Kelly’s Korner: Five Tips For Battling Traffic In AZ Heat
Last Updated: December 1st, 2020
Handling traffic on a bike is not the easiest task. It gets especially irritating when working against factors such as scorching heat and insane drivers. Here in the Phoenix area, both remain in plentiful supply. (Some studies correlate hotter weather to more aggressive driving … as if that surprises anyone.) And that leads to my point: As riders, the more distractions we face, the more we need to be prepared to deal with those obstacles so we can stay safe on two wheels. Having a strategy to defeat the blistering hot weather is crucial. So, as July kicks in and brings with it dust storms and monsoon rains—which, in turn, lead to unpredictable, overly cautious drivers—it’s an opportune time to talk about how to deal with traffic and all its attendant annoyances. After all, I think we all enjoy reaching our destinations in one piece.
Stay cool, literally. I’ve said this before but it bears repeating: Wear a cool vest or some other cooling clothing under regular riding gear (because all the gear all the time, people. All the time.). The more comfortable my body feels on the bike, the more likely I am to ride happy and at ease. The more overheated I am, the quicker my temper flares. No bueno.- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day even when you’re not riding. Add organic lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to help the body. On the bike, have ice water at the ready via a CamelBak or similar hydration system. Drink it. The idea is not for it to slosh around in there and make hot-water stew.
- Stay aware. I swear the full moon makes nutty drivers out of regular nice people. So do dust and rain. What I’m saying is, know your surroundings and the elements. When things get out of whack, the people do, too. So, if I set out expecting crazy on the road, I ride more aware and ready to act. That does not mean I go looking for crazy. (I don’t have to—it finds me.) I just mean being as ready for it as possible. Think defense vs. offense. And I’m more able to do that if I’m cool and hydrated.
- Stay skilled. Use the tools you have accumulated, even if you’re a beginning rider. Vision, hard stops, swerving and braking rank as my top go-to skills for handling traffic. Stay abreast of these and gather more through ongoing training. You can always take part in a class at TEAM Arizona. I like how the Skills Under the Lights courses break down one key technique each month. And of course you can—arguably, should—practice what you learn every time you ride. I know someone who works on his swerves (yes, safely) when commuting.
- Stay cool, figuratively. Meditation and yoga don’t have to be woo-woo spiritual. Find a practice you like, at home or out with other people, and engage in it at least once a week. The mere acts of breathing, stretching and relaxing will help you tune in to your self. When that happens, you’ll feel better equipped to gauge your mental, emotional and physical states, judge how those might play into your riding frame of mind, and help you to first react with calm rather than with anger. Sure, we all rely on motorcycling to blow off steam. But if we ride enraged or even just smoldering, we’re adding a dangerous distraction to all of the others, one that could result in us being scraped off the road.
What methods do you use to handle traffic, summer or not? Let me know. And stay safe out there.
