The summer has finally arrived and along with it, motorcycle season. After suffering through a seemingly endless winter, you may be anxious to take the hog out and hit the highway. But on these scorching summer days, it's important to remember some key strategies to keep yourself safe and healthy on the road.

In this post, we discuss three important tips to keeping yourself cool and avoiding tragedy on your joy ride.

Wear the proper gear: You probably know to wear leather and other abrasion-resistant gear to protect you from road rash in case of a skid out. During this summer, while covering yourself in thick leather may sound counter-intuitive in the hot sun, it's good at protecting you from sunburn and keeping you cool. It's also worthwhile to wear synthetic, wicking under layers to more effectively enable evaporative cooling.

Stay hydrated: Under extreme heat, it's critical to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated. This means drinking a liter of water or electrolyte beverage every hour. It's also important to avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine if you're planning to hit the road, as these substances can actually dehydrate the body.

Avoid heat exhaustion: If you overheat while on your motorcycle, you could pass out--and the implications could be disastrous. Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day, and take regular breaks. It's important to be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, start cramping, get a headache or feel especially fatigued, pull over immediately in a cool place, drink fluids and wait until your body feels replenished before you continue.

Riding your motorcycle in the summer can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors in the summer. By following the above tips, you can increase your chances of making it a safe, enjoyable ride.