July - August 2007

Cycling in Summer

by Alfredo Garcia

We do the two-minute bike check before riding. But Summer, unlike other seasons, presents itself with high temperatures, strong sunlight, damning heat and not-so-clean air that can affect our health, if we don’t prepare.

Here’s a few simple things you can do:

APPLY SUNSCREEN to your exposed skin at least 30 minutes before you go out. The ingredients in sunscreen take time to set in your skin, provides protection against sunburn. Use a sunscreen that guards against UVA & UVB (two types of ultraviolet light that burns skin) having an SPF rating of 30 or better. Follow instructions. Also APPLY LIP BALM to protect your kisser.

WEAR A BIKE CAP under your helmet. Sun rays can go through ventilation holes in your helmet, burning your exposed scalp.

HYDRATE. Drink water – bring lots of it, drink before, during and after riding. Lots would mean two full bottles attached to your bike frame. Or use a hydration device, such as a Camelbak, a backpack type of carrying water with a drinking tube.Take advantage of timely water, deli & rest stops.

Protect your eyes. WEAR A GOOD PAIR OF SUNGLASSES. The consequences are not worth cataracts or rare cancers of the eye. Your life is important.

Beware of the air you breathe outside. There is pollution, whether it may be ozone, fuel exhaust, smog, etc., that will affect your breathing. If you suffer from respiratory ailments, such as asthma, bring appropriate medicine, such as an inhaler. RIDE AT A COMFORTABLE PACE AND DRINK WATER TO PREVENT LABORED BREATHING AND DEHYDRATION.

Learn about important health factors like AIR QUALITY INDEX, UV INDEX and HEAT INDEX. Find out by reading the weather report in the local papers, the internet and television, esp. forecasts from network and cable stations. Educate yourself. When you seek health advice, consult a medicial professional, such as your doctor. Ride safe and enjoy!

Keeping cool under shade of trees at Soundview Park. Josh Gosiak (3rd from Right) leads his “Bureks in the Bronx” ride.