Arizona Summers

[D_Klein]

Ever point a blow-dryer at your face? That's what it feels like riding in Phoenix in the summer, and the temperature is getting up there already.

I'm half compelled to leave the jacket at home from time to time, but the thought of being immobile after a crash and lying on the scalding pavement promptly changes my mind.

Anyone know any good tips for keeping cool?

[Freakinout]

Keep moving, and a nice mesh/textile jacket are nice. Moving is the biggest thing though.

[farmbone]

Actually, I was thinking about this. I am a pretty big guy. And I sweat easily. For summer riding, I am going to buy some 'cool max" t-shirts and wear that under my jacket. That way, I'll sweat less and still be protected as much as possible.

[Jonger]

Move to Michigan.

[palanon]

Just got a Tour Master jacket with 3 removable liners. outer shell is an abrasion mesh with all kinds of armor. So far cold, rain, wind, no problem. The mesh is going to be the coolest thing I've ever worn while riding and provide more protection too. Cost me $120. on sale plus discount.

[Clint]

Use a mesh jacket and something like Underarmor to wick sweat and heat through. No cotton!

[POE-BOY SAMICH]

Originally Posted by farmbone

Actually, I was thinking about this. I am a pretty big guy. And I sweat easily. For summer riding, I am going to buy some 'cool max" t-shirts and wear that under my jacket. That way, I'll sweat less and still be protected as much as possible.

"Cool max" t-shirts
I'll have to look into those.

I'm in south-central TX, just wearing a mesh jacket isn't going to cut-it. With the humidity here, you break out into a soaking sweat just peeling an orange.

[tlwisner]

The Vanson VentMax is the best mesh jacket I've seen, both for durability / protection and coolness in hot weather. It does cost a bit more than the made in China stuff, but it's worth it.

[SNAFU]

You could try this.
http://nbchand.en.alibaba.com/produc...ck_Cooler.html

Here is a jacket for motorcyclist http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMI5W7X9DE_Improving_0.html

Here is a dealer http://www.familymotorcycling.com/cool_jacket.htm

Here are some vests http://www.barbosacoolproducts.com/

[Rockhead]

Id imagine that AIS Jacket would work awesome.

[D_Klein]

Hey Jonger, funny you should say that... I moved here from Michigan!

I already have a couple mesh jackets... I'll have to experiment with a sweat-wicking shirt.

[AJM50]

Douse yourself in water. you'll be dry and wrinkle free by the time you get to your destination. trust me i live in phoenix too.

[AZkatana]

Originally Posted by AJM50

Douse yourself in water. you'll be dry and wrinkle free by the time you get to your destination. trust me i live in phoenix too.

+1 zonie native found this out by washing my new mesh jacket and had to leave before it was completely dry. the cooling effect was great and now it fits better because it dried in riding position.
my jacket is an Icon 'tarmac' with removable sleeves, but i have the same concern with pavement burning fresh roadrash that you do so i havent taken them off yet.
i always ride full gear, but i know exactly how tempting it is to leave some layers behind because of how oppressively hot it is. its worse when youre stopped in traffic drowning in your own sweat, so try to plan your route to keep moving. traffic is horrific in phx and some times of the day there are just too many cars on the road at once, but the surface street system is one of the best in its layout and light timing. observe the timing of the lights on the roads you use most to see which average speeds will get you all greens, its usually +/- 5mph of the speed limit.
besides that, once you reach your destination and walk in from the blaring sunlight even the weakest air conditioning will feel like heaven on earth (thats what the weirdos that are from here say to justify living and riding in the desert)

[D_Klein]

There's only so much planning you can do when you work in North Scottsdale and live in SW Phoenix- it's a 30 mile commute in rush hour traffic.

I'm definitely going to try the "pre-soak" though.

[Roaddog]

I wear a cool vest, soak it in water and wear it under your jacket, it works.
New enough has them in the off road section

[NWEng]

A buddy of mine picked up the Joe Rocket Sahara vest, same evaporative cooling technology. I don't know if he got it locally or ordered it though.

[Time4me2ride]

Now is when the Colorado riders can get revenge for all those "Great riding weather" posts we see in the winter. I had a rough ride today, 55F on the way to work and a projected 80F on the ride home, and that's almost 10 degrees above average for this date, a regular heat wave.

[D_Klein]

Yeah, the turning of tables is inevitable.

I tease all my people back in Michigan during the winter, and they all tease me during the summer.