Hottest ride to date

[tzvia]

Skipped commuting all week- it was only 99f~100f, but with the humidity it was really sticky so no way. But I am going to ride tomorrow.

Last summer, I rode in 103f going home and had a second water bottle with ice in it just to pour into my helmet. I did so at every stop.

Thankfully my commute passes many gas stations with mini-marts where I can get water and Gatorade type drinks, and there is a fountain in front of a condo complex I pass that I can jump in (I'm not kidding) if I find myself in trouble with the heat.

Be safe out there people- the heat in the central U.S. right now is brutal and dangerous.

[Crankin]

When I went out this morning, at 5:30, it was already 79. I know that's nothing for other parts of the country, but it's hot for here, in the early AM. And, as opposed to yesterday, it is super humid.So, I was happy to do just 17 miles. It's going to be about 100 today, which, to a former AZ person, is nothing. But that with the humidity, yuck. Will be staying in the office or home, and thankfully, the one client I see on Fridays has AC.

[OakLeaf]

The humidity has been insane. I've been comparing it to Florida, and it's the same in Ohio. I've read it's because of all the flooding earlier in the year ... welcome to our new climate.

I finally had to turn on the AC yesterday even though it was only 87° inside, because everything was turning to mold. Just like Florida.

I also read a study yesterday that compared two groups of cyclists over a summer. One of them worked out in heat, the other in AC, but outside of the controlled workouts, they only spent an average of 18 minutes per day in the heat! Unsurprisingly, the ones who worked out in the heat really didn't acclimate much.

It made me realize that most people work inside and don't have the luxury of controlling the thermostat where they work ... and of course a lot of people have a heavy hand on the thermostats at home ... plus when it's this humid, it's either turn on the AC, or rip out all the carpet and drywall (seriously, they should call it wetwall or at least dampwall) and install a summer kitchen and an outdoor shower (you bet whenever this cardboard-and-tinfoil home finally collapses, the new one will be more efficient).

So while I still maintain that everyone's body is physically capable of acclimating to heat, it's made me realize that socially and environmentally, probably most people in the USA don't get the opportunity to be exposed to heat enough to acclimate.

Be safe, everyone. Going for a short run ...

[Bike Writer]

It's a great point about most persons in the USA spending so much time indoors and not fully climitazing themselves because of it. I don't believe that I have acclimated myself fully to the heat and humidity because when the weather is really awful like the heat and humidity of the last week I stay indoors most of the time except for a ride. Example was Tuesday, despite all the awful heat I spent 23 hours indoors under cool temps and 1 hour outside biking. Despite the oppresivness of it, that was doable under those circumstances.

I also equate this to extreme low temps in the winter. While we don't fully climatize ourselfs to a life spent in the elements we do get some exposure going to and from our cars and walking in and out of buildings. I know those first below freezing days feel very cold, however after a prolonged cold spell and some sub zero days I don't feel shivery cold going out in 25-30 F temps. so even being an indoor creature, I and I believe most of us, do get somewhat tempered to the climate we are experiencing after a few days or weeks. Of course some folks with asthma and other physical issues experience this different from people who do not have those things to contend with.

Speaking of cold and shivering I think I'll go get a popsicle!

[GingerbreadGirl]

Went out twice this week in the low 90s, and am waiting until 7 pm tonight when the temp is supposed to be about 94 (coolest all day). Heat index is constantly over 100 lately. The best solution for me is riding the path near the harbor- ocean breeze and tree lined.

I think getting myself some proper cycle clothing would help me. I'm using my running clothing mostly, but I need more wicking, I think. Especially a good sports bra... I am quite rashy.

[GingerbreadGirl]

and there is a fountain in front of a condo complex I pass that I can jump in (I'm not kidding) if I find myself in trouble with the heat.

.

Love it!

In college my roommate and I used to jump in the lake on the way home from our mountain bike rides. At the local state forrest where I trail run, there is a kiddie wading pool; I often surprise the lifeguards by stopping in there on my way back to the car, lol.

[SheFly]

I had to drop my car off at the dealer for service on Friday. Granted, the ride to and fro is only 7 miles, but when I dropped off at 7:30 am, it was already over 80 degrees. Worse was the pick up. I started riding at about 3:00 pm, and my deck thermometer was registering 110 in the sun . It was also pretty humid. I probably wouldn't have ridden at all on Friday except for that errand though - WAY too hot for this former Canadian .

SheFly

p.s.
Yes - it was also STINKIN' hot in Canada last week.