I live in Arizona in the desert in the USA and it is common to ride at over 100 degree temperatures. I also suggest that you drink a lot of water even BEFORE you ride to hydrate the body. It is good for the body and it is water you do not have to carry on the bike. Drink a half a gallon before you go. You pee a lot, but the body will need less water along the way. On longer trips having enough water is very important and if there is a problem then you have already conserved water because you already had a lot before you left. EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS ON THE VIDEO! YOU ARE AWESOME!
Number six mistake is to choose cheap tires and push through the hottest hours with tires known to melt in hot weather. I have witnessed tires leaving a black strip behind them and those bikes were not doing a burnout. Not so funny situation when one is supposed to drive for weeks with the same tire and suddenly it looks like you have only days left until the tire is gone. Read tire reviews carefully before choosing the right tire for your hot adventure. Personal experience: 2017 I lost 1.5mm of tire tread during a single day, because the conditions were so bad. Extremely hot tarmac and tire was known to act like that in hot weather. I drove only 600 kilometers but was able to retreat to mountains. After that the tire wear for the next 2500km was also 1.5mm - temperature and tarmac quality makes a big difference. Tire pressure, load and riding style are also big wear factors when riding in hot weather. Number seven mistake is too small salt/mineral intake. Drinking only water and fizzy drinks do not replace the electrolytes your body loses when it is sweating all it can. Mineral waters do not contain the right minerals your body needs but sport drinks have the right ingredients. Unfortunately those are not readily available everywhere but there are powder versions of them. Carry those with you, if you travel to hot places and need to replenish your body electrolytes. Number eight mistake is inadequate eye protection. Hot air flow, sunshine and dust are bad for your eyes. Helmet with a visor down gets super hot and if you try to use sunglasses those become painful after a while. Use a full face helmet with tinted goggles. Airflow inside the helmet gets better - your head is perspiring, so even the hot air flow helps. Field of view is limited a little, but it is much better than taking all of dust and other things to your eyes. Noise is higher, but most likely you are wearing ear plugs anyway. Number nine mistake are too thick gloves or riding bare handed. Too thick gloves become soaked and extremely uncomfortable plus your fingers will swell. If you ride without gloves sun will burn your hands and even a little accident can end your trip if you get a hand injury. Buy motocross gloves, those are usually thin and without any liners. Motocross gloves still have knuckle etc. protection, they just aren't that big. Minus side is that since those gloves are short then you need to arrange UV protection for your wrists. One simple solution is to cut a sock (preferably new) so that you can push your hand through - now the god forsaken sun can't burn your wrists and lower arm. Number ten mistake is to read all this and think "I don't have suitable riding gear, I won't go!". Just go and learn things your way. :)
Good advice. I live and ride in Australia where it's often this hot. Hydration is definitely the number one point with #2 being look after your bike. Even water-cooled engines (particularly large bikes like my FJR1300) can struggle to keep below the red when there is traffic. When I ride home in peak-hour a lot of my concentration goes to using techniques to minimise my revs and keep the engine from overheating
Sadly I learned this lesson on hard way, i almost collapsed on highway, riding beneath Velebit mountains in croatia. It was 43 degrees. I was wearing mash jacket and i was never wet, thinking i was ok... I realized last moment what i done, so i stoped for 3 hours just drinking water and relaxing in the shade. Thank you for your time and efforts my friend, ride safe.
I will, i learned my lesson. And at the end all that pushing of myself and bike did not save me any time, but i lost a lot of time and almost kill my self. What a stupid way to go.
Very good advice, small dried fish, roasted chicken, full face helmet, breathable boots, camelbak, drink lots of water and keep body moist. Don't eat too much meat, better to do a bit of fasting it's very good for the body especially when it is hot. Ride early hours or late afternoon. Your advice is spot on, as is all your other videos. Thanks Very Much.
Excellent advice. The one with hydration and camel back I learned on my own from riding in 40+ degrees. Keep up the good work and great advices! Thank you
Have tried your tip, not in 40+, but in 30+(91F). They work, had problems in the past with high heat. Has a Klim Badlands. I learned from your mistakes! Thanks for the tip! Always on longer trips
Another great video, When it is hot outside I shift my riding hours. I leave the hotel/hostel/Airbnb/campsite around 4:00am. That way I can get 6-7 hours in while it is still dark or early morning and avoid the hottest part of the day. The reverse rings true with me when when winter riding, I wait 'till 11 or 12 to head out. Before someone scolds me for riding at night when there are drunks and possibly livestock on the road, motorcycle touring is a series of risk assessment analyses and riding at night is a risk I will occasionally take to avoid heat stroke, something that I am susceptible to.
Riding in the night could me more dangerous than riding in the heat. The best is to avoid them both. If you start one hour later at 5h you will still have plenty of hours before it really gets hot.
I live in a high desert area. I like my mesh jacket especially when I put on my evaporative cooling vest. It keeps my core very cool and comfortable. Riding in the early morning is awesome. I did have 3 hours in 40c temperatures with the cooling vest on and I was fine. I did need to stop a few times to drink water. Coffee, sodas and beer are bad on hot days!
I live in Panama and 35-36 C is consider a normal day. But I believe that the main problem is humidity. I ride in Spain with 36C and 35% humidity and this conditions are way more comfortable than panamanian 36C and 90% humidity. Humidity makes you sweat much more, and need a lot of water or isotonic products to recover.
.., and extra potassium and magnesium to fight of muscle cramps (i live in Bali and work in the Australian N.W Desert and Arnhem Land - so I am no stranger to hot weather)
Yes humidity is a killer humid 93-95F would have 103-107F heat index. Here on east coast and down in Florida we have it in summer. There are really 2 different types of heat and the way to combat them different. Pavel is taking about dry desert heat and all his suggestions are right on mark. For humid conditions however you want mesh or at least well ventilated jacket because you will be sweating like a pig and you need airflow to cool you down.
I've been using a phase change jacket here in the humid/hot weather. Goes under the normal jacket and stays at 18C. Lasts for about 3 hours. 30 minutes in a freezer and it's good to go again. So when I stop for lunch, I ask the restaurant to chuck it in their freezer while I sit in their airconditioning!
