.
Of course, cycling in summer can be tiresome with bouts of sweat releases. Moreover, it can drain your energy affecting your overall performance.
The good news is that you can easily encounter these challenges by following a few tips and tricks outlined in this article.
We have also discussed which is the best time for cycling in a day, irrespective of the season, here. So let’s get started.
How Often Should You Cycle in a Week?
According to the general rule, cycling 3 times a week is enough to make progress toward a healthy lifestyle. But this is the minimum limit, especially for beginners, so they are motivated to indulge in this sport.
If you are habitual in cycling, then daily rides are also suitable as long as you are not straining your body too much. However, when cycling daily, it’s highly recommended to rest for at least 5 to 7 days every 6 weeks.
This practice is highly useful in preventing burnout feelings in regular riders.
Which is the Best Time for Cycling?
Before we explore which is the best time for cycling in summer, it’s first important to know which part of the day, irrespective of the season, is ideal for performing this activity. It basically comes down to the purpose for which you want to start cycling.
For example, late afternoon or early evening rides might be ideal if it’s just a hobby. It’s because your core body temperature and blood glucose level are higher at this time, leading to better performance.
In comparison, if you aim to lose weight by cycling for 1 hour a day, you must embark on an early-morning ride. It works ideally for burning fat and even helps you control your appetite in the long term.
Due to higher cortisol and growth hormone levels in the early morning, your body will draw energy from fat reserves for cycling. This will ultimately prove beneficial in shedding some pounds.
Which is the Best Time for Cycling in Summer?
Wondering which is the best time for cycling in summer? Ideally, it should be early in the morning or late in the evening. The heat is slightly lower during this part of the day.
Therefore, it’s better not to cycle from 11 am to 3 pm as extreme temperatures can even lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It happens especially when you’re not adequately hydrated.
Overall, you must listen to your body and adjust your cycling regime in accordance with the weather conditions and your fitness level.
What are the Benefits of Cycling in the Morning?
Now that you know which is the best time for cycling in summer, here are some health-related advantages you can enjoy by cycling during the early hours of the day.
- Cycling can prepare your body and brain for the day.
- It helps burn calories so you can stay fit.
- This activity is known to boost metabolism as well if continued regularly.
- Cycling can increase serotonin and dopamine release, increasing happiness levels.
- This sport is also linked with increased metabolism levels, especially in people who opt for cycling after lunch.
- Moderate exercise like cycling can make your immune system stronger. So your body becomes capable of fighting allergies and infections easily.
- Regular cycling is known to strengthen heart health as well. Meanwhile, lung function also gets better.
- Cycling in the morning can also help you fight digestive issues like bloating.
5 Summer Cycling Tips
Since you know ‘which is the best time for cycling in summer. Now it’s time to discuss some tips to help you stay cool while riding when the sun is just above your head.
Fall is ideal for cycling, but this doesn’t mean you skip the activity in other seasons. For example, it might be difficult to pedal your vehicle in freezing temperatures. But you can still do so by wearing warm clothes and taking other important measures.
Similarly, during summer, the heat can be an obstacle in your way of enjoying cycling. Not anymore if you follow our tips. Let’s get started with our discussion on 5 ways that guarantee comfortable and safe cycling in the summer heat.
1. Drink Water
Whether you need to cycle or not, staying hydrated throughout the day is extremely important for good health. Dehydration not only accompanies a plethora of health dangers, but it could also affect your performance adversely.
More blood will be sent to your skin to release heat, and only a fraction of it will deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. As a result, your heart and breathing rate will increase as you strain harder, leading to early fatigue.
Hence, don’t forget to drink water within recommended limits. In fact, you can also take a strong electrolyte drink to ensure higher power output and top-notch performance.
2. Stay Hydrated, But Don’t Overdrink the Water
It’s important to drink an adequate amount of water while cycling in 55 degree weather. But you must not overdo it. It’s because excessive water inside the body could lead to hyponatremia.
It’s a condition when sodium levels are extremely low that a cyclist can even faint while performing the activity. Therefore, you must not take more than two additional cups of water daily when you have to cycle.
This practice is especially important for pre-training as sweating while riding further loses sodium, leading to a worse situation.
3. Apply Sunscreen
Cycling in extreme heat means the sun will attack your skin, leading to tan or sunburn if you perform the activity for long hours. That’s why applying sunscreen on every body part that will be directly exposed to UV outdoors is important.
However, you must be mindful that the effect of almost all such creams last only 2 hours. Therefore, you must carry it with you and reapply it once this duration is over.
4. Wear Cool Clothing
Your clothes for cycling in summer play a crucial role in determining the comfort you feel while performing this activity in the heat. For instance, the helmet must have several cooling vents to ensure enough air reaches you.
Moreover, it’s better to go for a cycling jersey. This type of wear has mesh panels that help ventilation. Similarly, the color of the clothing must be light so it reflects heat.
You can also go for a summer base layer that helps wick away moisture. So there’s no sweat pooling to annoy you.
5. Get Acclimated
Never go cycling 40 degrees without preparation, as this could affect your performance or even lead to body fatigue and risk for injuries.
Therefore, we highly recommend you ride early or late in the day when the sun’s intensity is at its lowest.
This way, your body will prepare for hotter temperatures. And after a few sessions, you’d easily be able to endure higher levels of heat.
Moreover, when you start riding during higher temperatures, don’t forget to take breaks in the shade and hydrate well.
Wrapping Up
We hope now all your queries regarding which is the best time for cycling in summer are clear. The heat can stop you from enjoying the activity.
But you can take proper measures to beat it. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, along with opting for breathable clothing.
Similarly, it’s better to go cycling during the early morning or late evening because of cooler temperatures. So there’s no need to skip your cycling routine just because the sun is at its fullest.
Instead, take the measures to fight the heat and enjoy the sport just as you’d do during moderate temperatures. Happy cycling!
FAQs
Can cycling be done after dinner?
If you are wondering, ‘Can we do cycling after dinner,’ then it’s completely fine to do so. However, we highly recommend you wait at least an hour so food is properly digested.
After dinner cycling is good?
Cycling immediately after eating can lead to indigestion or a feeling of discomfort. Therefore, it’s not good, especially if you had a heavy dinner.
Should I go cycling without socks?
It’s not recommended, especially during summer. Wearing socks can absorb moisture from your feet and prevent blisters. Moreover, it offers more support and cushioning to your legs as you cycle.
Is it a good idea to attend cycling summer camps?
Yes, you should attend a cycling summer camp to improve your cycling skills and fitness levels. Moreover, the expert insights from coaches there will help you get pro at this activity.
How to stay cool when cycling in the heat?
You must wear breathable clothing, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Moreover, take a break in shades and avoid cycling when temperatures are higher during the day, like noon.
What to eat after cycling in the morning?
After cycling, you must refuel your body with a balanced meal. It should have a blend of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. For example, you can eat Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts, a smoothie bowl, a breakfast burrito with eggs and veggies, etc.
