My ride was yesterday, but since there was no thread, I'll describe it here. We drove down to Tiverton, RI and did our annual tour of the south coast area: Tiverton, Little Compton, and Westport, MA. It was predicted to be 90 at home, but only 84 down there, so I wasn't concerned. When we got there, it felt really hot and humid, but much of this ride hugs the coast, so I figured there would be some respite.
This is a beautiful ride, with coastal and marsh views, past private beach clubs, and inland farms and roadside stands. At one point before the lunch stop at 12 miles, it did get misty and a bit cooler, but I was feeling the heat on the little rollers, so I really slowed. After lunch, there was a long stretch or 2 of unshaded riding and I really felt heat exhaustion starting. Eating shot blocks and pouring water down my jersey helped get me through, but this felt like the hardest 40 miles I've ever done. I actually had a cramp in my calf that I think might have been heat related, although I was drinking Gatorade, Acclerade, and water, along with having a turkey sandwich. I still enjoyed the scenery and I'd really like to spend more time in this part of MA and RI. when it's cooler!
When we got back to the car, it was 91 and I was toast. Ate a Luna bar and changed my shorts and cranked up the AC. After stopping to get an iced tea at Dunkin's I revived myself a bit. Later that night, our cycling friends came back to our house, where we had mojitos and flank steak... mmmm.
No riding today. I did a 3 mile walk and that was enough, along with a very short swim.