I remember riding in Spain a few years ago in the month of June and the temps were 30 degrees Celsius. I was riding with a mesh jacket on and didn't feel overly warm, but I wasn't drinking enough and had a very scary moment on the motorway on my way back to my accommodation after riding all day. I started losing concentration and feeling almost drunk and then I started to accelerate more passing every car and truck I could in a hurry to get back, at one point I thought I was going to blank out and at that point I looked for an area with shade to pull over. Luckily an off ramp came up and off the motorway I went and parked up in the shade until I felt better. Good advice. 👍☘
On point no.4. I am beginner rider spent 2 hrs in class 4-6pm in hot/humid Malaysian weather without breaks. Immediately proceeded to go home right after without resting. Wrong move! Ended up crashing my scooter on my way home. Did surgery for my broken forearm after. It has been 3 months since the accident. Lessons learned, hope to heal and be back soon. Thanks for all valuable sharing, you are doing a great service! Stay safe on your adventures...
I'm a new rider, I've had a bike for around 2 years now, but I use it only to go to work. Now I'm starting to plan a 2400 km trip with some friends and I'm looking for all the info I can find. This video was really helpfull. Thanks so much for posting it in a simple and ilustrative way. Greetings from Argentina.
Juan, plan your trip carefully. Plan on where you are staying and where you are stopping for pit stops and breaks. I used the rule of 15 to 20 minute stops then ride for two hours. That was okay in a 40°C day... left home at dawn.
What a great video! I think the best advice is to avoid riding in the hottest part of the day when it gets over 35 deg C. I pretty much live by this in Australia and have done 800k before lunch to avoid the heat. Getting up at 3-4 am in the morning is hard work but not as bad as percolating in your riding gear in the afternoon. Just watch out for the wild life and cattle. Regards Garry
Excellent, no nonsense advice! I rode in South Africa through the Cedarburg national park a few years ago. Temps got to 45+ and I was in the only gear I had at the time...a leather jacket! I consumed an incredible amount of water and beer, didn't take a piss for 2 days but was so entranced by the views I hardly noticed the effects of dehydration. The first thing I bought when I got back to the UK was a mesh jacket and I find that, allied to a waterproof and a heated vest, I can go from very hot sun to snowy passes without a problem and with minimal bulk.
Great video, I ride in Japan, 35° and up, I bought a mesh jacket, it's useless, just makes you sweat more. I will try the wet T shirt... I also realize I don't drink enough. I leave home at sunrise 5am, to avoid traffic mainly, I have two plus hours of stop start before I find open countryside.
One more piece of advise; in really hot weather get off your bike to cool your t-shirt whit water (I also use a baklava that I soak in water) - make sure to cool your suspension - yest that's right oil in your shock when stressed and heated can actually overheat and fail which will cause it to fail completely.
I was riding a week in Morocco this year and visited the Sahara near Merzouga. The trick with the closed helmet is absolutely correct, the hot wind will dry eyes and nose within minutes and they will really painfull. I don't wet my shirt, but is practical to keep your Jacket close.
Thanks Pavlin for another great video. Your advice is spot on. I was skeptical about no airflow, but trust your judgement and experience. Although I just had an hour commute it was 42 in Melbourne today and it was (almost) pleasant. Cheers.
Great video as usual. I'm starting my 10k miles trip around the europe in three weeks and and your videos are reminder for me as I haven't ride in hot enviroment for few years. Thanks mate
Wildly good advice from our expert The one exception I would make is noon is not the hottest part of the day......typically it is late afternoon. At high noon the sun's rays are only directly hitting a small area....the top of the helmet, thighs and forearms. As the sun gets lower it more directly hits the chest or back, and the heat gain is greater. Riding until 2:00 or 3:00 lets you roll another couple hundred kms to get to higher elevations sooner.
Good advice. Living in Australia we are used to 40degC: 1. Wet your gear (I also wear a wetted neck wrap that has crystals inside that absorb water. Make is frillneck or something ?). 2. Camelbak and drink lots frequently. 3. Keep the sun off your skin otherwise you burn. I.e wear stuff that is vented but has a high SPF. 4. Put some sunscreen on your nose and lips - even if you have a full face with the visor down. Ride safe...
All good advice. I only had to wet myself down once about 30 years ago. It was 50c in Victoria Australia which is very rare. Birds were falling from the sky dead. Saturated our leather jackets, gloves, clothes, boots and full face helmet. Pillion passenger seemed to suffer worse than the riders. The leather was dry on inside in 30 minutes.
Very good advice and something that deserves closer examination by riders who live in colder climates and are used to layering up for both warmth and crash protection. You can't do that in 40+C temps. I've seen two people faint through sticking with "all the gear, all the time" in really hot weather. One actually fell off the bike - fortunately at low speed. The other got the bike stopped before collapsing. I went down with heat exhaustion and spent three days unable to ride the first time I went to Spain in the summer. It's something I take very seriously now.
Excellent information, when riding long distance in the Australian outback these mistakes can take your life, heat stress is a killer here and it is magnified on the road riding a motorcycle.
Great advice. I live in Havasu Arizona, very hot here in the summer, and when you were talking about #5 and throttle, when you work the motor hard, it makes a lot of heat. That heat just destroys you, and when you get hot you start to get stupid and angry at simple things.
Generally on long haul trips, I start out no later than 5 in the morning; that way I get a clear 7 hours riding, regardless of the weather. Typical distance is 600 to 700km.
Wow .... such a valuable advice .... I fxxxxxxx nearly died yesterday with heat stroke .... I was driving through the heart ( across : coast to coast ) of Malaysia .... I literally made every mistake ( new to long distance motorcycling) ..which you advised against.... Damn I saw this video exactly after the trip .... Thank you brother...
I'm from dubai UAE we are familiar with the + 40 degree weather so we defeate it with white loose or over size breathing cloth ! So you guys can use this trick ! Keep outer gear top and bottom white or as bright as possible to deflect sun Ray ...!! Good luck to everyone...
If your riding west, start early/end early. If your riding east, start after the sun is no longer in your eyes. Spend that time hydrating. Good idea to consider wind direction where possible. Good video.
Excellent advice, in Australia camelbacks are essential when riding in summertime. Heading out of a major city towns get further apart, you don’t want to be caught short with little or no water on a 40c plus day.
