Originally Posted by
Banded Krait
So, what were the take-home lessons from this episode? There are two that have stuck with me in the almost 40 years since then: (1) Know your limitations, and (2) always stay hydrated. Staying hydrated is the most important. Back in my high school days, there really were no sports physiologists, and a lot of coaches actually discouraged water intake during practice. Now, 40 years later, I cannot get enough liguid before, during, and after physical exertion.
I have a much healthier appreciation for my limitations today! I enjoy riding solo, but there's no one with better common sense to rely on.
Absolutely! You should have gone inside where it was air-conditioned, taken a 10-minute break, and drunk a large portion of your cold drink.
At that point my thoughts were not well-connected. I did not want to get off the bike. In retrospect, the symptoms and poor choices came on rather quickly. Next time I will make the smarter choice.
I am glad you made it home safely. If there is any message I can pass along to my fellow cyclists, it is this: Don't mess with heatstroke. It can kill you a lot quicker than you think.
Amen to that!