“Ride #59: Not a Good Day for Riding”

Before leaving for this ride I talked about the weather. It was really hot and humid. A couple of people then responded that I should be careful, not to be a hero, a football player just died from heat stroke, etc., etc., etc.

This did nothing to stop me from riding, of course, but it did give Corinne something to worry about. That's good, I really appreciate it because she didn't have anything else to worry about.

I'm not a super hero. I'm not Lance Armstrong. I'm also not stupid.

I'm well aware of the dangers of extreme heat, I've had a nasty case of heat exhaustion and dehydration once before, which totally ruined a vacation in Florida when I was thirteen (fifteen?) years old.

Anyway, I do appreciate the concern, it's nice to know that you guys care! Still, please trust me to not kill myself. I ride because I love it, not because I get paid for it or because I have to do it.

Turns out that it was too stinkin' hot yesterday. Only about seven showed up for the ride, and most of them were already complaining about the heat when I got there (I was late). I managed to stay with them on 201 until half way up the first hill, and then I just sort of... gave up.

To be completely honest, it wasn't the heat that beat me, it was Insanity Hill (I'm going to keep calling it that until I know its real name). I was still more than two miles from it, but I couldn't stop thinking about the torture that I'd be putting myself through to climb that beast in that weather.

When I reached a certain point on 201, the point where I knew the rest of the group takes a detour for the first big hill, I decided to turn around and head home. That's the first time - and hopefully the last time - that I've abandoned this ride. I'm not happy about it, part of me feels like I've failed at something important.

Anotherpart of me is saying that I didn't fail at anything important, it's just a bike ride, there will be plenty more opportunities.

Whatever. They can keep fighting about it, I have work to do.

Stats: 22.73 miles (36.59 km) in 75' 20" for an average speed of 18.10 mph (29.14 kph).