First tip find a sprinkler or someone washing their car and park down wind, free cool down. Another huge difference I found that works in Australia is wearing a duel sport or adventure touring helmet. Summer here gets up to around 50 degrees Celsius and the closed in sports bike helmet becomes an oven very quickly. Get ones with lots of those plastic vents, not so much for airflow but because they act similar to shade and help to avoid the helmet cooking your head as much.
I ride 40 + temps a lot of the time where I live in Laos, I wear full body armour on a webbing base against my skin with a heavy military shirt over it, sweat keeps it wet and somewhat cool, I also wear military pants and just drop my ass in a creek every now and then. My bike is air cooled and I agree it is best to keep the bike power down, I can feel the difference in the heat coming off the motor if I hammer it. Excellent video as usual. :)
Great tips Pavlin, yes vented gear is a must in the heat. Water on clothes is a great way to keep cool,done this many times. Frequently drinking small amounts stops dehydration and also stops us all feeling drained out. Staying in shade when stopping is a big bonus to keep cool. I travel later in day to avoid sun if I can.
I'm sure other people have suggested this but an evaporative cooling vest with an open mesh jacket is spot on (unzip and remove wind liner). My vest holds enough water for up to the time between stops ~ 1 hour or so. Then re-soak it. The cooling power you get when you let air run over the vest (past your open mesh jacket) is fantastic. Just search for "evaporative cooling vest safety" and you will find one. The vest should absorb about a gallon of water.
I ride in the desert drz 400 all week long. Your right about one thing. Your crazy. I see your point about summer jackets but I keep hydrated and take shade brakes often when I can. Keep safe and keep cool.
Great video. Perfectly logical advices for riding in 40+ degrees - higher than your body temperature. What about riding in "only" hot day with 33-35 degrees? I had a heat-stroke close call some 2 years ago. Hot summer day and I went on an afternoon ride (planned 2-3 hours) after lunch at about 13.00. Hot summer day 34-35 degrees, wear moto jeans, sweat shirt, mesh jacket and open face helmet. I also didn’t take "buf" so the sun burned back of my neck (yeah, I know not smart). After about two hours it began. Feeling strange, dizzy, had to concentrate very hard not to pass out and fall of the bike. Stopped immediately, drink water and rest for some 15 minutes got a bit better and continue riding... ...for 10 minutes. Soon it was 10 minutes riding and 20 minutes cooling down. The problem was that when I stopped and take down helmet the head cooled down, but the body was cooking. When riding the body was cooling down, but the head was cooking. It took me 2 hours to ride 50 kilometres home. And I got home with last atoms of energy, trying hard not to pass out. What to do in such situation or how to prevent it? Now I'm actually feared of going to ride on a hot day and I'm avoiding it.
If you follow the advices I just gave in the video will avoid all the problems you just described. If you already have the heat stroke, you should stop immediately and wait until you feel better. If necessary wait all day. What you did was absolutely wrong and I am glad that you made it safe.
thank you for your tips. i had this experience once riding in the summer on Germany. 36°C air temperature and 22km of traffic jam on the Autobahn. the asphalt and the cars together with the hot aircooled motor of my bike made this my personal Sauna. at the end of that day i had the same problem with my feet (i was wearing nok waterproof leather boots).
Your information is very appreciated. I hope you realize you could be saving dozens of lives. Everyone you touch with your videos benefits and owes you thanks. I say humbly thank you🙂👍
Hi there brilliant advice totally on point and the meat one i've never heard before so thank you will try it out next time i'm able thanka again safe riding 💯 🤠🏍
I dip a shemagh scarf in water and put it around my neck and zip up the jacket on top; this ensures you stay cool, doesn't let dust blasting on your neck and protects the back of the neck from the sun. Also, don't forget to use sunscreen, sunglasses or at least, a helmet with an internal sun visor! UV radiation is a silent and serious enemy.
Great and practical advice. In Australia I've had the problem of starting off with all gear on at 15°C and later in the day it's up towards 40°C. So the interiors come out, but when it's hot, because my gear has vented panels, the light liners go back in. The greatest hazard I've found it to stop at road works, where I cook inside the helmet. Always good to go up the front and ask what the expected delay is - and take off the helmet if it's more than two minutes.
Thank you for the advice. I'm planning to cross the US next June, from Pittsburgh to Chicago to Los Angeles and back. It will surely be hot in the Arizona desert by then. I'll remember your suggestions.
Interesting comment on the mesh jackets, something I must change. I also wet my neck buff, this helps too. I purchased a cool down vest from BMW, this works really well. Good advice on the frequent water intake, it’s also important to keep hydrating continually when off the bike as this builds in your system. Greetings from South Africa.
I hail from Australia and have done a lot of riding in 40+ Temperatures. I have found most of the adventure riding gear very uncomfortable at these temps especially if you are riding in deep dry sand. My preferred outfit is armoured denim jacket and armoured jeans. These soak up plenty of water "when you can find it" and provide around an hour of cool bliss. I carry some light rain gear in case the weather gets damp or cool.
What ever suit for you. I prefer 4 season gear, because I often change the temperature zones. In cols weather with denim jacket will be really difficult.
White motorcycle gear is surprisingly difficult to find. I don't know why. I always want to buy white gear, yet after riding for 40 years, the best I've found was dark grey and a set of leathers that are 50% white, 50% black. It's crazy!
sorry but in this yyou are wrong black or white red or pink makes no difference its a myth about black getting hotter and if you want proof go to the middle east and see what they wear most of the time its black and there is science to back this up if you still dont believe me
A tip I've read in a forum before getting my bike was from a guy that went from Varna to Pamukkale. He wrote that the heat was so bad as you described. His solution from local guys -> put a pinch of salt inside the bottle of water. That way your body will keep a little bit inside it, not releasing all
I live in south Wales UK. We are lucky to get to 21 degrees C even in the summer. However, I have ridden on mainland Europe and got seriously dehydrated. Great advise.
I also use a quilted cooling vest. At night I soak it with water and place in a zip lock bag and freeze it at the hotel. Next morning I put in in my trunk and when it starts getting hot I put it on. Also, it's important that heat injury is cumulative and can take several days to recover.
