Is the heat redrawing the motorcycle map?

For the first time in the history of the Tour de France, a stage was recently shortened because of the heat. Temperatures were expected to reach 41 degrees along the route in central France — and the organisers chose to protect the riders by cutting 30 kilometres from the stage. We motorcyclists don't race the Tour de France. But we sit in helmets, gloves, boots and motorcycle gear, on top of an engine that also generates heat.

Heading south has long been the obvious direction for many European motorcyclists. But what happens when temperatures approach 35 or 40 degrees? Do we start choosing different destinations, shorter daily stages and new times of day — or do we simply ride on as usual?

The appeal is easy to understand. Alpine passes, the rolling roads of Tuscany, the curves of the Pyrenees and the back roads of southern France are among the destinations that come up time and again when motorcyclists talk about their dream rides.

But something has changed.

The really hot days are coming more often, heatwaves are lasting longer and temperatures can remain high well into the evening and overnight. Europe is the World Health Organisation’s fastest-warming region, with a rate of temperature increase roughly double the global average. Even in northern Europe, the likelihood of warm nights and so-called tropical days is growing.

The question, then, is whether the heat is beginning to change the very nature of a motorcycle holiday.

When the dream road becomes too hot

As a motorcyclist, you are more exposed than most other road users. There is no air conditioning to turn up and no roof to provide shade. The wind can create a feeling of coolness, but when the air itself is very warm, that is often not enough. The body still needs to shed heat, even as fluid is lost through sweating. Heat stress can lead to dehydration, fatigue and reduced concentration. In serious cases, there is a risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

For a motorcyclist, this is therefore not simply a matter of a less pleasant day. When the body tires and concentration drops, the riding itself can be affected.

The planned daily stage can suddenly feel considerably longer. That winding road that looked perfect on the map may not be nearly as enjoyable when the thermometer reads 36 degrees, the tarmac radiates heat and the next shaded rest stop is many miles away. At that point the question arises: do you press on regardless, or start planning differently?

From a full day in the saddle to a split riding day

One possible change is to split the riding day itself.

Rather than leaving the hotel after breakfast and riding through to late afternoon, it may become more appealing to start early, while the morning air is still cool. A few hours later, when the sun is at its highest, the motorcycle can be parked and riding replaced by lunch, rest or a visit somewhere with shade or air conditioning. Though there is the practical question of what to do with motorcycle gear — most riders would rather not spend a long stop wearing all of it.

When the temperature drops again towards evening, the journey can continue for a few more hours. This does not necessarily mean fewer miles in a day, but a different rhythm. The motorcycle holiday perhaps takes its cue from the way people in genuinely hot countries have long structured their days: active in the morning, slower at midday, and moving again in the evening.

The downside, of course, is that the cooler hours of the day do not always align with hotel breakfast times, restaurant opening hours or the original itinerary. Evening riding can also mean reduced visibility, more wildlife on the roads and greater fatigue after a long day.

Are we heading north instead?

Norway, Scotland, Iceland and Scandinavia may now be able to offer something that was not always their most obvious selling point: rideable daytime temperatures.

That does not mean riders are abandoning Italy, Spain or southern France. But the timing may shift. Those who previously headed south during the main summer holiday period may instead opt for May or September.

There is no simple answer to whether the heat is redrawing the motorcycle map. But it is a question worth asking before the trip is planned — not when you are sitting sweating in the saddle with the next rest stop three miles away.

For those who still choose southern Europe in July, the same applies as it did to the riders on that shortened Tour de France stage: drink more than you think you need. Take the break before you feel you need it.
And start early.