5 tips for cycling in summer

Perhaps you're planning a weekend bike ride? Here are some tips to protect yourself from the sun during your cycling adventure:

• Plan Your Routes, Avoiding the Hottest Hours: When temperatures reach peaks, it's best to plan your bike outings early in the morning or late in the evening when the heat is less intense. The added bonus? Cycling provides a natural ventilation sensation, helping you better cope with the heat.
• Sun Protection: Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous for your skin and overall health. Don't forget to apply sunscreen with a high protection factor, wear a hat, cap, or helmet to protect your head, and choose lightweight, breathable clothing to avoid overheating.
• Adjust Your Pace: The heat can make physical effort more challenging. Listen to your body and adjust your pace accordingly. If necessary, slow down or take more frequent breaks to recover and refresh yourself. Geovelo also provides information on the elevation changes in your route, allowing you to adjust your effort based on the topography.
• Choose Routes Through Cool and Pleasant Areas: Use Geovelo to discover new bike routes that let you enjoy green spaces, rivers, or coastal areas offering a refreshing breeze. These pleasant spots will help you stay cool while enjoying your summer ride, especially if you opt for "tourist" routes that prioritize green lanes, often shaded and away from cars.
• Stay Hydrated Regularly: Dehydration is a real risk on hot days. Make sure to drink water regularly before, during, and after your bike ride. With Geovelo, you can easily plan your routes, taking into account weather conditions and finding potential water points along your route.

When temperatures range between 35°C and 40°C, be careful not to expose your battery to the sun more than necessary. Excessive heat can cause it to overheat, affecting its performance and lifespan. Ideally, remove the e-bike battery and store it in a room where the temperature doesn't exceed 22°C.

The battery of an electric bike naturally heats up during rides, and this is even more pronounced in scorching weather. Even if it's almost empty, allow it time to cool down away from direct sunlight before recharging.

Lastly, don't push your electric assistance too hard during starts. Full-power starts lead to motor overheating and reduce the lifespan of your battery. This advice applies not only during heatwaves but in all weather conditions. An e-bike is not and will never be a Formula 1 ;)