Forget all those noobs On youtube talking about trips and bikes. This man is the most experienced person in case of traveling long distance on bikes. No bulshit no chit chat. Only to the topic. Очень хорошо.
Hi Sir, I just saw your next motor cycle trip of 2018 and in September you will be in Pakistan. You will definitely enjoy Pakistan's Northern Areas and friendly people. Hope to see you soon.
They make full coverage vests that hold much water and keep your the core of your body cool. I have warn them when the temperature gets to 115, 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Works very well. I live and ride in the sonoran Desert daily.
I ride with a vest that has detachable sleeves. It is made to hold many pounds of water. It keeps me cool and sometimes it can be to cold so I will take the sleeves off. If you are just wetting down a thin shirt the effect will only last a very short time, mine lasts for hours.
One thing I learned in Nevada where it is often over 40 degrees is that even if you drink water your body can not assimilate it as fast as you are losing it. So keep that in mind.
Another great video and not sure how I missed it! Crossing Iran in summer (a little hot and dry :)) I would soak all my riding gear at every stop and would be completely dry by the next stop.
Motorcycle Adventures I believe it! Because last summer i was literally in pain from the heat, I used to soak my T-shirt on a hot summer day when I was a kid, bit forgot about it, this tip will help me feel cooler this summer, i really mean it when I say thanks for the tip brother! Astro
I do love your videos, they provide excellent advice, thanks. If you come to Scotland and want to see the best of the country then the West Coast is spectacular as is tge Isle of Skye, Glen Coe and Loch Lomond for example , the North Coast 500 is the best route in Scotland. Keep the vids coming.
Not eating a burger at lunch is a new tip! Thanks. I also think use of Hydralate dissolved in water (or similar hydration salts) are a very powerful way of rehydrating fast. Water alone doesn't always cut it for me.
Glad I stumbled on your channel this year Pavlin, and I look forward to seeing your trips in 2018 and reviewing all of your good advice. A very happy new year to you from the UK mate. Ride safe. Rich
I regularly drive in 30-35+ celsius, I only drink a little more and up my sugar intake a little, but sometimes not even that. For long-ish distances, too. The only real preparation I do is wear a longsleeve shirt to avoid sunburn and often carry some drinks in my pack. Other than that, nothing special, just take regular breaks as you advise and seek some shadow. Cooking/overheating yourself in your gear just to retain water is pretty odd I think. It'll cause other issues.
That is how I ride in the Sonoran Desert. We see 110 F here a lot. I see a lot of bikers sick for riding in the heat from not drinking or cooking while stuck in traffic.
Loved the tips man. My addition to this list would be to *duck behind the wind screen of the bike (if you have one) and basically make your body posture like a MotoGP rider*. This way, hot win blast won't hit you as much. :)
This man has perfected the art of motorcycle travelling any time, anywhere. A sincere man's most valuable pieces of advice.
Pop
I live in Arizona in the desert in the USA and it is common to ride at over 100 degree temperatures.
I also suggest that you drink a lot of water even BEFORE you ride to hydrate the body. It is good for the body and it is water you do not have to carry on the bike. Drink a half a gallon before you go. You pee a lot, but the body will need less water along the way. On longer trips having enough water is very important and if there is a problem then you have already conserved water because you already had a lot before you left.
EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS ON THE VIDEO! YOU ARE AWESOME!
Thanks Scott!
Number six mistake is to choose cheap tires and push through the hottest hours with tires known to melt in hot weather. I have witnessed tires leaving a black strip behind them and those bikes were not doing a burnout. Not so funny situation when one is supposed to drive for weeks with the same tire and suddenly it looks like you have only days left until the tire is gone. Read tire reviews carefully before choosing the right tire for your hot adventure.
Personal experience: 2017 I lost 1.5mm of tire tread during a single day, because the conditions were so bad. Extremely hot tarmac and tire was known to act like that in hot weather. I drove only 600 kilometers but was able to retreat to mountains. After that the tire wear for the next 2500km was also 1.5mm - temperature and tarmac quality makes a big difference. Tire pressure, load and riding style are also big wear factors when riding in hot weather.
Number seven mistake is too small salt/mineral intake. Drinking only water and fizzy drinks do not replace the electrolytes your body loses when it is sweating all it can. Mineral waters do not contain the right minerals your body needs but sport drinks have the right ingredients. Unfortunately those are not readily available everywhere but there are powder versions of them. Carry those with you, if you travel to hot places and need to replenish your body electrolytes.
Number eight mistake is inadequate eye protection. Hot air flow, sunshine and dust are bad for your eyes. Helmet with a visor down gets super hot and if you try to use sunglasses those become painful after a while. Use a full face helmet with tinted goggles. Airflow inside the helmet gets better - your head is perspiring, so even the hot air flow helps. Field of view is limited a little, but it is much better than taking all of dust and other things to your eyes. Noise is higher, but most likely you are wearing ear plugs anyway.
Number nine mistake are too thick gloves or riding bare handed. Too thick gloves become soaked and extremely uncomfortable plus your fingers will swell. If you ride without gloves sun will burn your hands and even a little accident can end your trip if you get a hand injury. Buy motocross gloves, those are usually thin and without any liners. Motocross gloves still have knuckle etc. protection, they just aren't that big. Minus side is that since those gloves are short then you need to arrange UV protection for your wrists. One simple solution is to cut a sock (preferably new) so that you can push your hand through - now the god forsaken sun can't burn your wrists and lower arm.
Number ten mistake is to read all this and think "I don't have suitable riding gear, I won't go!". Just go and learn things your way. :)
Valid points, thanks for adding Tuomas!
Good advice. I live and ride in Australia where it's often this hot. Hydration is definitely the number one point with #2 being look after your bike. Even water-cooled engines (particularly large bikes like my FJR1300) can struggle to keep below the red when there is traffic. When I ride home in peak-hour a lot of my concentration goes to using techniques to minimise my revs and keep the engine from overheating
So you already learn it the hard way?
If you consider your engine auto-shutting in the middle of a congested highway due to overheating then yes, I have learned the hard way
Sadly I learned this lesson on hard way, i almost collapsed on highway, riding beneath Velebit mountains in croatia. It was 43 degrees. I was wearing mash jacket and i was never wet, thinking i was ok... I realized last moment what i done, so i stoped for 3 hours just drinking water and relaxing in the shade.
