I'm ashamed as I haven't commuted via bicycle in about 4 weeks. We had our first big heat wave and it knocked me clean off of my bike. A couple day break turned into a week, then into two weeks, and so on. I swear in this heat, the more days you spend off the bike the easier it gets to stay off of it.

Anyways, the morning ride was very nice. My best speed to date. 7 miles in 25 minutes. I was happy, but I really don't worry about the time. I leave a full hour before work starts to ensure enough time if I have a flat or something. I didn't notice the temp, but it wasn't too warm yet. Probably in the high 80's if I had to guess.

The ride home was a gauntlet though. Several drivers passing me way too close, 105* temps, slight headwind...plus I'm just coming off of a month long moment of weakness. I actually had to get off of my bike for a minute or two and collect myself to make the last push into the headwind to get home. I started to entertain thoughts of driving the car tomorrow, but I quickly dispelled them. Once I could see my street I knew I was going to be OK. And a super hot shower to wash all of the sweat of, followed by several minutes in the cold water, and I feel completely refreshed. I have the slightest bit of a headache, but nothing an Excedrin won't take care of.


P.S. I need to quit smoking!!! I quit before cold turkey for over a year. But one day I picked up a cigar and that was it. I've been smoking ever since, about 9 months now.