Our solutions for beating the heat when we visit in August (not all are products, most are just strategies):
- cooling towels
- clothing in moisture-wicking, quick-dry tech fabrics designed for exercise, golf, tennis, fishing, etc. -- no 100% cotton, no denim, no spandex, etc.
- park bags that are small, lightweight and made of breathable fabrics, not weighed down by heavy stuff like water bottles (we get free iced water at CS locations instead, during our frequent refreshment stops to stay hydrated)
- lightweight, breathable, heavy-duty ponchos for hurricane-season-level wind and rain (not disposable plastic ponchos, which are great for the rest of the year or for wet rides, but not adequate in a summer storm)
- concentrating touring on early mornings and late nights, with a lengthy afternoon siesta in the air-conditioned hotel
- avoiding outdoor queues until after dark when the temperature begins to drop