Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Non-Thorn Related => Topic started by: Danneaux on February 26, 2012, 01:37:40 AM
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Hi All,
I need your help with a problem I face on my next tour.
As I sit here planning my next trip with some extended desert crossings -- either Oregon's Alvord or Nevada's Black Rock again -- I realize I've got to find a more effective solution to prevent sunburning my bald head. The first pic shows my typical setup with helmet and Santini/Headsweats tailed cap. Second pic shows the kind of country I travel through with no cover or shade, and a lot of reflected heat and UV (causing sunburn beneath my chin and forearms). You can see the result in the third picture, despite sunscreen and even zinc oxide; it hurts, takes a good while to heal, and is a big concern because I have fair skin, burn easily, and come from a family with a history of skin cancer and have already had some pre-cancerous lesions removed. My Dad has had an eyelid reconstruction and other sun-damage and skin cancer-related surgeries, and I don't like where I'm headed (sorry).
I have tried nearly every sunscreen on the market here in the States, and none has proven effective for repeated all-day riding in these environments. Though I apply sunscreen on a schedule throughout the day, I simply cannot haul it in great enough quantities to use it in effectively large doses. It doesn't take long to burn through even the large, weighty tubes. I am reconciled to using heavy coats of opaque white zinc oxide on my lips and nose, but it isn't practical for my scalp and presents a real cleanup problem in a dry camp. I really don't want zinc oxide all over my sleeping bag and clothing, and boy does it collect wind-blown dust. I apply sunscreen on awakening, but even getting up at 4:50AM, it is already getting light and there isn't much time for the stuff to soak in before I get blasted with the day's hot early sun.
For my arms, sleeves made from cut-off pantyhose (tights) legs were remarkably effective, but I have now taken to wearing a long-sleeve IDT jersey from Brazil ( http://www.b2brazil.com/B2Brazil/hotsite/Default.asp?var_cod_assoc=1077 ), intended to filter and protect against the sun (fourth picture). That has helped a lot with my upper torso and arms, but it is my head and face that are really problematic. Because of the heat (124F/51C), I really need to maintain ventilation. I have decided to try a billed cap with detachable tails for neck protection on the next trip. The Outdoor Research cap in the last photo looks like it might work. It just fits beneath my helmet, and the cap portion is ventilated to a degree, but not in a place where I'll get burned.
My bald neighbor tells me, "Son, the Good Lord made a few perfect heads; the rest He covered with hair", but this is scant comfort when I'm going up like a match. Any suggestions for effective sun filtering solutions for the follicly challenged? Perhaps our Australian members have solved the problem, since intense sun is a part of outdoor life there...?
Thanks in advance!
Best,
Dan.
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That OR cap is going to be your best option I reckon, Dan. Halo also make a solar cap with tail that would be less bulky under the helmet. I use a halo bandanna - great to wet it too on a hot day for air-con cooling.
(http://www.google.com.au/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.haloheadbanduk.com/wpsystem/wp-content/uploads/SKT303WHT.jpg&sa=X&ei=65hJT63SHqO5iAf0z7yyDg&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNE7iCFG7A89UV53yii3HzCXNjrHeQ)
Maybe use it with some sunnies with a nose-guard as well
(http://www.google.com.au/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/image.php%3Ffile%3D/art/products/products0809/accessories/nose_guard_dc3.jpg%26width%3D450&sa=X&ei=fJdJT6-kN4qTiQffkMSODg&ved=0CAQQ8wc4AQ&usg=AFQjCNGMdo8vMOwUGIWDVbxuwqVwbsgt-Q)
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My main summer hat is a Tilley hat with lots of mesh in the crown:
http://www.tilley.com/LTM8-Mesh-AIRFLO-Nylamtium.aspx
I haven't tried combining this with a helmet - it probably wouldn't work. But this "3D" mesh might be a step toward a solution for you.
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Here too is a Dr. Shade item that could be another piece of a solution:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___63486
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I've used a standard Buff (https://www.buffwear.com) with great success - looks like you might need the UV version.
