That's just nuts. Sure, it was hot... but it was manageable with proper rest stops, ice on the head, cold water, and electrolytes. Are that many people that dense about how to ride and manage yourself in heat?

I do have say... come around mile 65... I had that stare. I was out of it... but I stopped at a store, iced up... cooled off in the AC... got some PowerAid... and once I felt back *together*.... we went on. And even after that, we stopped when we could to keep ourselves feeling good.
Yes! Every chance I got I either had an ice cold towel on my head or I was pouring water over my body. Every kind resident who had their water hoses ready to spray cyclists...I let them spray me. I even sucked water out of my camelback and let it dribble over my legs and arms.

I carried a camelback full of water, 2 water bottles filled with gatorade, and did gel shots and fruit along the way. But with 10 miles to go...I had that 1,000 mile stare. I did not even get off my bike at that rest stop. I just stopped and straddled my bike. This woman with a stethoscope came rushing over to me and asked me if I wanted to lay down (I must of looked pretty bad). I told her no...this is as good as it gets...and as time goes on...it will only get harder. She brought me my water, gatorade, and ice cold towel to me. I clipped back in and started pedaling.

I think that was another reason why I completed it. I never lingered at any rest stop (even at the end). I got my refills, I wet down my body, I had a gel shot and fruit, and I was on my way. I never sat down to rest. Time is against you out there when it is that hot. The longer you are out there, the harder it will get no matter how long you rest in the shade.