On the graph line of "number of cyclists likely to be out riding," August takes a dip as the heat and humidity build up in summer's farewell. Motorist tension rises and so does the "touchy quotient" as you ride along sharing the road. You probably notice also that the hills become steeper when it's hot and muggy. If you are a greyhound cyclist, you answer "what's the problem?" The rest of us know what I mean. Let's talk about wise cycling in the dog days of summer.

If you are cycling as a commuter, you probably have a no-problem morning commute at this time of year. The air temperature on the way in to work is generally mild and pleasant. It's the afternoon weather that becomes challenging. Our area's famous pop-up thunderstorms are likely to kick in. Even if they don't, you sometimes get on your bike fatigued from your workday stresses Then you set off into that afternoon heat that really adds a challenge to those steep climbs between you and home. What is a cyclist to do?

Were you a scout? Remember, be prepared. Consider these tips:

Of course you pack a rain jacket in the morning when storms are predicted for the afternoon and green blobs threaten your area on the weather map. Have a fully-charged battery and headlight to make yourself more visible in case of rain, particularly if there may be heavy rain.

On your way back home, drink at least eight ounces of water before you leave work for your hot weather commute.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you head out if you are riding in full sunlight.

Be familiar with your route. If there are congested segments, ride out into the lane as far as it is safe to do. The motorists will slow down. Know where the climbs are coming up. Anticipate when you will need to shift gears and do it early so that you will be ready to "attack" that nasty if short slope.

If you find yourself toiling on a climb, try holding your breath for at least two revolutions of the pedals. Then exhale swiftly. Your lungs fill automatically; you do not need to gasp. This practice gives you more oxygen for those whimpering muscles. It does!

If there is no automobile traffic, and no small child around to laugh at you, turn your front wheel fairly sharply toward the roadway as you pedal down. Then straighten the wheel as you do a second pedal rotation. Turn the wheel back toward the curb on your next down pedal and continue serpentining up the slope. The roadway needs to be clear as you careen up the hill, but you will gain momentum with each sharp wheel turn. You might want to practice this skill on a quiet, empty roadway first.

All of the above failing, you may have to walk. That's a healthy exercise, isn't it? Hop back on when the terrain levels out.

Keep your water bottle filled; use it frequently, or break out your backpack hydration system for continuous sipping.

Tie a kerchief on the handlebars to do an occasional sweat mop.

When you reach home, have a big glass of water first thing.

Then congratulate yourself. You did not let the three h's (heat, hills, and humidity) keep you from making an environment-friendly commute.

What if there is lightning? This summer has been legendary in terms of those pop-up thunderstorms. Lightening is no joke, and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to being struck by it.

If you are at home and the weather forecast is for continuing or late afternoon storms, consider going in by car. If the forecast is for "possible" storms or "scattered" storms, you might chance it. I hate when I play it safe and have to drive home in perfect riding weather.

If you are caught at work or mid-commute and the storm is really rough, wait it out. The more violent the storm is, the more likely it is to be of shorter duration. If you have signed up for the "Guaranteed Ride Home" project, claim a ride in really rough weather.

If the rumbling is distant, take a chance and do not linger on the way home. If my experience can be generalized, it is amazing how much stronger and faster adrenaline-enhanced cycling can be. Scared equals fast.

On your route, are there businesses? houses of people you know? Are there vacant houses with carports you could duck into? I have several "bolt holes" on my route, just in case. I have also found, if I have trouble, that people I have never met are willing to be helpful.

Do not take shelter under a nice, tall tree. This is otherwise known as a lightning rod. If you must stop in the open while the storm is going on, sit down on the ground in a somewhat open space, with your bicycle a little ways away from you.

When you reach home, have a glass of water, dry your bicycle and lubricate the chain after you have dried yourself. Also remember to have a thankful attitude for arriving safely, and for being able to do a healthy bicycle commute in the first place. See you out there!