Training tip for the Traverse this weekend...

[OMR]

You've heard of the guys that sleep in the hyperbaric chambers set at a higher altitude in order to increase the red blood cells... for this coming weekend's event, I recommend sleeping in your ovens ... set the temperature to 125 F.... that way you will be acclimated to the heat and laugh at the poor riders that didn't ... as you cruise comfortably by them up The Wall.

SERIOUSLY!

As I said before... start hydrating early and know the signs of heat exhaustion:Heatstroke is the most severe of the heat-related problems, often resulting from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake.
Young children, older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.

What makes heatstroke severe and potentially life-threatening is that the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, are lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature - generally greater than 104 F (40 C) - with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. Skin may be hot and dry - although if heatstroke is caused by exertion, the skin may be moist.
Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Elevated or lowered blood pressure
• Cessation of sweating
• Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headache
• Nausea
• Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults

If you suspect heatstroke:

• Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned space.
• Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.
• Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper.
• Have the person drink cool water, if he or she is able.

In other words... ride responsibly...watch for warning signs on yourself and others as well. Know your limits and if you need help, ASK FOR IT!

[KonaDupee]

Thanks for the healthy dose of caution & reason.

My fingers are crossed that the weather reports change a tad...

[LoisMustDie]

Yeah, its gunna be like 98 degrees out there! Stay hydrated!

[kevinator]

Great thread OMR - info always worth repeating. I know it's a competitive event but keeping an eye out to help another rider in trouble is what community is all about. Good luck everyone!

[xhuskr]

heat and hydration has now become my biggest concern! Last year was tough...looks like this year may be harder. Be careful out there...remember an alive DNF is better than a dead (or sick) DNF!

[genusmtbkr5]

Originally Posted by OMR

You've heard of the guys that sleep in the hyperbaric chambers set at a higher altitude in order to increase the red blood cells... for this coming weekend's event, I recommend sleeping in your ovens ... set the temperature to 125 F.... that way you will be acclimated to the heat and laugh at the poor riders that didn't ... as you cruise comfortably by them up The Wall.

SERIOUSLY!

I've been riding in Fruita this past week, does that count?

My knees feel fine and my rib is getting better each day.

Like the VQ, I was going to go without a camelbak, but now I'm not sure. I will hydrate starting Thursday. Last year we did the Traverse in June and it was hot. The heat will zap your strength before you know it, so like OMR has posted, watch for signs of overheating or heat stroke. Although it's a race, this is still only a event and not a life or death situation, but if your not careful out there, it may will be. Good luck to all participants. I'll see you all out there.

[dubjay]

Thanks OMR.

I find it ironic that the faster you finish, the less exposure to heat you'll have have to deal with. I figure it'll be warmest by 12 noon, and if I'm still on pace to finish still, I should be near the peak by then.

That just leaves the Wall for the warmest part of the day. Fun times!

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by dubjay

Thanks OMR.

I find it ironic that the faster you finish, the less exposure to heat you'll have have to deal with. I figure it'll be warmest by 12 noon, and if I'm still on pace to finish still, I should be near the peak by then.

That just leaves the Wall for the warmest part of the day. Fun times!

True be to that. Those race horses don't need as much fluid as us camels.

I was thinking the same thing about being over the hump by 12noon at 4 corners. But then I remember how much I suffered climbing Skyline in 90+ deg heat at 11am a few weeks ago.

[xhuskr]

glad to see I'm not the only ones with the concerns of heat/hydration and cut off times. I do know where most of the shade spots are after the peak...so stay in the back with me and I'll show you all/most of them!

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by xhuskr

glad to see I'm not the only ones with the concerns of heat/hydration and cut off times. I do know where most of the shade spots are after the peak...so stay in the back with me and I'll show you all/most of them!

Be careful where you put your foot down! The rattlesnakes like the shade too.