Summer Riding Tips from Hap's

If you are a motorcycle rider, there is no better season for you to ride in than during the summer. The days are longer, and the weather is sunny and beautiful. However, along with the longer days comes the heat, potential thunderstorms, and additional drivers out on the road at all hours of the day and night. If you are ready to dive into riding motorcycles during the long summer months, we have some tips for you so that you can safely ride your motorcycle.

Don’t Forget Your Water

Riding your motorcycle in the summer is a strenuous activity, which means that you need to be drinking 8 ounces of water every hour. While you’re packing for your ride, don’t forget to keep your water jug with you, drink--and drink often.

While we’re on the subject of liquids, you need to avoid alcohol and caffeine when you are riding in the summer. Both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you, which is the last thing you need when you are riding during the summer. Also, drinking alcohol can impair your judgement, so you need to avoid it when you're riding.

Keep Wearing Your Gear--But It Needs To Be Ventilated

If you value your life and limb--and most of us do, you can’t ride your motorcycle in a t-shirt, shorts, and a baseball cap. You need to have all of your protective gear on. However, you can’t wear the same gear in the summer as you do in the winter. You need to look for ventilated gear so that you can be as cool as possible while you're riding around. Most ventilated gear is made of lightweight but tough fabrics with lots of vents built in to keep you cool. You can’t give up your safety just to be cool or comfortable.

Make A Plan

Let’s face it: no one needs to go out riding a motorcycle in the height of the summer without a plan. If you have planned to go riding, and you look at the weather, and it’s going to be 90 degrees and humid with an unrelenting sun, this may not the day to go riding. Make a plan, and have a backup. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your motorcycle all summer long.

When you’re ready to buy your next bike and the gear you need, come and see us at Hap's Cycle Sales. We’re located at 2530 17th Street in Sarasota. You can also give us a call at 800-303-4277. We look forward to seeing you this summer!