I've seen these - Da Brim (http://www.dabrim.com/) - but don't have one to say if they are good/bad or other.
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Oh! The power of the Internet and good friends -- Thanks! You've all quickly come up with some really good ideas, some for things I hadn't heard of or even thought to consider. I think I can draw a little from each and see if I can construct something to meet my needs...perhaps even a series of ride-configurable solutions. A nose guard is something I can make or apply right away (for example http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_index_html/product_detail_html/Nose-guard.htm ), and Da Brim shows promise for peripheral protection, especially around camp. Jim and Pete, the Halo and Tilley's look very promising, and I keep returning to Myles' UV Buff.
Please, if you can think of additional solutions to consider, they'll be most welcome. Meantime, thanks truly for your suggestions!
Best,
Dan.
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I've seen these - Da Brim (http://www.dabrim.com/) - but don't have one to say if they are good/bad or other.
Quite a few cycling friends of mine have set up hat brims similar to Da Brim - just a conventional sun-hat and cut the brim out to fasten to the helmet
(http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/49917/2423240960074746151S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2423240960074746151oLxKfp)
Or polstyrene sheet taped to a helmet
(http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/45457/2147408870074746151S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2147408870074746151yQfacv)
(http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/48858/2558979270074746151S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2558979270074746151KDdxXR)
I think this one Brian has may actually be Da Brim
(http://inlinethumb55.webshots.com/48694/2153537990074746151S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2153537990074746151LgcWba)
Three or four of the riders on my recent Tasmania tour were using some sort of brim, for 18 days of riding. No problems that I know of, apart from a certain unconventional appearance.
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Oh, man...this will ensure Danneaux never produces an heir. Fetching! Doesn't look good like the Aussie brim hats. Sigh.
Appearance aside (and who really cares in the middle of the desert, a good 100mi/161km from any other human being), I have found a couple problems with this setup:
1) The cape on the OR cap attaches to the brim with brass snaps. Unfortunately, the rear edges of those snaps contact my forehead, and standing under the bathroom heat lamp as a test, they heated up right away and became uncomfortable. What were the designers thinking?
2) If I dial-out the adjustment on the my helmet's occipital strap, I can plunk it down over the hat. The problem is at the front. The helmet drives the brim down onto my glasses, and they in turn press really hard on the bridge of my nose. My nose has already been broken five times and doesn't like this. The problem is caused by the curvature of the hat brim. It also sets the helmet up pretty high...higher than I'd really like for forehead protection.
I think the basic idea has promise, but needs better execution. I can look for another hat of this general type, or try to modify this one by removing the snaps and replacing them with velcro spots, using a heat gun to remove some of the curvature in the brim. If I mod it, I'm stuck with it, so I may buy a second hat to compare before I decide.
Please, keep the suggestions coming! Thanks!
Best,
Dan.
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Use the Halo solar cap and tail, with good sunglasses and nose-guard. Sunblock on rest of your face and if you keep the Halo wet it'll keep you nice and cool ;D.
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Pete,
The Halo Solar Skull Cap & Tail does look like a really good option, and I thank you for suggesting it. I have several more questions for you, if I may:
1) Does the little sweat-diverting "gutter" they refer to and the side/top seams dent your head when you wear it under a helmet?
2) By any chance, do you have a photo showing you wearing it under a helmet?
3) Does the tail cover most of your ears?
I surely appreciate your thoughts and efforts, Pete, especially coming as they do from your experience in similar conditions to what I ride in.
Best,
Dan.
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1) Does the little sweat-diverting "gutter" they refer to and the side/top seams dent your head when you wear it under a helmet?
This sweat-diversion is a rubber rand about 4mm wide and 1-2mm thick. It works very well and does not cause any pressure on your forehead. It sits below my helmet brow.
2) By any chance, do you have a photo showing you wearing it under a helmet?
3) Does the tail cover most of your ears?
Sorry, no photos of me wearing it. I rarely get good photos of myself. I have their bandannna, without the tail. However the brim of this covers a good proportion of my ears. With the tail I'd expect you'd get ~60-75% coverage of the ears.
