Keeping cool on a bike?

So now we finally seem to be experiencing summer I was wondering what you guys do to help keep cool on when riding. I have all the vents open on my helmet, have a fairly lightweight Furygan textile jacket and vented summer gloves, but still sweat like a marathon runner. It's better when on the move, but as soon as I stop I'm soaked in sweat pretty quick. Even getting my gear on before getting on the bike is hot work. Don't get me wrong, I like the summer weather, I was just wondering what everyone does to help keep cool (er). Any tips on summer gear, etc appreciated.

[MisterTommyH]

Don't stop.

Simples.

Originally Posted by MisterTommyH

Don't stop.

Simples.

Lol

[maviczap]

Jump in the sea

Now I'm almost envious of the idiots who ride in shorts and tshirt. Not enough to do it though as I want to keep my skin...

[DJ123]

My helmet is white, my jacket is mostly sand coloured with some black & my trousers the same. MY jacket has 6 vents on it-2 on the sleeve, 2 on the chest & 2 on the back which create a good passing through breeze. At lower speeds I *sometimes* unzip the top of my jacket an inch or 2 to allow more of a breeze in. I don't get uncomfortably hot in my gear, even wearing jeans and a t shirt underneath it all. This was tested to the extreme in France at the MotoGP, sat on the bike between 1000's of other bike for an hour in 30+ degrees in direct sun light . . . .

[maviczap]

I'd rather sweat my socks off than spend the rest of my days permanently disfigured & in discomfort.

Its bad enough if you have a prang whilst wearing full gear

Originally Posted by daddyjob

My helmet is white, my jacket is mostly sand coloured with some black & my trousers the same. MY jacket has 6 vents on it-2 on the sleeve, 2 on the chest & 2 on the back which create a good passing through breeze. At lower speeds I *sometimes* unzip the top of my jacket an inch or 2 to allow more of a breeze in. I don't get uncomfortably hot in my gear, even wearing jeans and a t shirt underneath it all. This was tested to the extreme in France at the MotoGP, sat on the bike between 1000's of other bike for an hour in 30+ degrees in direct sun light . . . .

In hindsight, perhaps buying all black gear was not the best idea...

If have seen mesh type jackets, but not sure if they merit the cost as our hot weather tends not to last more than a week or so at a time if we're lucky.

Originally Posted by maviczap

I'd rather sweat my socks off than spend the rest of my days permanently disfigured & in discomfort.

Its bad enough if you have a prang whilst wearing full gear

Very true.

I must admit I do tend to wear regular jeans while riding which isn't the best idea. Will be investing in some forcefield knee protectors soon though.

[embee]

For my trip to Spain in June I invested (admittedly a lot ) in Halvarssons safety jacket. I already had their mesh overjacket to go with it, and got a waterproof overjacket to make up the full set.

The mesh+safety jacket work brilliantly, temps anything above 20C are fine, and in the 25-30 range it is bliss.

Expensive bliss.

Best bang for buck is some vented gloves, make a huge difference.