When the dog days of summer rear their sweltering heads, an air-conditioned home and a tall glass of lemonade can sound far more enticing than an uncomfortable bike saddle and some pickle juice.
Whether it's a way to challenge your heat threshold, test your sanity or sweat out unwanted toxins, registering for one of these rides will bring some fun (or pain) in the sun.
Tour de Big Bear
August 3, 2019 in Bear Lake, California
A century ride around one of California's most scenic lakes, Tour de Big Bear offers advanced cyclists more than 7,000 feet of climbing. Oh, and you have to do it on one of the Northern Hemisphere's hottest days of the year.
Bike to the Beat
August 3, 2019 in Appleton, Wisconsin
As its name suggests, some tunes will accompany you on this hot ride through beautiful Appleton, Wisconsin. You can choose routes of 10, 20, 36 or 48 miles, and each route comes equipped with food stations complete with live music.
Chattooga Century
August 10, 2019 in Summerville, Georgia
Riding 125 miles through the rolling mountains of North Georgia is one way to ensure you get that burning sensation caused by sweat dripping into your eye. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunblock.
Farm to Fork Fondo Finger Lakes
August 10, 2019 in Burdett, New York
Take on this casual, organized bike ride with stops for chef-prepared bites at farms along the way. Because what's better than cycling and food all in one? Riders will begin with a celebratory mass start before taking on either 8-12 miles, 35 miles, 50 miles or 85 miles of beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine. Plus, participants will also receive a ticket to the post-ride Farm to Fork Barbeque, post-ride finisher brew, a customized finisher number plate, welcome bag with cycling swag and all the support and aid you could need along the course. Don't miss out on this unique August experience.
Tri-County Triangle Trail Cookie Ride
August 18, 2019 in Frankfort, Ohio
Is riding 100 miles in the sweltering summer heat worth a cookie once you cross the finish line? You bet it is. Fortunately, this ride, which features several SAG stations with scrumptious cookies awaiting hungry bellies, includes routes of 14, 21, 36, 50, 75 and 100 miles.
Stow Bike for the Woods
August 18, 2019 in Stow, Massachusetts
Whether you want to cycle an easy five miles with the kiddos or you want to challenge yourself with a metric century, the Stow Bike for the Woods has it all. And don't forget to cool down with the ride's now-famous self-serve lemonade stand—the perfect remedy for a hot summer ride.
Rampart Rager 100
August 24, 2019 in Colorado Springs, Colorado
With 80 percent of the route on dirt and the other 20 percent paved, you'll want to bring out your gravel grinder for this brutal 63-mile ride. And, since it's in Colorado, would you want it any other way? You'll also get to swing by some of Colorado Springs' best sites, including Garden of the Gods and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Three Rivers Century
August 24, 2019 in Bozeman, Montana
You can bike for bikes at this 12th annual century that gives cyclists spectacular views of Big Sky Country. All proceeds benefit Bike Kitchen, a non-profit that promotes bike advocacy and provides bikes to those in need. And you won't have to sweat too much for this charity ride, as the average high is a comfy 78 degrees.
READ THIS NEXT: 5 Hydration Tips