[edit] Googled for a picture (not many with a helmet) and found this one (as I said, I do find it covers the ears quite well, despite this picture)
(http://www.google.com.au/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://store.haloheadband.com/v/vspfiles/photos/JER100-1.jpg&sa=X&ei=SghKT7vDB8aOiAfj1KyzDg&ved=0CAQQ8wc4AQ&usg=AFQjCNEB3IFBO0DZlCk01gHM7F-My1iIpA)
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You need an Araphat! I use one of these in the top end of Australia where the sun is fearsome and the UV similarly so. I particularly like being able to draw it across the face via velcro although I would not use it in certain parts of the world, one can look 'well dodgy' Here's a link to a supplier. There are others of course. http://www.happymicks.com.au/prod138.htm
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Yet another option:
http://www.headsweats.com/products/Protech.html (http://www.headsweats.com/products/Protech.html)
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or
http://www.headsweats.com/products/Skullcap.html (http://www.headsweats.com/products/Skullcap.html)
with DaBrim
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Outstanding, guys!
I'm working my way through the links and looking in wonder; there's a vast array of options I hadn't considered 'cos I didn't know about them!
Jim, I have a Headsweats Skullcap...found it, forgotten, in one of my gear lockers. That opens up some possibilities with other options, as you suggest. The snapless version of the Protech is a bit like my OR tailed cap...without the snaps that scorched me. Great! Will check it out.
Ian...the Araphat shows some promise! Oh, no worries about appearances now; I think the OR tailed cap in the photo above has killed my chances for finding a girlfriend, so the field is wide-open to consider other options. Can this be worn beneath a helmet? If I could reshape the brim to a flatter curvature, it could work.... If I can balance the sun coverage with ventilation (looks possible by varying the amount of "wrap"), it looks the most protective wrt the sun's rays.
Pete, thanks so much for digging up that photo; it helped so much. I now see it is the lower part of the cap that covers the ears, and not just the tails. There's a lot going on in that location (ears, cap, tails, glasses temples and helmet straps), but I think it could all be juggled pretty nicely after a couple initial tries to try it all out.
I so appreciate your efforts; keep 'em coming, guys! I'm looking to send off an order Monday or Tuesday so I can send for some of these and try and get things sorted and road-tested. I'm about 3.5 months out from departure, and that time goes by in a wink (soldering-up USB adapters for my gadgets so I can get the Tout Terrain charging fully sorted, breaking down dried foods for the food locker, etc.).
Best,
Dan.
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Hi All!
Progress on the sun-protection front...
I have now sent for and am trialing a Halo Solar Skull Cap & Tail. See: http://store.haloheadband.com/SOLAR-s/37.htm
So far, it seems to be working pretty well, with some minor exceptions and only one problem, which I am on the way to addressing:
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Flat, overcast seams don't dent my noggin.
- Breathes surprisingly well.
- Surprisingly warm when it is cooler, but comfortable in warm weather..especially if soaked. Kinda like hair.
- No sunburn through my helmet vents, so the claims of sun protection seem good.
- Excellent protection for neck, ears, and side of face, thanks to the tail.
- Built-in sweat gutter at forehead seems to work pretty well.
Cons:
- Have to let helmet occipital strap out several notches to accommodate it; no problem.
- It is one more thing under the helmet, but that can't be helped; no problem.
- The little sweat gutter on the front leaves a bit of a dent but not enough to lobotomize me, so its no problem.
- The big problem comes at my ears. Despite Pete's good explanation, I hadn't fully comprehended the nature of the cap's construction and what it would mean, and this has caused some problems for me (since largely resolved. I think).
The hat consists of four parts:
1) At the top is a sectional skullcap made of a breathable, sun-shielding fabric.
2) Attached to the skullcap is a tail of the same fabric that covers a little less than 180 degrees at the sides and rear and provides excellent sun protection to the scalp, neck, ears, and side of the head.
3) Below the skullcap is a 5.5cm band of soft, brushed elastic material that anchors the hat and holds Part 4 (below) in place to work properly.
