Kelly’s Korner: How Not to Hate Arizona Summers on a Bike

Published: Posted on September 7, 2016February 5, 2021 by admin

Last Updated: February 5th, 2021

(The crew prepares for adventure in a sacred place that shall not be disclosed.)

How Not to Hate Arizona Summers on a Bike

Arizona summers are hard. I’m pretty sure we’re all curled up into sweaty, irritated balls of tears by the end of each August. I know I am. It doesn’t help matters that the relentless heat, with the monsoon humidity, keeps me off my street bike. I admit it – I’m not the hardiest, most gung-ho rider after the mercury hits 100 degrees.

So when a couple of friends proposed in early July that we all meet on Sunday mornings to dirt bike, I felt some hope for my status as a motorcyclist. And for getting through the rest of summer with some level of delight.

That is, until I learned I would have to get up at 3:30 a.m.

I knew, though, that waking at that ridiculous hour would pay off; I just wasn’t sure in what ways. Here are some:

• Getting to better know friends;
• Watching the summer sun rise over the Superstition Mountains;
• Taking the opportunity to ride different types of terrain;
• Witnessing some of those friends’ kids experience the ups and downs of dirt biking;
• Coming home happy-exhausted.

If any of this appeals to you, check out my tips for having fun on the Arizona dirt in summer. (Of course, most of these also apply to winter outings too, but cool weather feels impossibly far away right now.)

Defying Heat With Dirt Biking

Use common sense in choosing a riding area. Some parts of Arizona aren’t ideal due to border issues; in fact, Border Patrol friends have specifically advised me of places to avoid. It’s a reality we live with in the Grand Canyon State. Still, don’t let that stop you from going somewhere you haven’t ridden before. Much of Arizona’s beauty is tucked away and not many people see those vistas and landscapes.

Give your bike a thorough inspection before loading it for your adventure. It’s a huge disappointment to discover the bike is unrideable after reaching your destination.

Take a full gas can.

Spring for the appropriate gear – armor, helmet, boots and all. Dirt biking is much more fun when you stand a higher chance of returning home in one piece.

Wear a CamelBak or similar pack for hydrating on the trail. And do your best to hydrate the day before with some electrolytes. Water with lemon juice and a little sea salt or water with apple cider vinegar do wonders.

Bring snacks as dirt biking, especially in the heat, drains energy quickly. Jerky, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, even some potato chips for the salt and carbs are great choices (the chips cooked in avocado oil are a somewhat healthier option). I also like to have cold brew and coconut milk on hand to provide a much-needed caffeine injection.

Ride with at least one other person at all times. Too much can go wrong in the desert. Please don’t wander off by yourself.

Agree on a rendezvous spot in case of separation and pick a landmark you can use to orient yourself and return to that place.

Watch for rattlesnakes. That means you, Bill.

Keep a cell phone accessible (and hope it has service) for serious emergencies.

Stash a small First Aid kit into that CamelBak or tailpack.

Carry tools and a rope in case of a mechanical or crash-induced breakdown.

Work on a technique you haven’t nailed yet. I’ve been trying to wheelie on my CRF 230 but so far all I’ve gotten from that is sore trap muscles. I’ve also focused on throttle control, and motocross and flat-tracking skills.

Ride through as many puddles and over as many jumps and up and down as many hills as you darn well please. Or don’t.

Call it a day when you know that pushing it just a little more won’t end on a high note. If your friends still want to ride, no problem. Have a book or magazine in your vehicle so you can read if you want to wait.

Expect the unexpected. Dirt biking never fails to result in a story. Looking at you, Mike.

What other tips do you have? Any memorable summer dirt biking tales? Let me know at kellyteal13@gmail.com.

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