DriveBy

It's 100° outside. Add the heat index to that, and all of San Antonio has put out heat advisories. Even our non-essential outdoor activities were cancelled this afternoon.

Of course, I came home and immediately jumped on the bike. I only rode 14 miles with a few moderate climbs, but I feel like I did 50 in the mountains. I was slow, too. It took me an hour, 2 24-ounce bottles of Gatorade, and one powergel to do the ride. I really wish I had frozen that 2nd bottle last night, because it was hot by the time I emptied the first one. Damn, I'm still out of shape despite working on this for quite a long time.

15 minutes after the ride, I feel great now that I'm in the AC. Half an hour ago, I was really suffering trying to make it that last few blocks to the house. Can't wait for the next ride, even if the heat does force me to slow down and reduce the mileage.

And before anyone asks, yes I could ride a few hours later when it's slightly cooler but then I'd be riding after dinner. I usually don't want to do anything after dinner. If I don't go right after work I'd probably put it off till the next day.

661

Sucks, doesn't it? Get some lights and get up early. That's where I'm going. Riding in the dark of the early morning is cool in more ways than one.

DriveBy

Hell, no, not around here. I don't care how much light and reflective gear you have, the nuts driving at 0400 (the time I'd have to ride to get any miles in before work) won't see you through their sleepiness. I live near several truck stops, so there is a lot of semi traffic.

Guest

Ride early on weekends and maybe go with the trainer on weekdays if you can't do the heat thing?

Koffee

mac

The heat doesn't "bother" me. I welcome it as a challege. However, the smog kills me, literally. I live in LA which has the worst air in all of the US. (I think #2 is Houston.) When I went riding on the 4th of July up the mountains, I breathed very deeply. After about 3.5 hours, I couldn't breathe any more. I could only take short, quick breathes since my lungs would feel like needles. I took a good 3 hours for me to breathe normally again.

I don't like it when it's cool, though, because I cramp up and can't get that "warm" feeling in all of my muscles. And be sure to get a 100oz CamelBak. I always end up drinking over a gallon of water & Gatorade while riding in the heat.

Polonswim

What is PowerGel?

Be Ready

If you don't like the weather in Cleveland, Ohio -wait a minute.

jabike

We've had a typical spell of weather in Atlanta. The temp has been about 90 and the humidity about that same number. I am usually in a full sweat before getting on my bike. Ah, perfect biking weather. No need to warm up. Just keep dumping in the fluids and no need for a rest room along the way...

jbonus

I agree with you, Mac. Where I live, Chicagoland has always had horrible air quality. Now the EPA confirms what Mayor Daley has always denied. Ozone action days are the worst!

KingTermite 

No joke....I'm in Florida which is even worse due to humidity.

I've started riding evenings instead of mornings and am generally liking it better. Instead of starting out cool and it getting hotter every moment, it starts hot and gets cooler every moment.

DriveBy

That's what I normally do, but I recently got a new bike so I had to get out on the road.

DriveBy

Food in a gel form. PowerGel is a trade name, although mine wasn't that brand (I just said PowerGel the same way many people say Coke or Kleenex). It's a quick pick-me-up on the road, and has the texture of pudding. Good stuff.

The brand I use most often is Gu.

dee-vee

Its been hotter than hell here lately and it really sucks. I wish I lived in oregon or washington, screw this california heat!