4) Heat-bonded to the elastic band at the forehead is a piece of rubbery transfer-like material about 1.3mm thick. It is impermeable and serves as a little gutter to channel sweat away from one's eyes. It works pretty well as a system. If you are bald like me and lack hair on the top of your head, then the skullcap catches, wicks, and evaporates a lot of the persperation. Any extra drips down and soaks into the brushed elastic band. Once that is overloaded, the gutter channels it to the sides where it drips off. It all works better if the elastic holds the gutter tight against the forehad, and that's where I ran into some problems -- not at the forehead, but at the ears.
When I first got it, the elastic pinched the tops of my ears. Bad. Real bad. There's a lot going on in that area, what with my glasses temples, the elastic band of the Halo hat and the two helmet straps, so there isn't a lot of clearance at the tops of my ears. The Halo band has to go over my ears 'cos there isn't enough room behind them even without the glasses. It wasn't bad at first, but after awhile, it gnawed away at me till it made my teeth itch and I couldn't enjoy the scenery as I rode along.
The solution seemed to be to stretch the daylights out of the elastic band, wash it, and then stretch it again while still wet so it biggifies. Once enlarged, it still stays in place fine, the little forehead gutter still works, and now my ears don't feel like they're bleeding. Aternatively, I think I could have taken a v-shaped tuck in the band where it passes over the ears, but if this works it would be ideal. The jury's still out, but it looks more promising with every wearing. A photo of it in use is here: http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3896.0;attach=1381
If only it didn't make me resemble Jar-Jar Binks, the most annoying character from Star Wars. Still, it works and if I can rig a cover for my nose, I should be set for my next desert tour. I've added two more SPF50+ rated long-sleeve jerseys to go with the one I have, so I won't have to carryas much sunscreen or remember to re-apply it as frequently. Gettin' there.
Best,
Dan.
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Glad you've found something that works, Dan. I recently got a visor buff:
https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/92 (https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/92)
so far it seems comfortable and works well. I haven't given it any very rigorous testing though. E.g. how much sweat can it handle, or how much sun will it block. But I have been wearing it and it's working for my limited needs.
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I recently got a visor buff
That looks like a really good solution, Jim, with many advantages. I wish the referenced site had included some photos of it worn under a helmet.
If you're feeling brave, might you consider posting a photo or two of yours on alone, and worn under a helmet? My big problem with a visor is getting it to clear my glasses when it is squashed down under the helmet brim.
And, of course, there's the Big Question...what color/pattern did you choose? A number look really good. The Halo just comes in black and white but I suppose that's okay given the goal is to stay cool and unburned by the sun... <grumble> ...the Halo Skullcap and Tail doesn't look as stylishly cool as yours and style counts for somethin'.
Best,
Dan.
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If you're feeling brave,
Maybe it will take more bravery for folks actually to look at these gruesome self portraits, but here you go!
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1364.jpg)
The pattern is "Madiva 2"
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1363.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1362.jpg)
and here is one from the road, from which you can see that the buff tends to come off the bottom of my ears. Can I arrange things to prevent this?
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1359.jpg)
Well, the fun thing about the buff is that a person can wear it multiple ways! Here is another possibility:
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1366.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1365.jpg)
This method feels a bit snug for me.
But this next one seems comfortable and to give good coverage:
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1369.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1367.jpg)
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r6/kukulaj/IMG_1368.jpg)
I haven't tried riding with it this way though, so this is just a very preliminary report!
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Well!
That's just outstanding, Jim! Simply outstanding!
First off, you look really cool.
Second of all, I wish I looked cool like that. The Jar-Jar Binks look just isn't cutting it.
All kidding aside, I really like the versatility of your buff. I wish I could work out just how you get the tube effect around your mouth. That would be so very useful in the occasional sandstorm and would perhaps allow me to leave home the dust masks I carry for those occasions.
The visor looks to be a simple sheet of neoprene, and therefore flexible. No sign of interference with the bottom of the helmet or your glasses.
Really great pattern, too.
Is the fabric kind of a Lycra-y material?
Really good ear coverage without pinching, too. Mine still pinches, but less than it did, making me hopeful. Yours doesn't pinch at all.
