Bicycle commuting in the summer

At late spring, when the sun started to shine a lot brighter again and the temperature started to rise, I was thinking of the approaching summer and I must admit that I felt intimidating by that thought.
The previous summer, I kind of avoided long distance riding because in Greece the summers are hot and humid, especially here in Volos which is a coastal area. I should also note that I live 5,5 kilometers away from the city, so you want to know what did I do last year?
During the summer months, I was leaving my bicycle locked up in the city centre and after getting there by car or bus, I was then unlocking it and using it as normal. And all of that because I was scared of what other people told me about cycling in the heat and after considering things I've read on the Internet.

This year however, after spending several months of riding my bicycle daily and feeling the joy, I decided to continue my bicycle commuting even during summer and see what happens. What did I realise? That summer cycling can be fun! Of course you have to take some precautions. 

Tip 1: Leave the house early. 

During that time the temperature isn't that high and also the sun itself is still at a lower point which provides more shade in account with near trees, buildings and fences. 

Tip 2: Don't rush! 

That is the most important tip of them all! When riding a bicycle, you create your own breeze, which helps with cooling you off, but if rushing it, then your body's temperature will rise and produce more heat. Just keep a momentum when pedaling and you'll be fine! Especially when you're about to reach your destination, start coasting more.

Tip 3: Allow yourself to cool off for 5 minutes after reaching your destination. 

In my workplace there aren't any showers or locker rooms for changing clothes. I wear my regular working clothes from the start, but after taking it slow, as I advised above, I don't sweat that much and after 5 minutes when finished locking up my bike, I feel nice and cool. (And in case you're wondering, I interact a lot with people during my working time, never had an awkward moment!)

Tip 4: Don't skip showering at home! Also don't forget about deodorant!

I know you're about to laugh, as showering is the most obvious, but believe me when I'm telling you, a lot of people just don't shower or deny to use a deodorant! So please, for the sake of yourself (and other people's sake, too) either shower before leaving the house or just before going to sleep the previously night, and apply a generous amount of deodorant. When being clean, sweating doesn't feel unpleasant and also there is no smell at all.

Tip 5: Wear light clothing!

Let some air flow through your clothes by wearing light and breathable materials that are also loose fitted.

Tip 6: Buy and use a hat!

I have to ride back home in the middle of the day, when the sun is at it's highest point every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. But after started wearing a hat, I no longer get headaches from the sun's heat and I feel more pleasant during my ride, too.

Tip 7: Drink plenty of water.

If dehydrated, then say welcome to headaches! At least that's what I used to say before, when I wasn't drinking enough water. 

Tip 8: Start using alternative routes, where there's more shade. 

I always chase the shadows when riding in summertime. You literally feel the difference in degrees on your skin when riding through shadowy parts.

Tip 9: Wear SPF products.

During summer, for my face I simply use a CC cream, which is light, has SPF protection and allows me to skip putting on make-up and that's all! But the days that I'll be riding during midday I also spray my hands, shoulders and neckline with a sunblock. Just don't become obsessed with SPF products. Sun (in the right amount) is a friend, helps with vitamin D deficiency, too!

Tip 10: Don't listen to music through earphones.

I know you're about to say "What?", but speaking from my experiences always, I've come to conclusion that the usage of earphones rises the head pressure (by producing heat into the ears and also even if it feels pleasant when listening to it, music contributes to making excess noise) and in association with the sun's heat what's the result? Want to guess? Headaches, yes! 

So, these were my personal tips for commuting in summer after using the trial and error method! Just keep in mind to take it slow at first and you will not have any problems. For those of you that already live near the city center and not in the suburbs, then I only have one tip, don't forget to wear your sunglasses! That's all you need, as the riding distances are pretty small in these cases.

Do you have any other tips that worked for you and want to share them? 

Feeling Hot?

Today as I was heading home in the middle of the day, when the sun was at it's highest point, I started imagine how it would be if I was pedalling at a small country road in the middle of a dense forest. The thought appealed me so much that I immediately started to look around for alternative routes, although I knew well enough that there is none. I kept going and going and started chasing the half-shadows of some small trees in the near field, and then suddenly I saw it!

I was passing it every day but never really cared about it until today. There it was! A big olive tree at the side of the road with a shadow that looked so nice that I had to take a two-minute break. 

As I was standing there cooling myself off I was thinking that with cycling I'm being able now  to appreciate more the small things in life. Like the shadow of a tree, the air's breeze, the singing of the birds and the sounds of wildlife in general. I always liked to observe the nature and it's elements and cycling is helping me achieve that by keeping me outside.

You may think that this is a graphic speech and maybe it its, but as a fact it is also a truth.

Don't know about you, but myself by just looking the shadow, I feel relieved!

What do you think? Have you started noticing more of your surroundings after starting commuting by bicycle or just by starting walking more?