Weather Report: Cycling During a Heat Wave

Two-tone arms, distinctly lined thighs, and surprisingly pale feet. No doubt about it—summer is already well underway! And while the tan lines from cycling shorts are part of the folklore of bike travel, ending the day feeling like you’ve been through a convection oven is not exactly anyone’s dream.

So when a heat wave hits your route, there are a few precautions you should take to keep cycling enjoyable. Here are our tips for keeping a cool head when the thermometer loses its mind!

Setting out in the morning breeze

When the temperature soars, a cyclist’s best ally is often… the alarm clock! Setting out early lets you enjoy the most pleasant hours of the day. At dawn, the air is still cool and the atmosphere is unique. The roads are quiet, and the villages are slowly waking up. Bathed in soft, golden light that stretches shadows across the road, the landscapes offer a magical atmosphere in the early hours of the day.

So the first tip is to adjust your travel pace. That’s right, in the summer, it’s not uncommon to cover a good portion of your day’s journey before noon. Don’t hesitate to let your hotel or bed-and-breakfast know; many of them are willing to serve breakfast a little earlier or prepare a snack for you to take along.

The afternoon then gives you plenty of time to explore the village that’s welcoming you, visit a museum, have lunch on a terrace, go for a swim, or simply treat yourself to a little rest in the shade during the hottest part of the day. These long summer days offer the luxury of experiencing cycling in a different way, moving at the sun’s pace rather than the clock’s.

Adjusting your food intake

In the sweltering heat, there’s no point in eating a heavy meal.

In the morning, opt for fresh fruit, yogurt, bread, honey, or jam. For lunch, mixed salads, melon, mozzarella, tabbouleh, or simple sandwiches are often the best travel companions. Seasonal fruits like apricots, peaches, nectarines, or bananas fit easily into a bag.

And since a bike trip is also all about having fun, don’t hesitate to treat yourself to an ice cream break as you pass through a village. Whether it’s fruit sorbet or ice cream, this indulgent stop provides a pleasant burst of freshness and offers a welcome respite on the hottest days.

There’s a simple rule to follow when temperatures rise: it’s better to take several small, snack breaks throughout the day than to eat a heavy meal under the scorching sun.

Filling up your water bottle on the road

During a heat wave, your best ally is your water bottle. Or rather, your water bottles. We strongly recommend that you set out with at least 1.5 liters of water per person, or more, if your route passes through areas with little shade or few people. And above all, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink, because by that point, your body has already started sounding the alarm.

The good news is that there’s no shortage of water sources in France! Public fountains are always a safe bet when they provide drinking water. Public restrooms, often located near churches or village squares, are also a good place to fill up your water bottles. Bars, cafés, bakeries, grocery stores, and other shops are also welcome stops to buy a cold drink or refill your water supply throughout the day. And let’s not forget cemeteries, whose water sources are well known to many cycling tourists.

Just make sure the water is safe to drink before filling your water bottles. Also, don’t wait until your bottles are empty to refill them. During hot weather, it’s better to seek out water sources than to suffer from heat exhaustion!

You can also use the OpenCycleMap open-access map to easily locate water points along your route. Look out for the tap (drinking water) or toilet symbols, where you can often fill up your water bottles. This collaborative map is available free of charge on OpenCycleMap.

And to replenish fluids lost through sweating, you can also alternate with mineral water rich in minerals or sparkling water. Electrolyte tablets can also be helpful on the hottest days or during the most demanding stages. Finally, contrary to popular belief, ice-cold water isn’t always the best option. Cool water, but not ice-cold, is generally more pleasant to drink and better tolerated by the body.

The right equipment

In the face of a heat wave, it’s tempting to wear as little as possible. That’s a big mistake. Technical fabrics with UV protection (UPF) are actually a much better idea. They protect your skin while limiting the heat buildup caused by direct sun exposure. That’s a significant comfort factor during those long summer days.

A cap under your helmet, sunglasses, and a generous application of sunscreen are still must-haves.

To gain a few precious degrees, there’s a simple trick that’s proven effective: slip a damp bandana around your neck or under your helmet. Re-moistened at every break, it provides a pleasant feeling of coolness for several kilometers. It’s not air conditioning, of course, but on a road baking in the sun, it can sometimes come surprisingly close.

What if you postponed your departure?

If there’s one advantage to cycling trips, it’s the ability to enjoy them well beyond the height of summer. September and October are, in fact, wonderful alternatives. The early days of fall have the advantage of offering mild temperatures, warm and enchanting colors, and a much more peaceful atmosphere.

At Abicyclette Voyages, we’ve always believed that a cycling trip should be a time for discovery, enjoyment, and freedom. The idea isn’t to turn your vacation into an ordeal when the thermometer soars. That’s why, when an exceptional heat wave is forecast for your destination, we can work with you to reschedule at no extra cost, subject to availability.

Our priority remains ensuring you can fully enjoy your trip under the best possible conditions. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your travel advisor. We’ll take the time to discuss your options with you to find the solution that best fits your plans.