A cool-down after a ride is a good idea. But as with warming up, I\’ve never given the post-ride cool-down much thought. What\’s the best cool-down, anyway?

Pedal easily for final stretch of your ride? On weekdays, I don\’t want to ride easily for too long before ending my ride, or I won\’t get in the miles. After all, I have to get to work, which restricts my riding time.

Maybe I need to do some post-ride stretching? Don\’t they say it\’s not the best thing for muscles to go abruptly from vigorous activity to inactivity?

In this hot weather, a place with poor (at best) insulation is hard to cool, especially on a sunny day. Taking a cold shower right after a ride might cool me off briefly, but I\’d heat up again almost immediately. I\’d need to shower again in the evening. That seems like a waste of water to me.

I\’ve been very prone to orthostatic hypotension, especially following my Sunday long ride; maybe it\’s in part because I go from cycling to sitting too quickly? And  because I don\’t cool down adequately? Especially as getting busy on the laptop means prolonged sitting! My doctor has me trying some medication that\’s meant for very low blood pressure, and it seems to help.

Some days it\’s so hot, I think I might like to try a cooling vest.  I even wonder whether it might help keep the orthostatic hypotension at bay.

And there\’s ice water, fans, a cold cola … whatever you decide to try for a cool-down, I hope it keeps you cool.