Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer in Canoe Country, but there’s still plenty of warm weather to come. And while cycling can actually cool you off on hot days—you make your own breeze, after all—it helps to be suitably attired. I don’t have much trouble outfitting my lower half. Lightweight lycra bike shorts do the job for me even on the hottest days. But keeping my upper half comfortable is a fussier business. A jersey engineered for warm weather is a must, and here are the qualities I look for:

• • Bright color (safety first, and all that)
• • Short sleeves that don’t bind
• • Breathable, quick-drying fabric
• • A relaxed cut (no elastic in the waist!)
• • Good ventilation
• • Quality workmanship
• • Reasonable price

In addition to helping drivers see me in time to avoid running me down, bright colors are usually pretty good at reflecting the sun’s rays. I like hi-viz yellow and hunter orange, but white will usually do the trick, too. Short sleeves that don’t bind and a loose hem promote air flow, as do a deep neck zipper (a sports bra will satisfy the demands of modesty here) and a generous cut. But sun protection is also important. DeFeet Armskins keep the sun’s rays at bay while still letting the breeze through. That’s what I want in a jersey, as well. The more porous the fabric, the cooler the ride. But you can go too far. If a jersey is too sheer you end up with sunburn. Quality workmanship? That’s a no-brainer. The trick is to find a jersey that’s well made but still doesn’t cost the earth. I shop the end-of-season sales, and I’m seldom disappointed. It helps if you’re happy to forgo a team logo. I am. The result? I can outfit myself for a week of riding for the price of a single status jersey. Which is a very good thing, indeed. I’d rather ride than do laundry.

So there you have it. My short list of guidelines for keeping your upper body cool in the hot days still to come.

 
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