TEN THINGS ABOUT SURVIVING THE HOTTEST RACE DAYS
(1) Ice. Motocross is already one of the most physically demanding sports out there, and when summer hits, it goes from gnarly to brutal. Heat exhaustion, dehydration and even heatstroke are real risks for riders pushing their limits under a scorching sun, but you don’t have to suffer through it unprepared. When your core body temperature climbs, performance drops fast. Ice baths work wonders post-ride, but even during the day, simple tricks like sticking your feet in an ice chest can cool you off in a hurry. Experienced riders bring ice and coolers to every race for more than just drinks.
(2) Gear. Wear the right gear or modify what you’ve got. Vented gear is a game changer on hot days. Mesh jerseys and pants help airflow, and lighter colors, like white, reflect heat better than black. If you’re stuck with heavy or older gear, do what some pro riders do and cut small holes in your jersey under the arms and across the chest for a DIY breeze.
(3) Fans. Sitting on the starting line in 100-degree heat while straddling a motorcycle with a hot engine is torture. The worst part? You’re not even moving, so there is no airflow. Smart riders use battery-powered fans that can be attached to the handlebars to stay cool at the gate. It might look funny, but others won’t be laughing when they’re overheating before the gate even drops.
(4) Hydration. Water alone won’t cut it. Without sodium and electrolytes, it’ll pass right through your system and may even dehydrate you more. Use electrolyte tablets, sports drinks or hydration powders in your water. Off-road riders should use a USWE hydration pack to sip fluids throughout the race. Drink early and often. If you’re thirsty, it’s already too late.
(5) Nutrition. Just like your bike, your body needs fuel too. Hot weather kills your appetite, but your body needs calories to fight fatigue. Cold watermelon is a game changer. It’s full of water, natural sugar, potassium and other nutrients. Fruit smoothies mixed with protein powder also cool you from the inside and offer a quick energy source. Don’t skip meals or else your energy will crash before your bike does.
(6) Boots. Motocross boots are ovens for your feet. Don’t walk around the pits all day in them. Take them off as soon as you’re done riding. Let your feet breathe and cool down between motos. You’ll feel fresher and reduce the risk of blisters or overheating. The Alpinestars Tech 10 Supervented boots do offer some airflow, but it’s hardly noticeable once the vents pack up with dirt.
(7) Cool vests. The top pros wear cooling vests and ice wraps on the starting line, and even for their sight laps at the AMA Nationals. These vests help drop your body temperature before it’s time to race. Some riders even throw a frozen water bottle inside their jersey or neck brace during staging. Be creative—anything that helps lower your temperature can give you an edge.
(8) Sweat management. Sweat dripping into your eyes mid-moto is not just annoying, it’s dangerous. Veo Strips are innovative sweat-gutter headbands that help channel sweat away from your face and keep your vision clear. Additionally, it would be smart to remove your helmet’s foam liner between motos to let it dry in the sun, along with your goggles. This way, you aren’t starting your second moto with sweat-soaked foam.
(9) Training. There’s a myth that riding in the heat all week with a sweatshirt on will make you tougher. To a degree, acclimation does help, but overdoing it depletes your body’s reserves and leaves you drained come race day. Smart training means pushing yourself just enough, not destroying yourself before the gate drops.
(10) Intuition. The most important tool you have on hot days isn’t gear; it’s awareness. Dizziness, chills, nausea or goosebumps in the heat are signs of heat exhaustion. Don’t ignore them. Take breaks, cool off and, if needed, skip a moto. No race is worth risking your long-term health.
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