I recently lost shy of 10 liters of sweat during one ride. Although, to be fair, it was a 20-hour charity ride. I tried to replenish as much as possible, but I probably got 2.5 liters into me at best. The result was hellish exhaustion and the need to take some long breaks in air-conditioned restaurants just so I could get my head straight and continue my journey safely.
I was facing 90-degree-plus Fahrenheit temperatures, and so will those of you heading through Death Valley this summer—now, you're being warned.
Death Valley National Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds is warning riders who are thinking about taking trips to Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, or other popular destinations in an area that essentially becomes a furnace during the summer.
“Motorcycle riders are injured or killed due to the extreme conditions every year in Death Valley. Your safety is our priority, and we want you to return home safely so you can ride for the long haul,” Reynolds said before continuing, "We encourage riders to visit between October and April, when temperatures are significantly cooler and safer for motorcycling.”
On my recent ride, through what felt like it must have been the hottest part of Mexico, I'd say temperatures hit mid-90s, maximum. But during the summer months, official temperatures in Death Valley reach up to 130 degrees, which most would deem unbearable, but not just because it's extremely hot, but because something happens at 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once temperatures reach 99 degrees Fahrenheit, the ambient air doesn't provide cooling relief, regardless of how fast you're going. I started to feel like this during my long-distance ride recently—there was no escape. Regardless of what you're advised to do, I know that some of you are venturing to Death Valley anyway, so here's my advice.
Get yourself a Garmin Mini InReach 2 at the very least, so that if anything happens, someone can keep tabs on you. Load up on ice-cold electrolyte mix in a thermal flask and buy a cooling vest—I wish I had done the latter before my trip.
