News Tribune Adventure writer and novice cyclist Craig Hill is training to ride the 202-mile Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic in one day and discovering the local riding scene and the sport’s nuances along the way. In his blog, he explores ideal riding routes, events, relays tips from the experts and helps you figure out if you’ll need to shave your legs for your next big ride.
Guest blogger: Rick Beitelspacher teaches junior high English in the Puyallup School District. You can contact him at tshirtguys@comcast.net.
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If you didn't see today's Adventure section, you missed some tips for handling riding with the masses in Saturday's STP and a good tip on dealing with the sun from the Gear Guy, Douglas Gantenbein.
Click below to read the Gear Guy's advice on UV protection.
My dermatologist has told me to “stay out of the sun,” not particularly useful advice to a committed recreational athlete. However, I have had precancerous growths removed and even a couple of cancerous ones.
Does anyone make a lightweight summer long-sleeve collared cycling jersey with UV protection? I have found some tops that will work for hiking, though they will undoubtedly get soaking wet. But temperature regulation is so critical in cycling, and I sweat off any lotion I apply pretty quickly. – Michael Needham, San Francisco
Eh, that’s not very helpful at all. And you’re in California with lots of sun and warm weather.
But you raise a good point. Given concerns over skin cancer and other sun-related problems, it make sense that there would be long-sleeve cycling jerseys for warm weather, not only cool weather. Jersey makers, take note.
Fortunately, a few have. Sun Precautions makes just what you need – the Solumbra Full Zip Cycle Shirt ($89). It’s a cool, well-ventilated, long-sleeve jersey made from material with a 30 SPF rating. It even has three deep back pockets, like any decent bike jersey should have.
A new brand in the United States, CW-X, also makes a sun-protective light cycling jersey. Its Long Sleeve Team Cycling Jersey ($90) uses three different high-tech fabrics that cool, protect and stretch so you’re comfortable on even hot days. It’s also a little less freaky-looking than the lemon-yellow Sun Precautions shirt. But, try one of each.
Personally, I find it hard to believe that you sweat so much on your arms that you wash off any sunscreen. I think you’d be fine oiling up with All Terrain AquaSport Sunblock SPF 30 ($10) and throwing the tube in your jersey pocket for a second coat. That stuff is tenacious and should get you through a three-hour ride, keeping you cool and your dermatologist happy.
To ask a question of the Gear Guy, you can find Douglas Gantenbein at www.outsidemag.com.