Did the company give an SPF rating?
Is it fairly cool (temperature-wise) when you ride with it?
I was a little concerned about neck coverage till I saw the last three photos, and those show it really does a good job.
Boy, Jim, I think you've really got a winner, here. It looks like the solution I was seeking, and now I am seriously considering one. Looking forward to your first "ride with" report on how it does for you. Really impressed!
Thanks so much for the photos; looking good!
Best,
Dan.
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Here is a video that will help reveal some of the games one can play with a buff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z02rv8Dp-E (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z02rv8Dp-E)
It's Coolmax fabric so quite reasonable in the heat. The website someplace says it cuts 95% of UV, so is that the same as SPF 20???
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Here is a video...
Ever more impressed, Jim.
Did you have to open-up your helmet straps any to accommodate the visor buff, and were lumps under the helmet any problem?
Thanks so much for your information and patience on this. I just don't want to look (yet again) like the Parboiled Danneaux that appears in the opening photo to this thread (and my dermatologist says it may already be "too late" as in I've topped out long ago on "safe" sun exposure).
Best,
Dan.
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Did you have to open-up your helmet straps any to accommodate the visor buff, and were lumps under the helmet any problem?
No, I haven't felt any lumps at all and I haven't adjust the straps. My helmet has another adjustment at the back, that tightens or loosens the circumference. I do find myself tweaking that a bit. I keep my helmet pretty snug.
I think it's actually CoolMax Extreme fabric, whatever that is. I wish I could find any actual SPF rating. If my guess of 20 is correct, then probably you'd want to augment it with lotion too. I tan reasonably well so sun exposure isn't too big an issue for me. I hope you find a solution that works for you!
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http://www.mybuff.com.au/products/high-uv-buff/ (http://www.mybuff.com.au/products/high-uv-buff/)
Yeah, spf 20 looks accurate. Not perfect but not too bad either.
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This is a good video too, showing ways to wear a visor buff:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaRY2Qc02wo&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaRY2Qc02wo&feature=related)
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The ride I'd registered for was going to be a challenge:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/91317041 (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/91317041)
but then I missed a turn:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/96862877 (http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/96862877)
The temperature was up in the 80s, quite sunny, not too humid. I wore the visor buff almost the whole ride, just not at the very beginning and end. I used the third, or final, configuration from that set I posted a few days ago. Happy to report that it worked quite well from a comfort point of view. I didn't have any problem with sweat or any other discomfort from the visor buff.
Two extra category 3 hills! I am beat!
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My, Jim, you did really well on your ride! Well done! I see I need to register to view that first link, but the second comes through just fine. Looking at the profiles for those climbs....one of 2,200 feet followed by the other at 2,100 feet, and both looking like walls in the contour graphs. Man! Sure glad to hear the humidity was down. When I spent that year in Mississippi I never quite adjusted. I'd step out of the shower fresh and clean and 20 paces out the front door, it felt like I'd stepped onto the surface of Venus -- 92F and 97% humidity -- and soaked to the skin.
How terrific hearing the visor buff worked well in practice! I was hoping it would for you, and now your report makes me look very seriously toward getting one myself. <nods> Yes, I might have to add a little layer or something for the top of my noggin to boost the SPS20 rating, but that would be doable. I'm pretty impressed by the functional versatility of your visor buff.
For those of us who are follicly challenged, it can be hard to remember just what hair felt like, but I know it used to be cooler on hot days! I wore my Halo with Tail on a warm day, and was surprised to find it more comfortable than not. It would be neat to see how much evaporative cooling would take place if they were pre-wet with cool water. I'm guessing it could make a real difference in comfort.
A real good ride for you, Jim, and you did well. How do you feel about the upcoming Erie run now you've got a bit more mileage under you? I think you're going to do really well...
Best,
Dan.
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I see I need to register to view that first link, but the second comes through just fine.
Sorry about that. The first was the official Tour de Pepacton route. I created the second when I got home. They didn't hand out maps or cue sheets and there where only a few arrows along the route. There was an arrow at the turn before the one I missed. I looked carefully at the turn I missed and couldn't see any arrow, so I figured I was supposed to go straight. After a while I just figured I'd find my way back one way or another!
