Summer is coming… we should stay hydrated when riding our bikes.

We can feel it. Summer is here and it’s riding season again for us motorcyclists.

Most of us are already planning to ride with our two wheels and riding buddies to escape the hustles and bustles of the city even for just a short while.

But keep in mind that it will be hotter out there on the road because of the summer season even as PAGASA said that the phenomenon could push air temperatures to reach higher than normal levels.

So it’s best to keep yourself well hydrated before swinging your leg over the saddle and go braaap with your bike.

Why is it so important to hydrate ourselves before going on a long ride?

This is because we need to protect ourselves from dehydration especially while spending so many hours on the road. Unlike car drivers and their passengers, motorcyclists are exposed to the elements, including the summer heat.

Once you get dehydrated, you expose yourselves to the dangers of spilling. 

Among the common symptoms of dehydration are:

Increased thirst

Dry mouth and swollen tongue

Weakness

Dizziness

Palpitations (feeling that the heart is jumping or pounding)

Confusion

Sluggishness

Fainting

Fainting? 

“Dehydration has a cumulative effect – your body doesn’t magically hydrate itself without you drinking the proper amounts of water. Just like a radiator; it does not refill its own coolant,” wrote AlbertN in the motocross website BTOsports.com.

Doctors said a human typically needs eight glasses of water a day to keep himself hydrated. But it’s different when you’re riding.

“A better rule to remember is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by two for the number of ounces of water you should be drinking every day,”

“So for instance, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should be drinking 80 ounces of water per day. This is always important, but it is absolutely crucial to abide by this rule while riding in the heat.”

Also try to stay away from caffeinated drinks before and during a ride.

Coffee, softdrinks and energy drinks will actually dehydrate you even more because of the caffeine content as it acts as a diuretic.

“Diuretic is a term to define a class of substances which push the water out of your system, and dry you out. If you absolutely can’t function without some caffeine in your system, a good rule to follow is to make sure to drink an extra ounce of water for every ounce of caffeinated drink you consume,” said ArbertN.

So make it a point that you carry a small bottle of water while going for a long ride. Chug some water during stopovers to replenish lost fluids.

Riding is supposed to be fun, even more when you’re properly hydrated.