Summer has returned! Time to remember sun protection
Steve Johnson
Road Guardians Program Director
Ok, so this is the time of year that we’ve all been waiting for, right? That perfect riding weather warm summer days and cool nights. But, there are things that can be done to make that time more enjoyable – and I’m not talking about bike upgrades…
First, wear sunscreen. Even on the cloudy days you can still get sun burned. Sounds silly, but who has been wind and sunburned to pain the day after an awesome ride? Not fun, but true for many of us, I did it Memorial Day spent the whole day out in the wind which kept me comfortable but did not protect me from the burn of the sun. The next morning my sunburn reminded me of our trips to Sturgis with Tiger and Teri. Every time we stopped, Teri would pull out her sunscreen and put some on and remind the group. I just followed her lead and spent ten days in the sun without a burn. The trick is to keep reapplying every time you stop, just once in the morning is not enough. I wear a higher SPF when riding due to the fact I am going to be out in the sun all day, usually for several days at a time.
The National Cancer Institute recommends the use sunscreen that protects against UV radiation along with wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, sun hats, and sunglasses, when outdoors. The latest “gear” in sun protection is clothing that has a UPF rating, which for those of us that don’t wear leathers every time we’re out, is worth considering. I haven’t seen these types clothes made and marketed for the biker market yet, but they are available in hiking/fishing gear department.
Second, stay hydrated. I know it’s something we all have heard million times however when riding in a group reminding each other of these simple precautions helps keep everyone safe. Sunstroke is a real risk and it can creep up someone riding you have the breeze to make you feel comfortable and even help sweat evaporate away. According to PDR health online, Dehydration contributes to sunstroke. Dehydration happens when your body excretes more water than it takes in. For example, increased water loss through excessive urination is a common side effect of caffeine, alcohol, and many prescription and over-the-counter medications. When the water supply in your body is low, cells begin to pull water from the bloodstream, forcing organs to work harder. Dehydration can also affect the skin's ability to cool the body efficiently. The heart must pump an adequate supply of blood to the skin in order for the skin to cool the body. When you are dehydrated, the blood's volume is reduced, so the cooling process becomes less effective. The taxing effect on the body escalates into the symptoms of heat-related illness. Prolonged exposure to the sun contributes to sunstroke. When body fluids are not adequately replenished, sun exposure can cause rapid dehydration. Even on mild or overcast days, the sun can have dangerous health effects.
Preventing heat / sunstroke includes:
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids during the day, even if you are not thirsty.
Replenish water lost through sweat. On a bike, this means every time that you stop. I have found that gas stations often times a gallon of cold water is only a little more than the small bottles, grab a few of cups from the soda fountain and share it with the group.
Stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas when you stop.
Start your day early to take advantage of the cool morning and take a “siesta” after lunch.
Wear cool, non-restrictive, light-colored clothing. I personally avoid wearing dark colored shirts on hot days.
Symptoms of heat / sunstroke include: headache that starts suddenly, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, vomiting, hot and dry skin (not sweating anymore), and feeling faint or dizzy.
So, let’s say you’re out on a ride and someone pulls over not feeling well and you suspect sunstroke. What should you do?
Move the individual to a cool area or bring the shade to them by making a canopy out of an emergency blanket or jacket. Provide cool drinks preferably a sports drink containing both sugar and salt or bottled water and electrolyte tabs. Remove any constricting clothing and apply cool water or ice packs to the skin. Drinking iced fluids also helps return the body temperature to a safe level. If someone does not respond to fluids and shade, call 911.
Even though we all know about sun screen and the importance of staying hydrated, like I found out this Memorial Day, it is all too easy to over look. So when riding with others spread the word at stops to remind each other. I know for me when reminded I really appreciate it especially the next day when I am sunburn free!
In closing we have some great opportunities coming up get together and well supporting Road Guardians and Accident Scene Management. Every Tuesday night is bike night at the Road Guardians Compound in Big Bend. On July 10th we will be hosting a Bike and Car Show with a live band at the Compound. Then the event of the year the annual Women in Motion Ride July 14 – 17 including a pig roast at Tommy Thompson’s ranch, this ride is always a highlight of the summer for Cindy and me.
Till next month get out and enjoy life in the wind and ride safe.
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