Well, here's one happy boise mom -- happy for you HappyTexasMom!

I see that SarahSpins has written some things that I was about to write. I, too, like to go out in the evening on the hot days. It's actually easier to be in the heat as the sun is setting than it is to be out when the sun is getting more intense with every passing mile.

Another suggestion -- I've been putting Nuun (an electrolyte additive) in a water bottle since riding home from work on a HOT day last summer, when no matter how much water I poured into myself I could NOT quench the thirst. (yeah, Boise's in the north, and there's skiing just 26 miles from my house, I can see the snow from here in winter, but we're in the DESERT here! 110 and 8% humidity is NOT uncommon!) (ooh, some of you will be every bit as amused as I was the first time I heard "It's sure muggy today" and the humidity was a whopping 29%)

I found that slick tires on my "mountain" bike made a huge difference for me when I made that change a few years ago. You'll be REALLY glad you made that change, I'm sure!

If there's more to changing the handlebars than you want to spend, think "shoulders down" when you're out riding! Also keep an eye on your elbows, make sure they're not locked. It sure helps me!

Karen in Boise