Thank you for your time and efforts my friend, ride safe.
Wow, that was close. Be careful next time!
I will, i learned my lesson.
And at the end all that pushing of myself and bike did not save me any time, but i lost a lot of time and almost kill my self.
What a stupid way to go.
Great advice, thanks!
I would add - light-coloured clothing and helmet.
Excellent. As always. But don't forget the coldbeer at the end of the day! This solves many problems, and you have earned it. Nontrivial!
Yes, the beer is a must. Usually it makes more problems than it solves, but we like it! Cheers!
Very good advice, small dried fish, roasted chicken, full face helmet, breathable boots, camelbak, drink lots of water and keep body moist. Don't eat too much meat, better to do a bit of fasting it's very good for the body especially when it is hot. Ride early hours or late afternoon.
Your advice is spot on, as is all your other videos.
Thanks Very Much.
Excellent advice. The one with hydration and camel back I learned on my own from riding in 40+ degrees. Keep up the good work and great advices! Thank you
Have tried your tip, not in 40+, but in 30+(91F).
They work, had problems in the past with high heat. Has a Klim Badlands.
I learned from your mistakes!
Thanks for the tip!
Always on longer trips
Another great video, When it is hot outside I shift my riding hours. I leave the hotel/hostel/Airbnb/campsite around 4:00am. That way I can get 6-7 hours in while it is still dark or early morning and avoid the hottest part of the day. The reverse rings true with me when when winter riding, I wait 'till 11 or 12 to head out. Before someone scolds me for riding at night when there are drunks and possibly livestock on the road, motorcycle touring is a series of risk assessment analyses and riding at night is a risk I will occasionally take to avoid heat stroke, something that I am susceptible to.
Riding in the night could me more dangerous than riding in the heat. The best is to avoid them both. If you start one hour later at 5h you will still have plenty of hours before it really gets hot.
We will need to agree to disagree
I live in a high desert area. I like my mesh jacket especially when I put on my evaporative cooling vest. It keeps my core very cool and comfortable. Riding in the early morning is awesome. I did have 3 hours in 40c temperatures with the cooling vest on and I was fine. I did need to stop a few times to drink water. Coffee, sodas and beer are bad on hot days!
I live in Panama and 35-36 C is consider a normal day. But I believe that the main problem is humidity. I ride in Spain with 36C and 35% humidity and this conditions are way more comfortable than panamanian 36C and 90% humidity. Humidity makes you sweat much more, and need a lot of water or isotonic products to recover.
Mariano B totally agree from Cairns, Australia.
.., and extra potassium and magnesium to fight of muscle cramps (i live in Bali and work in the Australian N.W Desert and Arnhem Land - so I am no stranger to hot weather)
I agree from Qld Australia.
Yes humidity is a killer humid 93-95F would have 103-107F heat index. Here on east coast and down in Florida we have it in summer.
There are really 2 different types of heat and the way to combat them different. Pavel is taking about dry desert heat and all his suggestions are right on mark. For humid conditions however you want mesh or at least well ventilated jacket because you will be sweating like a pig and you need airflow to cool you down.
I've been using a phase change jacket here in the humid/hot weather. Goes under the normal jacket and stays at 18C. Lasts for about 3 hours. 30 minutes in a freezer and it's good to go again. So when I stop for lunch, I ask the restaurant to chuck it in their freezer while I sit in their airconditioning!
I remember riding in Spain a few years ago in the month of June and the temps were 30 degrees Celsius. I was riding with a mesh jacket on and didn't feel overly warm, but I wasn't drinking enough and had a very scary moment on the motorway on my way back to my accommodation after riding all day. I started losing concentration and feeling almost drunk and then I started to accelerate more passing every car and truck I could in a hurry to get back, at one point I thought I was going to blank out and at that point I looked for an area with shade to pull over. Luckily an off ramp came up and off the motorway I went and parked up in the shade until I felt better. Good advice. 👍☘
I am glad you made it safe! Water is extremely important.
It sure is and I don't drink enough of it. I heard you were coming to Scotland in May. Are you doing the North Coast 500? 👍☘
No, I will go to Dundee.
Are you serious, what's in Dundee?
My daughter study there, but of course I will see the rest of Scotland.
On point no.4. I am beginner rider spent 2 hrs in class 4-6pm in hot/humid Malaysian weather without breaks. Immediately proceeded to go home right after without resting. Wrong move! Ended up crashing my scooter on my way home. Did surgery for my broken forearm after. It has been 3 months since the accident. Lessons learned, hope to heal and be back soon. Thanks for all valuable sharing, you are doing a great service! Stay safe on your adventures...
Good luck in the future!
I'm a new rider, I've had a bike for around 2 years now, but I use it only to go to work. Now I'm starting to plan a 2400 km trip with some friends and I'm looking for all the info I can find. This video was really helpfull. Thanks so much for posting it in a simple and ilustrative way.
Greetings from Argentina.
Good luck on your future trips! Happy New Year!
Juan, plan your trip carefully. Plan on where you are staying and where you are stopping for pit stops and breaks. I used the rule of 15 to 20 minute stops then ride for two hours. That was okay in a 40°C day... left home at dawn.
100% Listen to this man. He knows his stuff.. I did a long trip 3000 miles, 30 to 40 degrees over 7 days, all this advice works. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing!
Excellent, I ride in the UAE and regularly see temps above 45, good vented jacket and trousers helps also drenching them in water is my top tip
Rarely bro rarely
What a great video! I think the best advice is to avoid riding in the hottest part of the day when it gets over 35 deg C. I pretty much live by this in Australia and have done 800k before lunch to avoid the heat. Getting up at 3-4 am in the morning is hard work but not as bad as percolating in your riding gear in the afternoon. Just watch out for the wild life and cattle.
Regards Garry
Your videos are always on the point without any nonsense... Thanks for sharing... Always a pleasure watching your TIPS.
Thanks for watching my friend! Ride safe!
