Summer cycling holidays in the Northern Hemisphere are what many cyclists patiently dream of! With warmer, longer days to savour, landscapes full of life and the inevitable badge of honour that is a pair of questionable cycling tan lines, this is a great time of year to enjoy an adventure on two wheels.
Here at Saddle Skedaddle, our expert team has over 30 years of experience riding in warmer conditions across the globe. We carefully select the locations of our summer bike tours so that you won’t be riding in destinations where the intense summer heat is at its worst. However, we know that heatwaves and hot conditions can still occur, even in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, in many popular cycling destinations, including the UK, Spain and Italy.
That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of handy summer cycling tips from the Skedaddle HQ team. Whether you are looking for a July cycling challenge or fancy joining one of our August bike tours, keep reading to find useful ideas to help keep you safe and smiling on the bikes in the heat.
Our top summer cycling tips
1. Stay hydrated
“Drinking lots of water may seem obvious when the sun is beating down, but it can be easy to underestimate how much water you need to avoid dehydration. So make sure you set off with enough water and refill regularly! If you’re bringing your own bike, consider two bottle cages (or an extra soft flask) so you can comfortably carry more between refill stops.
The good news is our guides will carry plenty of water on our small group trips to keep you well hydrated throughout the day. But if you’re on a self-guided trip, you might want to consider where you can stop on route to refill, before setting off each day.” Alison Marsh, Senior Travel Administrator
2. Consider electrolytes on challenging rides
“You lose vital fluid and minerals, including sodium, potassium and magnesium, through sweat. This is accentuated in warmer conditions! Drinking more water isn’t enough to sustain your power, and low mineral levels can lead to increased cramping, headaches, and fatigue. Supplementing electrolytes with easy-to-eat snacks little and often is therefore a great option for anyone taking on longer, more challenging rides in warmer conditions.” Isobel, Travel Consultant
3. Wear the right gear
” Lightweight, breathable clothing will wick away the sweat from your body and help you to feel more comfortable when riding in the heat. I find that lighter colours like white also reflect more sunlight, and that a lightweight long-sleeve layer can sometimes feel cooler than bare skin because it protects you from direct sunlight. Look out for jerseys with mesh panelling and helmets with ventilation! And finally, a quality pair of sunglasses is essential – they also help to stop any bugs from flying into your eyes.” Kerry, Senior Travel Consultant
4. Pack sun protection
“Spending several hours on the bike in sunny conditions means you’re very exposed, so wearing high-strength SPF is a must to avoid sunburn. Don’t forget to apply to your face, ears and neck, aswell as the top of thighs and the back of calves. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day! Cooling sun lotion or aloe vera gel is also worth packing to help hydrate your skin at the end of the day.” Kay, Product Manager
5. Seek out shade
“When you stop, aim for shade. Even a few minutes out of direct sun can help you cool down faster, and you’ll feel noticeably better when you get rolling again.” Caitlin, Product Assistant Manager
6. Set off earlier
“Adapting your schedule can help you beat the worst of the heat. There can be a significant temperature difference in the morning versus later in the day, so setting your alarm that little bit earlier and making the most of the cooler conditions is definitely worth the effort, where possible.” Dave, UK Product Lead
7. Enjoy a refreshing dip
“I love wild swimming, so I often carry a swimming costume and travel towel with me on my multi-day bike rides. Cycling helps you seek out some of the best hidden swim spots, and it’s also a great way to cool down quickly when you’re riding in hot conditions. Even if you don’t fancy a full dunk, dipping your feet in a river is another nice way to take a break and cool off.” Fran Wilson, Head of Marketing
8. Take your time
“On hotter days, take it a little easier and don’t push too hard! The heat can zap your energy quickly, so pacing yourself accordingly will help you to feel comfortable for longer.” Mollie, Travel Consultant
9. Freeze your water bottle overnight
“If I know it’s going to be a really hot day in the saddle, I like to put a water bottle in the freezer the night before so my water stays cooler for longer during my ride. Failing that, chucking a few ice cubes in your bottle before you set off also helps.” Peter, Digital Marketing Manager
10. Soak a neck chief in water
“You typically wear a neck gaiter in cooler weather to help keep you warm. But one hot weather hack I have is to drench a neck chief in cold water that you can then use as a cooling flannel.” James, Operations Manager Self-Guided
11. Pack insect repellent
“Warmer weather often brings out an array of bugs, such as the dreaded midges and mosquitoes. Thankfully, you can usually evade these pesky insects whilst on the move, but it’s when you are stationary and in still conditions that they can become a problem. That’s why I always carry insect repellent and bite cream. If you’re riding off the beaten track, you should also check for ticks at the end of the day. These horrible critters are common in wilder locations, like Scotland.” Amy, Brand and Content Manager
12. Check the weather forecast
“Before you head out, take a few minutes to check the local weather forecast, not just the temperature, but also factors like humidity and when the heat is likely to peak. Conditions can change quickly, especially during heatwaves, so it’s worth checking again each morning and adapting your plans if needed. Knowing what’s ahead helps you decide whether to set off earlier, carry extra water or take a steadier approach on the bike.” Lizzie, Head of Product
Our pick of the best summer bike tours
How we manage hot weather riding at Saddle Skedaddle
At Saddle Skedaddle, your safety and comfort always come first, especially in hot weather. We carefully plan our cycling trips and continually review timings and routes to help avoid the most intense heat, where possible.
Our local teams monitor forecasts closely and adapt plans when conditions are warmer, encouraging earlier starts, a steadier pace and regular shaded breaks.
We also provide clear pre-holiday guidance on hydration, sun protection, suitable clothing and fuelling, and our guides are experienced in managing riding in higher temperatures. On self-guided trips, local teams can check in and offer support or transfers if needed, so you can ride with confidence, whatever the weather!
Our pick of the best summer bike tours
Have you got more summer cycling tips?
Our team have plenty of experience riding in warm weather conditions, and we hope you found the above tips useful! But we’d also love to hear from you! Let us know if you have any other tips we should add? Send us an email to fran@skedaddle.com to be featured.
Looking for more cycling inspiration?
If you’re interested in summer cycling, don’t miss:
- Skedaddle’s summer bike tours offer plenty of multi-day rides to choose from!
- Britain’s 10 best days out on the bikes, for a fun day ride.
- Guide to cycling the coast to coast, for a classic summer cycling challenge in the UK.