BEAT THE HEAT
Planning to ride across Death Valley in July? Most modern bikes are pretty tolerant of hot weather, as long as you keep them moving so there’s airflow over the radiator or cooling fins. Riders are a different issue, but there’s plenty you can do to stay cool.
First, wear textile clothing instead of leather. You can wet it down, and the evaporative cooling from the windstream can keep you from cooking in your own juices. Even better, pack some ice into your jacket’s pockets—it will lower your temperature, and as the ice melts, it wets down the rest of your garments. If you do wear leather, look for a jacket that features zip-open vents or perforated leather panels.
No matter how hot it is, keep covered up. A crash is just as likely when it’s hot as when it’s cold. Plus, long sleeves prevent the sunburn and windburn the desert can dish out, as well as slowing your body’s sweating processes, to help keep you from dehydrating. And bring a hat—when you remove your helmet you’ll still need to keep your head cool.
SURVIVE IN THE DESERT
A breakdown in the desert is no joke, and it's a real possibility for off-road or adventure riders. So what to do if you end up staring at a broken bike and a cactus? Of course, you should be riding with a friend who can pack you out as a passenger or tow your bike. On your own? You’d better get busy.
Heat, cold, and water are your main concerns, along with rescue. If it’s the middle of the day, seek out organic shade (trees, brush, rock overhangs). No cover? Use your tarp, bike cover, space blanket, trash bag, or tent fly to create a small shaded area.
At night, the desert loses heat quickly. Your bike provides lots of ways to start a fire—gas from the tank, oil from the engine, a spark from the plug or the battery. You can burn your seat, a tube, or a tire to make a smoky signal fire if there’s no wood or brush. Your bike’s mirrors, horn, and headlight are all potential signaling devices.
As for water: DON’T drink the coolant from your radiator. The best way to carry water on a dirtbike is probably a hydration pack, the biggest you can find.
Stay with the bike. If you must hike out, wait until the cool of the evening. You should be carrying sandals or comfortable walking shoes with you; if not, the inner booties from some motocross boots provide protection but are a lot more comfortable to walk in than the boots themselves.
Your helmet will keep you warm at night, but it's a lousy hat during the day. Take a brimmed boonie-style hat along with you, or make one from a T-shirt.
BEAT THE HEAT
Planning to ride across Death Valley in July? Most modern bikes are pretty tolerant of hot weather, as long as you keep them moving so there’s airflow over the radiator or cooling fins. Riders are a different issue, but there’s plenty you can do to stay cool.
First, wear textile clothing instead of leather. You can wet it down, and the evaporative cooling from the windstream can keep you from cooking in your own juices. Even better, pack some ice into your jacket’s pockets—it will lower your temperature, and as the ice melts, it wets down the rest of your garments. If you do wear leather, look for a jacket that features zip-open vents or perforated leather panels.
No matter how hot it is, keep covered up. A crash is just as likely when it’s hot as when it’s cold. Plus, long sleeves prevent the sunburn and windburn the desert can dish out, as well as slowing your body’s sweating processes, to help keep you from dehydrating. And bring a hat—when you remove your helmet you’ll still need to keep your head cool.
SURVIVE IN THE DESERT
A breakdown in the desert is no joke, and it's a real possibility for off-road or adventure riders. So what to do if you end up staring at a broken bike and a cactus? Of course, you should be riding with a friend who can pack you out as a passenger or tow your bike. On your own? You’d better get busy.
Heat, cold, and water are your main concerns, along with rescue. If it’s the middle of the day, seek out organic shade (trees, brush, rock overhangs). No cover? Use your tarp, bike cover, space blanket, trash bag, or tent fly to create a small shaded area.
At night, the desert loses heat quickly. Your bike provides lots of ways to start a fire—gas from the tank, oil from the engine, a spark from the plug or the battery. You can burn your seat, a tube, or a tire to make a smoky signal fire if there’s no wood or brush. Your bike’s mirrors, horn, and headlight are all potential signaling devices.
As for water: DON’T drink the coolant from your radiator. The best way to carry water on a dirtbike is probably a hydration pack, the biggest you can find.
Stay with the bike. If you must hike out, wait until the cool of the evening. You should be carrying sandals or comfortable walking shoes with you; if not, the inner booties from some motocross boots provide protection but are a lot more comfortable to walk in than the boots themselves.
Your helmet will keep you warm at night, but it's a lousy hat during the day. Take a brimmed boonie-style hat along with you, or make one from a T-shirt.