Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

These are the days I would like to bottle up and uncork in the dead of winter's freeze around here. Although even I, a lover of sun, heat and humidity, was a bit surprised when I checked my thermometer at the end of my ride today only to see a 98 degrees registered. Wow. No wonder I was feeling a little crisp after three hours in the saddle today.

These days are  all about riding. I can't concentrate on anything else in the morning because it is all just a countdown until I can get out and perform in the heat. So today I would be out on the road at 10:30, riding until 1:30.


I headed west to Wales figuring there would be no shortage of people watching there. I was wrong. The NB trail was sparse and the GD trail was a ghost town.


Early in the ride while just starting to climb up the hill at Greenfield Park golf course another roadie coming down the hill said "Phil" to me. Huh. I have no idea who that was, but he looked serious on the bike!


Heading into the west wind and up the slight false flat to Wales I took it easy, turning low 80's rpm at 13's-14 mph. When I arrived to take a short break and eat my granola bar there was no peace and quiet for the stop. A gaggle of about a dozen jr. high-aged girls were all there giggling and screaming at a picnic bench the entire time.


And a wag of the finger and a tip of the hat:
Wag of the finger goes to Wales. You have a nice rest stop located right on a bike path and the water is still capped up there? What? Are you waiting for a 200 degree heat index before turning it on? Shame on you.


The tip of the hat goes to the learning center in Waukesha near the trail head of the GD trail where not only do they have two bubblers working but also a water spout with tons of pressure behind the cold water. I dumped about three bottles over my head, in my face and down my back. Then I dumped one down my pie hole and continued on with the ride.

I grabbed the big ring and now did upper 80's rpm and 17's-18 mph on the way back on the GD trail. 


HOT, Humid, 98 degrees!
Wind, 8-12
Wales, 41 miles



I was so glad I cut this ride off and turned around at Wales despite thoughts of going on the Dousman or even farther. I had no idea how hot it had actually gotten, and with the sun beating down on me for three hours even I was indeed feeling a little crisp by the end of 41 miles.


Great ride though. Time to go drink more Gatorade!


Season Miles: 919