I said I would ride with a friend who recently moved to Phoenix and is returning to LA to pick up and ride his bike back. I'm dreading this, but I said I would. Is night time the only option to beat heat? When is a good time to travel?
2006-06-13 03:29:43 · 15 answers · asked by dirt_monkey99 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Wear protective gear. Vented leathers or textiles can keep the sun off and keep you cool, and when the temperature cools off, you can zip it to keep warm. Drink lots of water, and stop every hour or two, just to stretch your legs. It should not be too hot or too uncomfortable if you just take it easy.
As far as night riding ... remember that critters come out at night and be extra careful about collisions ... nothing will spoil your trip like ten pounds of armadillo stewing on your headers (assuming you manage to stay upright). That's why I prefer riding in daylight, even when it's hot.
Also, a damp towel around your neck can work wonders!
Enjoy the trip.
2006-06-13 09:05:48 · answer #1 · answered by Grendle 6 · 8⤊ 1⤋
Night time would be better for the ride although
The heat shouldn't matter awhole lot if the bike is in good cond and you don't stop alot.The wind from moving should keep everything cooled down.
You might wana wear some sun blocker
Better make sure the tires are fairly new,wouldn't want to ride on weather cracked tires
2006-06-13 03:39:02 · answer #2 · answered by Vulcan 1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Night would be better for temps and visibility (your headlight can be seen better...), but you can be reasonably comfortable with a 70mph breeze blowing over you, even if it is 101 degrees. Proper protective gear with good ventilation, and sunblock bathed on any skin that might peek out (the back of your neck just under the helmet, etc) is absolutely key. Hydrate and rest once in a while. If you're not on a full-faired/wind-shielded bike the wind can be immensely fatiguing. Much more than you'd realize.
2006-06-13 06:15:15 · answer #3 · answered by kevo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Learn from desert nomads. Cover as much of your body as you can. Wear light colored clothing. Long sleeved shirt, lightweight gloves, etc. Sounds like it will suck, but you'll be happy about it in the long run. Not only does it keep the sun off you, but you can also wet your clothes down at stops to help keep you cool. Toss some water in your helmet as well. Additionally, drink at least a liter of water per hour, and a little gatorade every now and then. You might not feel the sweat coming off of you, as it is wicked away by the wind and your clothes, but it's there. You lose a lot of water in that climate.
2006-06-13 07:35:52 · answer #4 · answered by armored_dillo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I want to do this trip myself. Although it will not be in summer, and instead in winter - around December 20th. I am wondering if it will get extremely cold. I have a decent motorcycle jacket with inner removable lining for cold weather. I also have good gloves. I'll definitely ride in the morning - night with both critters and less light, and the cold is less appealing. Maybe start at around 6-8 in the morning, and reach in say 7-8 hours.
2013-12-01 12:11:44 · answer #5 · answered by karthik 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have made that trip in the middle of summer when it was 119 degrees in Phoenix---yes it is hot, it is not unbearable, so wear long sleeve tee-shirt (so your arms dont get burned), and keep your vents open on your helmet and make the trip when it is best for you. I would make the 7 hour or so trip when you feel you have checked the bike thoroughly, and have a full charge on your cell phone.
2006-06-13 08:00:15 · answer #6 · answered by NinjaRacer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can get very cold there at night. You would be surprised at the temp difference..it can go from 101 during the day to 45 or colder at night. Night riding might be ok or even at dusk. It will be hotter than the 7th level of Hades.
2006-06-13 03:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by hatingmsn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call me a chicken, but I would avoid night driving as much as possible. You just plain have less visibility - both for you seeing obstacles/situations, and for others seeing you.
I can't speak as to the heat, but if you dress appropriately you should be fine. Wear your sunscreen, even under your helmet. Don't forget the back of the neck! Wear light-colored clothing. Stop often for water breaks.
2006-06-13 03:55:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Night time is good. BUT hey look at it this way. Your in the open wind in your face type thing. Just kick back and ride. I'd love to be able to do this ride. But I'm on the east coast and fixing to head up to Laconia. Enjoy and ride safe.
2006-06-13 03:38:30 · answer #9 · answered by GRUMPY 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Night time or early morning but then you have the bugs to contend with.
2006-06-13 03:33:24 · answer #10 · answered by AsianPersuasion :) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