10/07/2024
๐ ๐ผ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐๐ฐ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ต๐ถ๐๐ ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ด ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ต ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐.
How hot is hot?
We have been through Death Valley countless times on our tours. Personally, my hottest was 122 degrees. I can tell you, it's no fun, not at all! Once it gets to 118, you seem to feel every single additional degree.
I don't know the exact details of the six riders tragic fate and why they had to go there. On motorcycles! During record heat temps. Most likely they were on vacation and possibly they were on a schedule to reach their next destination. Maybe they thought it's not going to be that drastic. Maybe they had a breakdown?
But Badwater Basin? The lowest point of the continental U.S.?!
I strongly advise against such life threatening maneuvers.
Take a detour.
Stay away from crossing Death Valley. If you really have to do it during conditions like these, you need to drink water, lots of it. I don't mean a bottle or two, I'm talking gallons. Start before you even get there and begin to hydrate.
DO NOT STOP drinking water!! Keep drinking.
A Camelbak is a good idea - sip along, refill, repeat.
Use a cooling vest.
Take electrolytes.
Leave at the crack o' dawn to beat the murderous sun.
Take a good undistorted look at your physical condition and make a wise decision.
When the heat index exceeds 99 degrees, ambient air, such as the wind experienced by motorcyclists, is no longer able to provide relief from the heat.
The moment you feel nauseated, dizzy or sick, have headache or muscle cramps it may well be too late. Heat exhaustion has set in and can only be topped by a heat stroke - your body's temperature regulation system is failing!
While you might be able to beat the heat exhaustion (depending on your surroundings) you WILL need medical attention when you have a heat stroke.
Key Differences:
Severity: Heat stroke is more severe and life-threatening compared to heat exhaustion.
Body Temperature: Heat stroke involves a body temperature above 104ยฐF (40ยฐC), while heat exhaustion does not.
Skin Condition: In heat stroke, the skin can be hot and dry, whereas, in heat exhaustion, the skin is usually cool and moist.
Mental State: Heat stroke can cause confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness, while heat exhaustion primarily causes weakness and dizziness without severe mental confusion.
Immediate and appropriate responses to each condition can prevent complications and save lives.
Better even: don't get caught in that situation in the first place.
Be safe out there!
