The "science" of being "cool"

Nope, sorry, this thread isn't about "how to be a pirate."

Instead, here is a link that explains, in reasonably simple terms, why riding a motorcycle on a hot day can cause heat stroke (despite having a "cooling" wind blowing through your mesh jacket).

http://www.ironbutt.com/ibmagazine/i..._62-66_Hot.pdf

Bottom line is:

1) High airflow speed accelerates the removal of cooling perspiration;

2) Best to wear protective gear that is slightly vented, allowing the convective effect to be minimized;

3) A windscreen is helpful; and,

4) Radiant heat from an engine (radiator) can contribute to heat stroke.

So, when I get the Halloween urge to dress up in my pirate costume (leather vest with either no shirt, or a short-sleeve shirt), and ride my leg-burning Harley without one of those "un-cool" fairings, I better stop every 30 minutes, or so, and consume a bottle of water. Unfortunately, my cool hog doesn't easily carry water, or look cool when I have water strapped to it. Hence, always have a sidecar buddy in the group (Hi Jim!).

Anyways, China has lots of hot days and, especially in the very dry Western regions, it is something to think about.

The prior ironbutt pdf article explains that the head is a significant evaporative item, and a covered full face helps reduce the chance of heat stroke. Obviously, the skull-cap beanies are only for decorative purposes, but now it appears that they can also be notable contributors to dehydration & heat stroke.

In a similar vein (being "cool", but of the "pirate-type" of "cool"), here is an interesting research finding about crash impact areas on helmets:

Attachment 8242
(click for larger image)

Damn, it is just getting harder and harder to play pirate in the context of these distressing facts.

Thanks a lot for sharing these interesting facts!