Excellent, no nonsense advice! I rode in South Africa through the Cedarburg national park a few years ago. Temps got to 45+ and I was in the only gear I had at the time...a leather jacket! I consumed an incredible amount of water and beer, didn't take a piss for 2 days but was so entranced by the views I hardly noticed the effects of dehydration. The first thing I bought when I got back to the UK was a mesh jacket and I find that, allied to a waterproof and a heated vest, I can go from very hot sun to snowy passes without a problem and with minimal bulk.
Good to add it, thanks!
Great video, I ride in Japan, 35° and up, I bought a mesh jacket, it's useless, just makes you sweat more. I will try the wet T shirt... I also realize I don't drink enough. I leave home at sunrise 5am, to avoid traffic mainly, I have two plus hours of stop start before I find open countryside.
Good luck!
One more piece of advise; in really hot weather get off your bike to cool your t-shirt whit water (I also use a baklava that I soak in water) - make sure to cool your suspension - yest that's right oil in your shock when stressed and heated can actually overheat and fail which will cause it to fail completely.
@Trenton Quarantino Hahaha
I was riding a week in Morocco this year and visited the Sahara near Merzouga. The trick with the closed helmet is absolutely correct, the hot wind will dry eyes and nose within minutes and they will really painfull.
I don't wet my shirt, but is practical to keep your Jacket close.
Thanks Pavlin for another great video. Your advice is spot on. I was skeptical about no airflow, but trust your judgement and experience. Although I just had an hour commute it was 42 in Melbourne today and it was (almost) pleasant. Cheers.
Great video as usual. I'm starting my 10k miles trip around the europe in three weeks and and your videos are reminder for me as I haven't ride in hot enviroment for few years. Thanks mate
You are welcome!
Wildly good advice from our expert The one exception I would make is noon is not the hottest part of the day......typically it is late afternoon. At high noon the sun's rays are only directly hitting a small area....the top of the helmet, thighs and forearms. As the sun gets lower it more directly hits the chest or back, and the heat gain is greater. Riding until 2:00 or 3:00 lets you roll another couple hundred kms to get to higher elevations sooner.
Good advice. Living in Australia we are used to 40degC:
1. Wet your gear (I also wear a wetted neck wrap that has crystals inside that absorb water. Make is frillneck or something ?).
2. Camelbak and drink lots frequently.
3. Keep the sun off your skin otherwise you burn. I.e wear stuff that is vented but has a high SPF.
4. Put some sunscreen on your nose and lips - even if you have a full face with the visor down.
Ride safe...
Thanks for sharing!
All good advice. I only had to wet myself down once about 30 years ago. It was 50c in Victoria Australia which is very rare. Birds were falling from the sky dead. Saturated our leather jackets, gloves, clothes, boots and full face helmet. Pillion passenger seemed to suffer worse than the riders. The leather was dry on inside in 30 minutes.
Wow 50 C, the max temperature I have been was 46 C. I am glad you made it safe.
Very good advice and something that deserves closer examination by riders who live in colder climates and are used to layering up for both warmth and crash protection. You can't do that in 40+C temps. I've seen two people faint through sticking with "all the gear, all the time" in really hot weather. One actually fell off the bike - fortunately at low speed. The other got the bike stopped before collapsing. I went down with heat exhaustion and spent three days unable to ride the first time I went to Spain in the summer. It's something I take very seriously now.
Correct, the heat is not a joke and kills many people every year.
excellent, I do turn off the engine at stop signs during summer days, but now I will be gentle with throttle too,
You have too...
This video has changed my thinking of what to wear for the rest of my life and for the better.
Excellent information, when riding long distance in the Australian outback these mistakes can take your life, heat stress is a killer here and it is magnified on the road riding a motorcycle.
Australia! Dream land for every adventure! Thanks for watching and ride safe!
Great advice. I live in Havasu Arizona, very hot here in the summer, and when you were talking about #5 and throttle, when you work the motor hard, it makes a lot of heat. That heat just destroys you, and when you get hot you start to get stupid and angry at simple things.
Generally on long haul trips, I start out no later than 5 in the morning; that way I get a clear 7 hours riding, regardless of the weather. Typical distance is 600 to 700km.
Wow .... such a valuable advice .... I fxxxxxxx nearly died yesterday with heat stroke ....
I was driving through the heart ( across : coast to coast ) of Malaysia ....
I literally made every mistake ( new to long distance motorcycling) ..which you advised against....
Damn I saw this video exactly after the trip ....
Thank you brother...
I have been riding bike since long time. But didn't have any idea what to wear on different weather conditions.Thanks for your tips.
Good, now you know. Thanks for taking time and watch my video!
I'm from dubai UAE we are familiar with the + 40 degree weather so we defeate it with white loose or over size breathing cloth ! So you guys can use this trick ! Keep outer gear top and bottom white or as bright as possible to deflect sun Ray ...!! Good luck to everyone...
@P . S. B
So they get HOT...
If your riding west, start early/end early. If your riding east, start after the sun is no longer in your eyes. Spend that time hydrating. Good idea to consider wind direction where possible. Good video.
Thanks, man!
Excellent advice, in Australia camelbacks are essential when riding in summertime. Heading out of a major city towns get further apart, you don’t want to be caught short with little or no water on a 40c plus day.
It should be the same here in Europe, because very often the riders under estimate the weather.
First tip find a sprinkler or someone washing their car and park down wind, free cool down.
Another huge difference I found that works in Australia is wearing a duel sport or adventure touring helmet. Summer here gets up to around 50 degrees Celsius and the closed in sports bike helmet becomes an oven very quickly. Get ones with lots of those plastic vents, not so much for airflow but because they act similar to shade and help to avoid the helmet cooking your head as much.
I fully agree about the helmet, more airflow better cooling.
I ride 40 + temps a lot of the time where I live in Laos, I wear full body armour on a webbing base against my skin with a heavy military shirt over it, sweat keeps it wet and somewhat cool, I also wear military pants and just drop my ass in a creek every now and then. My bike is air cooled and I agree it is best to keep the bike power down, I can feel the difference in the heat coming off the motor if I hammer it. Excellent video as usual. :)
Thanks!
I live in Cambodia. Hope to take my VStrom up through Laos when the borders open.
Been following this ' been there and done that ' man for long time, he even can write a book based on his hands on experienced journeys.