I asked for a county map at the grocery store right by the ride start, but they don't sell maps there. After I got lost and when I finally came across a little not-quite-town... the lady behind the counter at the antique store that had been a gas station not too long ago, she looked at me funny - who needs maps, everybody knows their way around here! Bless her, she gave me very accurate directions to get me back on route. Finally I came across a big town and found a county map. Sure wish I'd had that to start with!
Looking at the profiles for those climbs....one of 2,200 feet followed by the other at 2,100 feet, and both looking like walls in the contour graphs.
Well, that's the altitude at the top, but I was starting around 1300 feet, so that's only maybe 800 feet. But that second big climb, the software is telling me it was a 19% grade. That really took it out of me! Very nice to cool down, taking it easy on the other side!
I'd step out of the shower fresh and clean and 20 paces out the front door, it felt like I'd stepped onto the surface of Venus -- 92F and 97% humidity -- and soaked to the skin.
My second two years of high school were in Indiana. Weeks of 98F, 98% humidity. I know what you mean!
boost the SPS20 rating,
Yeah, I can't really report so much on that aspect of the buff. I'm pretty tan by now. I didn't have any lotion on my ears and they feel fine right now, but I am not such a sensitive detector.
How do you feel about the upcoming Erie run now you've got a bit more mileage under you?
I think at this point I am going to throttle back a bit. Maybe one more longish ride in a couple weeks. I don't want to overdo it and get so sick of riding that I am not looking forward to 400 miles in 8 days. Mostly I just want to ride regularly without pushing the intensity too hard. The Canal ride is really flat. I think now it is mostly just a matter of a month of maintenance and having some fun with it too.
Getting the teenager out, that's the bigger challenge. Prom, final exams, high school graduation, college orientation. He's a busy kid!
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Teenagers are....... well, teenagers!!
My daughter did just two training rides before she came to Tasmania and did a 1000km ride with us. I think she reasoned that if she was riding faster than mum on the first 40km ride she'd be OK for Tassie. Later she did a very wet weekend camping tour (just 80-90kms total), that was good value to harden up her tolerance for adverse conditions.
She had no real problems in Tasmania. She walked a few hills, especially sections of the 12km climb up the Great Western Tiers and the 20% climb over The Dazzler Range, but otherwise handled the riding extremely well. Even when she crashed quite badly on day 1 :o, she was able to get back on and continue.
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I think I would get far too hot wrapping my head in a buff. Sunblock works fine for me and the air can still get to the skin.
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I wore my Halo with Tail on a warm day, and was surprised to find it more comfortable than not. It would be neat to see how much evaporative cooling would take place if they were pre-wet with cool water. I'm guessing it could make a real difference in comfort.
Lots!!
A few years back when we had 'Black Saturday' with the horrible fires, there was one horror week before this with 4 days in a row above 43C. The first day I drove to work but the car was so hot it was an oven. The following three days I rode to work and I was more comfortable. The Halo was a key part of my strategy - I kept it wet by just squirting water on it at each traffic light stop. Great evaporative cooling. I kept my head tolerably cool in the conditions. For long distance touring in heat, if you can keep your head cooler you will sweat less, thus have a lower requirement for water.
Every summer there comes a time where I have to remember "Oh yes, water on me is better than in me".
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My daughter did just two training rides before she came to Tasmania and did a 1000km ride with us.
Thanks for the encouragement! Our teenager runs track and lifts weights so he's in great condition. I had him out on a hilly 23 mile ride and he didn't begin to tire. I expect he'll do fine!
On the visor buff... I wonder if it isn't too clever. Maybe it would be better to have a separate visor along with an UV-buff. The neoprene visor is rather floppy. Mostly it stays in place but if I turn my head sideways going downhill it does collapse and block one eye. When I straighten my head it blows back into proper shape. But there is a bit of a hazard there. Plus when one is adjusting the buff, one is trying to optimize two dependent variables, the overall fit of the buff and also the placement of the visor. Having the buff and visor separate would just provide more flexibility. A separate visor would probably be stiffer and a bit longer, i.e. a bit more shade in front.
