I want to ride, but may not be able to...

I'm 60, just took the MSF class last weekend in MI, and fell out on the asphalt from heat exhaustion. Obviously, I couldn't finish the class. Is the only thing you can do to avoid overheating to drink lots more water? I had all the required safety equip on for this class, and it was 80 degrees and humid. When we were pushing the bikes in a keyhole turn after crossing the parking lot for the first time in 1st gear, is when it struck me down.:o

Also, the bike they had me riding was a Suzuki 250, looked like small cruiser, I'm not sure of the model. But I have a 32" inseam, and felt like I had to lift my feet up to my waist to get them on the pegs...doesn't feel too stable to me. Any suggestions?

As for the heat, I've seen some great mesh armor jackets. One person I know owns a white one and it seems to work well for hot weather. Other than that, keep your helmet visor open if you have sunglasses on to keep some air coming in, and drink lots of water.

My son said that he wears t shirts in hot weather. So far, he hasn't gotten any road burn, but I'm not sure that would be a good idea for me. He won't let me ride his Yamaha VStar until I pass either the class or get a permit and train and get the license.
That seems to be about the right size for me, but probably not to learn on.
;-)

Being hydrated is important. Try one of those bead filled neck wraps you soak in water, maybe a couple and keep one cooling in an ice chest to swap out when needed. Problem is the humidity doesn't let your sweat evaporate to help cool you. The air moving around you as you ride or a stiff breeze would help too. They allowed us plenty of water breaks and chances to get the helmet off to cool down during our class. As for the 250, we have the same inseam, and though I was a little cramped I found it a fun little bike to ride through the course. It took the first hour to get used to it but once I got going it felt ok. Then again my bike is not much bigger, but almost twice as heavy.

Instead of editing I'll add:
Just wear the minimum required safety gear for the class if you can. Light colored long sleeved shirt, denim is what I wore. I did wear my own helmet, but kept the visor open and wore glasses. It was in the high ninety's for our class but humidity was up a little, but only around 30% or so. Ain't dry here this time of year.

Sometimes it's a matter of being acclimated. If someone works indoors under the A/c and then goes home under the A/C, too - their body doesn't stand a chance when the temp and humidy go up. It's just asking too much of one's body to make such a sudden change. I know when I moved from CO to W. TX desert it took me a while to adjust. I don't know how active you are or how much time you spend outdoors in those conditions...but if that's your situation you're going to have to build up your tolerance - go at your own pace with some low to moderate outdoor activities (walking is good) and work up to where you want to be.

Water is good, Sport drinks like Gatorade are even better and I will suck up a gallon of that stuff on a hot day while riding and I am 56. The problem with dehydration is that by the time you think it's a problem it's already too late and even veteran riders can be had by this problem. If you are prone to having this problem suck up a ton of water or sport drink and take a small towel that has been soaked in water then wrap it around your neck to keep you cooler. Your age isn't the issue, how you prepare is.

If you were nervous, that probably didn't help either. That will come in time, but the info given above should help you a lot. Good Luck...

On asphalt in 97 degree weather with gear and a helmet it is tough to avoid dehydration and hyperthermia. As we get older, especially if on certain medication or afflicted with heart, lung or vascular disease the risk for dehydration increases. You have proven to yourself that you are at risk. I suggest you wait until early fall to take your course.

It is important to notice the signs of dehydration and overheating before they occur. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or just plain hot get off the bike and take a breather! you could also try again at a different location. The place where I took my class was right across from a Sheets market, we all went in the air conditioning at every brake! (it was 115 degrees to boot!) You also want to be well fed and well rested. Other riders have suggested putting a wet towel around your neck. They sell "things" (don't know what else to call them) that go on your neck and can be filled with ice or cool water, the veteran riders seem to like em.

Don't give up on motorcycling, but all in all, you need to look out for #1. Sure, riding is fun, but it is not worth your safety and well being. There are plenty of other thrills out there