I too had a scatterbrained ride today.

I commuted to work, but it's a very busy week getting ready for the start of our (year-round) school next week. I changed backed into my jersey and shorts, put on the HRM, socks, shoes, sunglasses & mirror. Put on my Ipod, backpack with computer .... double-checked and had my regular glasses.

The school I work in is located in a suburb with about 5 miles of open desert/air force base to traverse before getting back into a more city environment. So I was already into the desert section when I saw another cyclist in my rear view mirror- which made me realize I had forgotten my helmet! And my gloves. And since it was about 97 degrees out, I had no interest in turning around to retrace my path to get them .... When the other cyclist caught up - he said "don't feel bad, I forgot my water" and I looked down to see his empty bottle cages I offered him my extra bottle but he wouldn't take it.

I actually don't do that well in the heat, despite being a desert rat. About 2 miles from home I started to feel a little sick and overheated. The slight downhill grade and a little tail wind helped, but when I got home I had to lie down right away, and a have a cold drink.