I'll probably stick with what I have. Anyway I can just put the visor at the bottom of my neck or wherever out of the way if I want to try a separate visor. But if you haven't taken the plunge yet, something to consider.
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Jim!
Thanks so much for the further, extended-use report on the visor buff. Reading carefully and weighing my needs, I do believe I would be better served by a visorless buff. Is essentially the same buff available from the vendor you mentioned -- sans buff?
Since I often scream downhill at well over 50+mph/80+kph and the tandem often hits the low-60s/100+kph, the visor distortion would be a major problem for me if it affected visibility.
If the visor proves to be problematic over time, might be be possible to snip off the neoprene visor, converting yours to the visorless type?
You've surely been good to share about your experience with it, and this has helped me greatly in learning what might better serve my needs.
All the best,
Dan.
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I do believe I would be better served by a visorless buff. Is essentially the same buff available from the vendor you mentioned
Sure, e.g.
https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/53 (https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/53)
I just wish there was something available in the SPF 50 zone!
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Here's a photo of a fellow who seems well covered and you can more or less figure out what he's doing....
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=1&pic_id=1067030&size=large (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/pic/?o=1&pic_id=1067030&size=large)
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Thanks very much for posting the link to that photo, Jim; it really is very helpful to see these things "in action" and yes, I believe I can figure out what he did to get it looking the way it does.
On further thought, I believe the buff may indeed be the answer for me, so long as it is missing the neoprene visor. As it happens, I was just trying on my helmet in front of the mirror with an additional hand mirror so I could see how low the helmet comes on my brow/sides of my head. The Halo just isn't doing it for me due to the ear-pinch factor. Seeing this photo you references makes me realize it might well be possible to double the SPF rating by adding a layer under the helmet scoops. I have a small Headsweats CoolMax beanie that would do that, and my Bretagne Santini CoolMax "pirate hat", comlete with tails that would also add a layer if needed.
Boy, it sure was easier having hair. :P I'd always though being bare on top would be cooler, but it sure isn't (except in winter).
Thanks, Jim! You've really been a welcome help in my Quest, and I very much appreciate your kind efforts.
All the best,
Dan.
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In summer I wear a billed cap under my helmet. The purpose is to keep sweat out of my eyes, but it would also work to protect skin under the vents. It shouldn't be beyond human capability to sew on a drop around about a little more than half the rear circumference to turn it into a sort of Foreign Legion kepi to offer neck and ear protection as well.
In winter I wear a knitted cap, also with a visor, under the helmet to keep my head warm. This was sold in Milan as fashionwear for young women and I'm sorry now that I didn't buy half a dozen. I wear mine even with a formal trench coat, it is such a useful item of apparel. This one is shaped to cover the ears if you wish.
Something else that works in all seasons is a socalled microfiber (poly-something) skull cap sold to runners. It doesn't have a bill to protect your nose from the sun, but I've found it very good for passing through perspiration without letting it run out of my hair into my eyes, and also for keeping me warmer than one would think from its light weight and thin feel. It may be worth having a kepi run up of this material, round rather than peaked, of course.
Automobile racing polo necks have a very big neck. You'll be hot but at least you'll avoid melanoma.
Have you checked on the net for Yasser Arafat headwear? That style of Bedouin headgear is basically just a large square of cotton, held on with a ribbon tied around the head or even an elastic; a common sweatband worn on the outside might serve two functions. But you can get shaped ones. The one I had many years ago was much cooler than the pith helmets we all used to wear then.
Andre Jute
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Hi All!
After trialing the Halo Skullcap ( http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3990.msg19663#msg19663 ), I have reluctantly returned it. The problem was the elastic headband rode over the top of my ears and after riding with it for awhile, it hurt so bad it made my teeth itch and took all the fun out of riding. The feeling was akin to having a pair of glasses with temples/earpieces that pinch at the ears...but on the outside of the ears.