Awesome advice its 40-42c from mid spring to early fall here in Texas.
Great tips Pavlin, yes vented gear is a must in the heat. Water on clothes is a great way to keep cool,done this many times. Frequently drinking small amounts stops dehydration and also stops us all feeling drained out.
Staying in shade when stopping is a big bonus to keep cool. I travel later in day to avoid sun if I can.
Thanks for taking the time!
This tips are really useful. Good work . Thank you, from India.
You are welcome anytime!
I'm sure other people have suggested this but an evaporative cooling vest with an open mesh jacket is spot on (unzip and remove wind liner). My vest holds enough water for up to the time between stops ~ 1 hour or so. Then re-soak it. The cooling power you get when you let air run over the vest (past your open mesh jacket) is fantastic. Just search for "evaporative cooling vest safety" and you will find one. The vest should absorb about a gallon of water.
Might work for many
I ride in the desert drz 400 all week long. Your right about one thing. Your crazy. I see your point about summer jackets but I keep hydrated and take shade brakes often when I can. Keep safe and keep cool.
Whatever work for you.
your channel is incredible !!! It is very helpful!
Great video. Perfectly logical advices for riding in 40+ degrees - higher than your body temperature.
What about riding in "only" hot day with 33-35 degrees?
I had a heat-stroke close call some 2 years ago. Hot summer day and I went on an afternoon ride (planned 2-3 hours) after lunch at about 13.00. Hot summer day 34-35 degrees, wear moto jeans, sweat shirt, mesh jacket and open face helmet. I also didn’t take "buf" so the sun burned back of my neck (yeah, I know not smart). After about two hours it began. Feeling strange, dizzy, had to concentrate very hard not to pass out and fall of the bike. Stopped immediately, drink water and rest for some 15 minutes got a bit better and continue riding... ...for 10 minutes. Soon it was 10 minutes riding and 20 minutes cooling down. The problem was that when I stopped and take down helmet the head cooled down, but the body was cooking. When riding the body was cooling down, but the head was cooking. It took me 2 hours to ride 50 kilometres home. And I got home with last atoms of energy, trying hard not to pass out. What to do in such situation or how to prevent it?
Now I'm actually feared of going to ride on a hot day and I'm avoiding it.
If you follow the advices I just gave in the video will avoid all the problems you just described. If you already have the heat stroke, you should stop immediately and wait until you feel better. If necessary wait all day. What you did was absolutely wrong and I am glad that you made it safe.
Super Tips again, thanks! Finally something different to think about in this depressing and wet weather in Germany. Planning the next tour.....
To plan the next trip is always a pleasure.
thank you for your tips.
i had this experience once riding in the summer on Germany. 36°C air temperature and 22km of traffic jam on the Autobahn. the asphalt and the cars together with the hot aircooled motor of my bike made this my personal Sauna. at the end of that day i had the same problem with my feet (i was wearing nok waterproof leather boots).
So, you learn it the hard way?
Your information is very appreciated. I hope you realize you could be saving dozens of lives. Everyone you touch with your videos benefits and owes you thanks. I say humbly thank you🙂👍
Hi Ronald, I will be glad if my videos help even to one person. Thanks for the kind words!
Matches my own experience exactly. It's Motorcycle ADVENTURES. If you just ride, it's just Motorcycle. Stop often, enjoy yourself, and stay healthy.
Hi there brilliant advice totally on point and the meat one i've never heard before so thank you will try it out next time i'm able thanka again safe riding 💯 🤠🏍
Glad to help!
I dip a shemagh scarf in water and put it around my neck and zip up the jacket on top; this ensures you stay cool, doesn't let dust blasting on your neck and protects the back of the neck from the sun. Also, don't forget to use sunscreen, sunglasses or at least, a helmet with an internal sun visor! UV radiation is a silent and serious enemy.
Good points, thanks for adding!
Great and practical advice. In Australia I've had the problem of starting off with all gear on at 15°C and later in the day it's up towards 40°C. So the interiors come out, but when it's hot, because my gear has vented panels, the light liners go back in.
The greatest hazard I've found it to stop at road works, where I cook inside the helmet. Always good to go up the front and ask what the expected delay is - and take off the helmet if it's more than two minutes.
You're always SO right! Trustable and consistent!
Agree 100%! In summer in tropics less is more foodwise, we mix a bit of salt into waterbottle as well. Helps with cramps too
Yes, it is important.
Thank you for the advice. I'm planning to cross the US next June, from Pittsburgh to Chicago to Los Angeles and back. It will surely be hot in the Arizona desert by then. I'll remember your suggestions.
I am glad that my video will help you to be ready for your trip.
Interesting comment on the mesh jackets, something I must change.
I also wet my neck buff, this helps too. I purchased a cool down vest from BMW, this works really well.
Good advice on the frequent water intake, it’s also important to keep hydrating continually when off the bike as this builds in your system.
Greetings from South Africa.
Thanks Marc! Ride safe!
I hail from Australia and have done a lot of riding in 40+ Temperatures. I have found most of the adventure riding gear very uncomfortable at these temps especially if you are riding in deep dry sand. My preferred outfit is armoured denim jacket and armoured jeans. These soak up plenty of water "when you can find it" and provide around an hour of cool bliss. I carry some light rain gear in case the weather gets damp or cool.
What ever suit for you. I prefer 4 season gear, because I often change the temperature zones. In cols weather with denim jacket will be really difficult.
Excellent advice, thank you! I never thought of soaking my shirt and closing everything up. Keep up the good work!
Now you know, I am glad that I helped. Ride safe!
good to hear and see this before sleep, from India
Avoid black helmets and black jackets? (Driving in Rome in august with black gear in traffic - over 40° - can be a quite interesting experience)
Yes, that helps a lot. Thanks for adding it.
lol about to say that , but it doesnt matter , just make frequent stops to cool down
White motorcycle gear is surprisingly difficult to find. I don't know why. I always want to buy white gear, yet after riding for 40 years, the best I've found was dark grey and a set of leathers that are 50% white, 50% black. It's crazy!
why ? simple because dirt can be seen easily on white surface , of course a tendency to turn yellow after couple of years .
sorry but in this yyou are wrong black or white red or pink makes no difference its a myth about black getting hotter and if you want proof go to the middle east and see what they wear most of the time its black and there is science to back this up if you still dont believe me
Great tips as always! Wish I saw this before my trip throught the desert last summer! (I figured out most of it the hard way!). Thanks, keep it up!
