AS I write this (grudgingly sitting inside at the computer while it's so sunny outside), it's another boiling hot day. I'm hoping by the time you read this, you're not staring out at rain lashing on the window, but I can't predict the future - sorry!

I've decided to write a number of tips especially for those good-weather cyclists whose bikes seem to freeze up in winter and come out only when it's not raining.

So here's the first of them: Wasps: OK, it's embarrassing, but one of my worst cycling moments was when I was cycling and a wasp flew down my loose-fitting top.

I think I was on a roundabout in Summertown at the time - definitely not a place to pause. It was one of those heart-stopping moments.

Wasps bring out the worst in people considering they're tiny insects and their sting isn't really THAT painful (hey, I'm giving birth in a couple of months so I'm under no illusions).

I remember thinking of some expletives, then thinking how the hell do I get this wasp out without giving drivers something else to think of than the road. Luckily, the wasp was a quicker thinker than me and flew out the way it had come.

So, what's my tip to avoid embarrassing insect moments? Well, don't panic! Actually, my first piece of advice is try to wear a tighter fitting top, and for 'fit' men, my advice is tight fitting shorts, too - after all, why should it only be buildings that make up the great view' in Oxford? I'm sorry, I know it's sexist, but if you've got it, flaunt it! - please?!) Sunburn: Respect the sun, especially if you have lighter coloured skin, cover up and use lots of sun block.

You also need to be careful on longer rides because just being out in the sun for hours can send you loopy AND give you a bad headache. So do longer cycles earlier or later on hot days and drink lots of water.

Tourists and how not to run them over: Well, we're in Oxford. We get a lot of tourists. In fact, we're nearly in the silly season now. Whatever you want to say about tourists, they bring in lots of money, so perhaps we should try to work out some avoidance strategies.

Instead of poking them with a stick, ring your bell furiously. This is marginally more effective than the usual Look out' or will you move your bloomin backsides'.

Another habit of tourists is to stand precariously on the edge of pavements in groups of 40, with one or two of them stepping backwards into the road just as you come alongside them.

See a gaggle of tourists and indicate, then cycle out of the bike lane to give plenty of room.

And finally: As the saying goes, "Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun". Not only are there more fellow cyclists about, but also open-top car drivers who've spent the winter season glued to the Grand Prix and now think they're Jenson Button (sorry, he's the only one I know as my sister fancies him).

These drivers are going to try and cut you up. Their collective IQ makes George Bush look intelligent. So avoid them as if they're small stinging insects.