Continuing my search -- and keying off Mylesau's and JimK's suggestions (thanks, guys!) -- I think I have found the ideal solution for my needs: A visorless Dry Cool Buff Pro in fluorescent yellow: http://www.buffusa.com/professional/collections/dry-cool-buff-reg-pro/styles/dry-cool-buff-reg-yellow-fluor Cost was USD$16 + postage. A version is available with 3M Scotchlite stripes for nighttime visibility, but I decided against that option after a company rep confirmed the stripe did not breathe and made the buff less flexible. I decided on the neon yellow for daytime visibility, to prevent loss, and to match my sun-protecting jerseys ( http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_524336_-1___202490 ). All my cold-weather gear is black to better absorb the sun's warmth, so the yellow jersey will likely be covered by black when I am in camp and need a more stealthy appearance to avoid attracting attention. The full range of Dry Cool Buff Pros is shown here: http://www.buffusa.com/professional/collections/dry-cool-buff-reg-pro/styles/filter/construction
I plan to wear the buff primarily configured two ways -- as a sun-protecting cap with neck tail, and as a sun balaclava with full coverage over my ears and cheeks (see attached photo). The tag on with this model buff promises 95% UV protection. As a bonus, it has been treated to resist odors.
For me, this model Buff is much more comfortable than the Halo. It is simply a tube of not-so-tight knit Coolmax fabric with no elastic bands or seams of any kind. When one is as follicly challenged as myself (I'm bald as an egg up-top), things like seams are a real problem and lead to painful embossing of my noggin. This thing is just thin, smooth knit fabric; even the edges are unhemmed.
For a video showing the different possible configurations with this buff, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOxbjujEjO8&feature=endscreen&NR=1
This will greatly reduce the amount of heavy/bulky sunscreen I normally carry to avoid burning, should feel cooler compared to nothing at all, it can't hurt to have that much more neon yellow up where a driver can see it, and the buff can be treated with insect repellent. Now, I just need something to protect my nose.
Best,
Dan.
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Hello Thorns!
Just read my way down all this thread. Looks like Buff sans visor is indeed the way to go to keep ears and neck out of the sun. For the face an additional cap might have to come into play though...
To extend this topic beyond the head: we're heading Andes-way and thinking about sun-cover strategy. While expecting a fair bit of cloud cover, that makes matters worse in a way because the light is coming from all directions rather than just one. And the altitude makes things worse again. A year ago in Africa we got fried. Heads not so much as we were wearing brimmed hats (no helmets then, but come to our senses - were just rebelling against compulsory Australian helmet laws), which indeed have the severe downside of suddenly covering your face when going downhill and looking sideways...but hands and legs were a pain. Legs: never again going with short shorts. Days on end in equatorial sun at 2000m (Kenya, Tanzania) means that the top of the knee/ lower quad is the perfect solar panel. Going for all 3/4 length pants for that reason. My partner had real issues with sun burn on calves as once the sun is past say 3pm you get a solid side roasting (heading south/north) with no shade from the bike whatsoever. We slapped on sunscreen, but the only thing that saved us was the Malawi rainy season kicking in (which is still deceptively sun-burny, but at least concentrated illumination is reduced).
The body part we had the oddest sunburns with (no, not there...) was our hands! We were both wearing fingerless cycling mittens, which meant that the end of the fingers were out all day. Despite sunscreen slopping, sweat just washes it off after a while. We both got burnt under (!!!) our fingernails, bizarre I tell you, needless to say painful. I made some make-shift covers out of hairties & squares of material (one hair tie around the wrist, one twice around middle and ring finger), which limited further pain, but where practically a bit limited and looked like we were about to brake out into some tribal dance...
So: for sun-burn central riding, what do you do for your hands? Long summer cycling gloves? Fingerless mittens and then thinner ones on top? We'll have to prepare for both tropical as well as cold/ altitude/ bad weather conditions, but I'm trying to minimise 'stuff'. So our current thoughts are long summer cycling gloves (for padding, had cyclists palsy - weeks of numbness between little and ring finger- from initially going without cycling gloves), merino liner gloves and water/wind-proof MTB-y gloves. Your thoughts?