Another exhausting ride, mostly because it was 84 degrees. But, no rain, thunder, or lightning. This is good!
We had a large group of over 20 people for the "faster" group on the 30 mile ride. DH and I had agreed that due to the hotter temperatures, we would keep the speed at around 13-14 average. That lasted until we got to the rest stop, about halfway through the ride. A couple of riders stopped and waited for the slower paced group to pick them up. As soon as we left the rest stop, one woman told me she was losing it. I stayed with her as the sweep, but the rest of the group was gone. I was still at the upper end of the agreed upon speed (13.8 average), and feeling pretty tired myself. This woman was getting slower and slower, so finally, about 7 miles from the end, she decided to wait for the other group.
I rode the last 7 miles by myself, almost just going straight home, as i was a mile from my house. But, I made back to Verrill Farm and I was pissed. My DH said they had a tailwind and the riders were on his azz. Yeah, his average was a mile faster than mine. I followed our plan and even got back 5 minutes before our estimated time. Usually, I have 5-6 riders at the back with me, but this year, we had a very different group, and I didn't know any of them. So, we raced home in the car, and showered, and returned for the happy hour and dinner. Food was good, and then DH and I went out for ice cream... we were home at 6:30 and DH is now sleeping on the couch.
I am not slow enough for the slower group, so I think this speaks to the lack of riding I have done so far this year and the heat. I might take a slow recovery ride early tomorrow, as it's going to be 92 later in the day. My car is in the shop, but I am going to commute to work Monday.