June 26, 2009
Hi, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Mark "Marcus" Baudhuin, I am your new Region C Educator. My real name is Mark, but my "bike" family knows me as Marcus.My wife Diana & I reside near Green Bay, WI. My thanks to Rick Hinrich & Don & Judy Coons for their confidance in me to appoint me as Region C Educator. I have been riding Goldwings for about 22 years, & currently ride a black 08 ABS.I have been involved in rider education for alot of those 22 years.This article will be in both the Wisconsin & Region C newsletters. We just finished a great & safe Region C Rally & will be heading to Gold Rush in Lexington, Ky.
Now for this months newsletter topic, Summer warm weather riding. We finally have warm/hot weather in the Green Bay, & as I am writing this it is 80 degrees & humid. The main key in my opinion for safe hot weather riding is proper riding gear. It is important to keep the skin covered with either lightweight clothing or the new mesh jackets. The new mesh jackets are wonderful, they let the air through & still allow your body to cool thru sweat evaporation. But in order to perspire, you have to remain hydrated. This means increasing your fluid intake.
Water or a sports drink such as Gatorade are what you need, not coffee, soda or any adult beverages. When I'm getting ready for a long hot weather ride, ideally a few bottles of water per person kept cold in a small cooler would be great. But if taking a cooler is not possible, I like to freeze a couple of 1/2 full bottles of water the nght before, & wrap them in towel & tuck them away in the saddlebag or the trunk .Take along 1 cold bottle of water & mix it in with with the partially froze water when you take a rest or gas stop. Or stop along the way & purchase the water as you need it. Don't wait until your thirsty, drink some water whenever you can, drink more than you think you need, this will allow your body to keep you cool. If it is exremely hot, consider riding in the early morning or late evening, taking a break during the heat of midday. If you have any questions or need to contact me, please send me an e-mail