It is hot in California.
Too hot. At one point yesterday the thermometers in
Palm Springs hit 110-F. That is a
scorcher. The riders in the Amgen Tour
of California wilted. One by one riders
fell off the pace. The climb to the
finish was brutal: uphill, hot temps, smoking asphalt. All of that heat was contributing to the slow
pace and riders were shutting things down.
Or more importantly their bodies were shutting things down.
It is straightforward: The body cools itself by sweating. That sweat evaporates on the skin keeping us
cool, or at least relatively cool. In order to keep the process of sweating
followed by evaporation going fluids are required, lots of fluids. The body needs to make sweat. Without fluids no sweat can form so no
cooling can be done. Relative humidity is also a problem. If the air is too humid the atmosphere absorbs
the sweat on the skin before it has a chance to evaporate on the body. The perfect storm of high temps, high humidity
and physical exertion are the causes of heat exhaustion. Activity in a hot
environment can overwhelm the body's ability to cool itself, causing
heat-related symptoms.
Heat exhaustion begins with profuse sweating then proceeds to
body and muscle weakness, sour stomach, vomiting, headaches and cramping.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke when the body's
temperature approaches 106-F. The signs
of heat stroke are changes in mental recognition, lethargy and confusion. It will eventually lead to seizures. At
this point the situation is a medical emergency.
The best way to combat heat exhaustion is to use your
brain. Know your environment. Some days it may just be too hot and humid to
ride. (The haze may not be good for the
lungs either). If you do take up outdoor
activities in a summer swelter then take breaks, frequently. Take in plenty of liquids and slow down the pace
as well. If you’re just out for ride
then treat it as such, it’s not a race.
One danger sign to keep an eye on is your pee. Urine output is key to monitoring body
hydration. If you are well hydrated your
urine flow will run clear. If you are
poorly hydrated the kidneys will react poorly.
The kidneys will hold the liquid and when you do pee the stream will be
discolored and will have a strong odor.
If this happens make the necessary adjustments: drink, rest, find some
shade.
Today the ATOC moves to Palmdale for a 110 mile ride to Santa
Clarita and it will once again be hot.
Santa Clarita is the home of Six Flags Magic Mountain, made famous by
Chevy Chase in “Vacation.” The park
doubled as Wally World. It is also the
US headquarters of Princess Cruise Line, made famous by the 1970s television
show “Love Boat.” The city is not too far from the vast Mojave
Desert so the climate is hot and dry.
Visit the ATOC online at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Television coverage begins at 5 pm EST on the
NBC Sports Network.
Visit our website for a new Bicycle Review of the
Performance Road Steel Bikes from Jamis.
www.stickybottleteam.net.
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