Cycling Sun Protection Facts for all my Riders!
Big Tanny here with a special report on cycling sun protection facts! While the visionary rapper D.M.X. once said, “ride or die” in the Ruff Ryder’s anthem, Tanny prefers a different sort of saying when it comes to being sun safe while riding your bicycle. Tanny’s statement would read something like:
“Ride (your bicycle) and, preferably, don’t die from skin cancer.” – Tanny Mangino
OMG, did Tanny just redefine what it means to be a Ruff Ryder? He might have, to be honest. The power of his natural, sun-safe tan gives him that sort of authority. I’m sure we could debate Tanny’s power to redefine late 1990’s rap catchphrases and posse names all day, however this article is really about teaching bicyclists how to be sun safe, whether through using sunscreen or sun protective clothing designed exclusively for biking. So without further fanfare, let’s dive in.
Biking Sun Protection Basics
As with all outdoor pursuits, you need to take proper precautions to protect yourself from the suns’s harmful rays. For cyclists in particular, it’s not enough to just use regular sunscreen while outside. Consider the following cycling sun protection facts the basic items to consider before going on your ride:
- The best sunscreen for cyclists should be broad spectrum, and water and sweat resistant. If you’re like old Tanny, you probably generate a healthy sweat while you’re riding around town on your trusty bicycle. So make sure to choose a sunscreen that won’t sweat out quickly. For your face, a sunscreen stick like the Sun Bum SPF 30 Face Stick is a great choice. This type of sunscreen has a wax-like consistency that doesn’t sweat out easily. As an added benefit, it’s less likely to run into your eyes as you perspire. For your arms, legs, neck and beneath your clothes, make sure to reach for the SPF 30 or above and apply 30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Ride early in the morning, or just before sunset to avoid sun exposure during peak hours. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should seek shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day if possible to reduce your risk of sunburn.
- Wear sun protective clothing designed for cyclists. We’re going to cover this in just a moment, but it’s always smart to wear UPF clothing if possible while outdoors. A long sleeve shirt, hat, and sunglasses will go a long way towards protecting your skin and eyes against sunburn.
Sun Protective Clothing for Cyclists
“Helmets are for dorks!” – Idiots
Whoa, I hope big Tanny didn’t just offend you. Even if he did, he doesn’t care. Cycling sun protection facts cover clothing too. Just like helmets protect your brain from damage in case of a bike accident, sun protective clothing designed specifically for cyclists can help prevent skin cancer-causing sunburns. Below are a few clothing articles to consider purchasing to stay sun safe while you’re riding.
- Cycling Sleeves for sun protection are the latest fashion status symbols in the cycling world. I mean, who would want to wear a basic UPF sun shirt when you could be wearing some cool skin-tight sleeves with a UPF 50 factor instead? Pearl Izumi makes some cool sun sleeves, so check them out.
- Sun safe bike helmets and visors are “hot like Hansel” right now in the biking community. Oh, and “Hansel” is a reference to the movie Zoolander if you didn’t catch it. Nothing shows how cool you are like a visor that protrudes several inches from your bike helmet. The hipster girl in the photo makes it look pretty awesome, so i bet you can too. Bike helmet sun protection is so popular right now, there’s even a fully funded Kickstarter out there to give the people the sun visors they deserve. The story behind the product is also pretty awesome too.
Whoa, this hipster gal looks stylish in her helmet visor! What’s really cool though is her reduced chance of sunburn and skin cancer thanks to the visor’s protection!
As always folks, be sun safe out there and stay responsibly tan.
Sincerely,