Saftey Tips For Hot Weather Riding

[Cakes206]

Got this off the TPM board, some great info to pass on to all.

The nice weather is upon us and we are out to ride, but remember there are dangers out there. We need to remember – HOT WEATHER RIDING CAN BE DANGEROUS!!! All riders are susceptible to DEHYDRATION – HEAT EXHAUSTION – HEAT STROKE.

WARNING SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION:
• Flushed Face
• Dry and Warm skin
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Cramping in the arms and legs
• Headache
• Dry mouth

WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
• Pale skin
• Profuse sweating
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness

WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE
• Sweating stops
• Skin becomes dry and HOT
• Severe headache
• Felling confused or angry, or acting strangely
• Severe nausea
• Dizziness
• May feel chilled
• May pass out and stop breathing

WHAT TO DO

DEHYDRATION
• Drink plenty of water – start early in the morning before riding
• Take the BATHROOM TEST – If you don’t need to make a bathroom stop every few hours – you are headed for trouble
• Replace vital body salts – when you sweat you loose water and salts – drinking only water will not replace these salts – drink sports drinks and eat salty snacks (pretzels, potato chips). Do not take salt tablets they don’t get the salt where it is needed
• Get out of the sun
• Take off leathers
• Place a wet bandana around your neck
• Do not drink alcohol, sodas or drinks with alot of caffeine – they only dehydrate you (RED BULL is loaded with caffeine)

HEAT EXHAUSTION
• Get out of the sun
• Take off your leathers
• Wipe skin with a wet bandana
• Sip (not gulp) water or sports drink every 15 minutes
• If dizzy or lightheaded – lie down and raise feet 6-8” above ground
• Eat something salty

HEAT STROKE
• A DEADLY CONDITION
• Get out of sun
• Take off leathers
• Place ICE PACKS behind your neck, in your armpits and groin, and the bottoms of your feet (you need to bring your body temperature down rapidly)
• Lie down – if nauseous lie on your side
• Sip sports drinks – do not gulp, if you are nauseous gulping will make you vomit and lose more fluids and salts
• If this is not helping dial 911 – if you are at a track day contact one of the staff to request one of the ambulances.

Have fun but most of all ride safe!!