Yesterday afternoon, the wind blew briskly from the SSE at 23 mph. The temperature hovered at 97⁰ when I left work and spiked at 100⁰, for the ride and the day, as I climbed the last hill before I arrived at home. With the help of the wind, I was able to post my best time of the season, just under 42 minutes.

Yesterday's tailwind, though, was this morning's headwind and had only diminished by 6 mph. I spent more time worrying about the wind and, at several junctures, considered, very seriously, driving to work.

I toughed it out, though. It was a steamy 82⁰ when I left. The headwind was brutal but I kept a moderate pace as I tucked myself into an aerodynamic position on the drops (as aerodynamic as I could make myself would be a better description). In the end, the trepidation that I felt was misplaced. I was fearing fear. The ride was not bad, I kept a moderate pace and arrived in just over 53 minutes.