You are welcome!
Hot and cold weather riding are big pains. Love it!
A tip I've read in a forum before getting my bike was from a guy that went from Varna to Pamukkale. He wrote that the heat was so bad as you described. His solution from local guys -> put a pinch of salt inside the bottle of water. That way your body will keep a little bit inside it, not releasing all
Yes, it helps to keep the minerals balance.
No, salt make you pee more... instead do non salt electrolyte eg orange or banana
I live in south Wales UK. We are lucky to get to 21 degrees C even in the summer. However, I have ridden on mainland Europe and got seriously dehydrated. Great advise.
So you learn it the hard way.
I also use a quilted cooling vest. At night I soak it with water and place in a zip lock bag and freeze it at the hotel. Next morning I put in in my trunk and when it starts getting hot I put it on. Also, it's important that heat injury is cumulative and can take several days to recover.
Agree
We get 40+ in the summer. Will give it a try. Thanks dude!
Have fun!
I am so glad to find your chanel. VERY USEFULL tips!!! Many thx for sharing your rich expierience !!! Greets for Poland.
You are welcome anytime!
Forget all those noobs On youtube talking about trips and bikes. This man is the most experienced person in case of traveling long distance on bikes. No bulshit no chit chat. Only to the topic. Очень хорошо.
Thanks man!
Hi Sir,
I just saw your next motor cycle trip of 2018 and in September you will be in Pakistan. You will definitely enjoy Pakistan's Northern Areas and friendly people. Hope to see you soon.
I really look forward...
Thanks a lot for great advice. This summer will be my first with my first motorcycle, I hope to go to a lot of places.
You are welcome anytime!
I always thought mesh jacket is a must in hot environment... interesting advice with closed jacket and soaked t-shirt underneath... I’ll try it...
Just try it.
Here in Mexico there are areas that reaches such high-temperatures, great advice.
They make full coverage vests that hold much water and keep your the core of your body cool. I have warn them when the temperature gets to 115, 120 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Works very well. I live and ride in the sonoran Desert daily.
I ride with a vest that has detachable sleeves. It is made to hold many pounds of water. It keeps me cool and sometimes it can be to cold so I will take the sleeves off. If you are just wetting down a thin shirt the effect will only last a very short time, mine lasts for hours.
Really bloody good tips, only one I knew was drinking lots of water ! Very informative - thank you 🙏
One thing I learned in Nevada where it is often over 40 degrees is that even if you drink water your body can not assimilate it as fast as you are losing it. So keep that in mind.
Another great video and not sure how I missed it! Crossing Iran in summer (a little hot and dry :)) I would soak all my riding gear at every stop and would be completely dry by the next stop.
True
Wow thanks again bro..great advice & good tips too👍👍👍
My pleasure!
I will try fully soaking myself in water this summer before a hot days ride! Thanks for the tip!
It's helps, believe or not.
Motorcycle Adventures
I believe it! Because last summer i was literally in pain from the heat, I used to soak my T-shirt on a hot summer day when I was a kid, bit forgot about it, this tip will help me feel cooler this summer, i really mean it when I say thanks for the tip brother!
Astro
I do love your videos, they provide excellent advice, thanks. If you come to Scotland and want to see the best of the country then the West Coast is spectacular as is tge Isle of Skye, Glen Coe and Loch Lomond for example , the North Coast 500 is the best route in Scotland. Keep the vids coming.
I will come, thanks!
Good video sir.Im enjoying them.I hope to go on my first trip one of these days this year.
Good luck!
Great tip. Very important this coming summer in the Philippines.
Cheers
I am glad that it helps!
Not eating a burger at lunch is a new tip! Thanks. I also think use of Hydralate dissolved in water (or similar hydration salts) are a very powerful way of rehydrating fast. Water alone doesn't always cut it for me.
True
Glad I stumbled on your channel this year Pavlin, and I look forward to seeing your trips in 2018 and reviewing all of your good advice. A very happy new year to you from the UK mate. Ride safe. Rich
Happy New Year to you as well!
About to hit some Moroccan 46C riding ! Great advice 👍 Thanks
My pleasure!
VERY SIMPLE AND HELPFULL TIPS, BASED ON REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES AS ALWAYS. THANKS FOR SHARING AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM VILLA DOLORES, CORDOBA, ARGENTINA.
Happy New Year for you as well!
Thanks buddy..as usual its all correct and well said from a pro. lots to learn from you.
I am glad that it helps! Thanks!
Absolutely... amazing suggestions...
Subscribed...
IMB
Thanks!
On a bicycle in summer, I always soak my bandana which I wear under the helmet - works wonders.
The same on the motorcycle.
I regularly drive in 30-35+ celsius, I only drink a little more and up my sugar intake a little, but sometimes not even that.
For long-ish distances, too. The only real preparation I do is wear a longsleeve shirt to avoid sunburn and often carry some drinks in my pack. Other than that, nothing special, just take regular breaks as you advise and seek some shadow. Cooking/overheating yourself in your gear just to retain water is pretty odd I think. It'll cause other issues.
As I said in the beginning of the video we talk about temperatures over 40C.
That is how I ride in the Sonoran Desert. We see 110 F here a lot. I see a lot of bikers sick for riding in the heat from not drinking or cooking while stuck in traffic.
Riding in the heat could be really dangerous sometimes...
Loved the tips man. My addition to this list would be to *duck behind the wind screen of the bike (if you have one) and basically make your body posture like a MotoGP rider*. This way, hot win blast won't hit you as much. :)
True
all good. Here is 40C+ all summer. Plan trips to leave at sun up. Don't ride 11am - 5pm. Less distance. Relax
Valid points, I hope that many will read it.
Thanks for that my mate..
You are a champion !
I ride in Thailand.. my wife is Thai you see.. Its very hot there and great tips for us to learn.. !
I am glad that I helped, ride safe!
In my place it only gets to 34 max in summer but the extreme humidity and haze makes you uncomfortable and makes it feel like over 50 celsius.