Weather-Proof Your Ride: Summer Biking in La Crosse Without Melting Into the Pavement

La Crosse summers are a whole vibe. You’ve got long days, bluff views, and enough beautiful trails to make you forget what a car is. But also? The heat hits different when you’re pedaling through 85 degrees and the air feels like soup.

The good news: you don’t have to suffer through it. With a few small gear tweaks and some real-world prep, you can keep riding comfortably even when the humidity starts to climb. Here’s how we handle hot-weather riding without turning into puddles.

Summer riding

Dress for the Ride You’re Actually Taking

Forget the thick jerseys and heavy layers. Summer is all about lightweight, breathable gear that lets sweat do its thing. Look for moisture-wicking tops, padded shorts (trust us), and light-colored fabrics that reflect heat instead of holding onto it.

And yes—bike gloves are still a good idea. No one likes slippery hands on handlebars.

We’ve got a solid lineup of hot-weather gear at the shop right now. Swing by if you want to try stuff on and see what actually works in La Crosse heat.

Hydration Isn’t Optional

Obvious? Sure. But you’d be surprised how many folks forget to bring water or wait too long to drink it. Start hydrating before the ride, and sip regularly, even if you’re not super thirsty yet.

Pro tip: freeze a bottle the night before, or carry two—one with water, one with an electrolyte mix.

If you’re going longer than 10–15 miles, throw a spare bottle in your bag or upgrade to a frame-mounted hydration system. We’ve got options for both. Just ask at the counter or check out our bike sales page to browse gear we trust.

Tires, Chains, and Heat Waves

Hot weather can mess with your tire pressure—rubber expands, and sometimes things get a little too squishy or too tight. Check your PSI before longer rides and keep a mini pump on hand just in case.

Also? Dust and grit tend to build up more on dry roads and trails. Wipe your chain down every few rides and reapply lube regularly to keep things running smooth.

Don’t have lube at home? We’ve got it in stock. Or book a quick tune-up and we’ll get your drivetrain summer-ready in no time.

Plan Your Ride Around the Sun

Early mornings and late evenings are your best friends. Not just for temps, but for traffic too. Trails like the La Crosse River State Trail or Hixon Forest paths are way more peaceful (and cooler) when the sun isn’t directly overhead.

Want route ideas that avoid the heat trap? Come talk to us. We ride here every day and can point you toward shaded options and solid detours.

Explore some of our go-to routes on the Bike La Crosse page or just stop by the shop and we’ll map something out together.

Your Summer, Your Pace

Not every ride needs to be a workout. Sometimes the best summer ride is a slow roll to the farmers market or a sunset loop around Riverside Park. Take breaks. Find a shady bench. Bring a friend who doesn’t care about mileage.

If your bike’s been sitting in the garage since winter, or you’re not sure it can handle summer rides, bring it in. We’ll give it a once-over, make sure everything’s safe, and get you back out there before the season slips away.