<VV> Driving in the Dessert / Dehydration & Hyperthermia

[RoboMan91324 at aol.com]

Yes, it is not too bad to rely on windows and vents to keep cool on short to 
moderate trips.  Convective and evaporative cooling is how we mammals were 
designed to cool ourselves when necessary.  However, when we were designed, cars, 
motorcycles, etc, were not in existence and most natural breezes will not 
dehydrate you that quickly.  In a long trip, you will tend to dehydrate and 
drinking water, at a minimum is required.  Keep in mind that when you perspire, you 
are losing salt, minerals, etc. along with water.  GatorAid or some other 
sport drink is better.  It replenishes some of the minerals and electrolytes 
along with the water.

The water soaked towel around your neck works OK to keep you cool but it is 
messy.  Much of the water runs down your back and chest and it drys out 
quickly.  A great alternative is headbands, bandanas and vests filled with water 
absorbent crystals.  When soaked in water, the crystals swell tremendously and 
form a gel.  They let the water evaporate slowly, keeping you cool.  Depending on 
the forced convection, they can retain water for days.  In addition, there is 
a minimal amount of dripping.  These are available from numerous sources who 
supply equipment to road crews and construction workers who must survive all 
day in dry heat.  You can find some of these things on eBay as well.  I have 
not seen vests on eBay.  Here is a link for a bandana.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cool-Downz-Cooling-Bandana-Neck-Wrap-2-Camouflage-NIB_W0QQ
itemZ180240517439QQihZ008QQcategoryZ36439QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
QQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

I ride a motorcycle and have seen the effects of heat stroke.  I use the 
bandana and vest on those occasions when I will be riding long distances in dry 
heat.  Of course, you probably don't need to go to this extent in a car for 
health reasons but it sure helps keep you comfortable.

Doc
1960 Vette; 1961 Rampside; 1962 Rampside; 1964 Spyder coupe; 1965 Greenbrier; 
1966 Corsa Turbo Coupe; 1967 Nova SS; 1968 Camaro ragtop; 1993 Harley FLSTC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a message dated 5/23/2008 3:20:41 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
virtualvairs-request at corvair.org writes:

> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:52:40 -0700 (PDT)
> From: Smitty Smith <vairologist at verizon.net>
> Subject: <VV> Engine Temp Crossing the Desert
> To: virtualvairs at corvair.org
> Message-ID: <129975.50073.qm at web84209.mail.re3.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>    
> Ken, just when and where were you driving that you required all that 
> preparation? Plenty of water, yes--just in case of breakdown; but I lived in 
> 
> Phoenix, where it hit 100?+ daytime temps about this time of year and stayed 
> that 
> way into September--had no air conditioning in my car, and drove many miles, 
> 
> both to work and for pleasure. I just kept the windows and vents open, and 
> let the DRY desert breeze--natural or speed-induced--do the cooling for me. 
>   -----------------------------------------
>   Smitty says :  Scotty You are right that nobody is likely to die nowdays 
> from having a breakdown in the desert.  But Ken' point is well taken from a 
> standpoint of comfort if nothing else.  A towel for each person in the car and 
> a gallon jug of water can be a godsend when the temps get over 100.  People 
> who have not experienced it don't realize that a wet towel around your neck or 
> draped over your head can get so cold out there that it can give you a 
> headache.  Been there, done that, and may do it again.


**************
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