October Rides

[azfiddle]

I commuted yesterday- October is the perfect month to ride in Arizona. Not quite 60 degrees and less of the prevailing headwind than usual to start and a short sleeved jersey was sufficient and the ride home was not too hot- 80 degrees or so. The weather here is getting ready to cool down a bit by the end of the week so the next time I commute I'll definitely need an outer layer or arm warmers.

[Crankin]

Rode this morning, in anticipation of the remnants of the hurricane coming through. I only have one word: windy. It didn't look that windy when I started out, though. But, since there was nothing else wrong, I am assuming that's the reason I was struggling! I did what I call my flat route, and while the 2 hills on the loop were fine, I found myself going at least 6 mph slower than normal on some parts of the flats. This is the ride that I've had my fastest average ever, and while I don't expect that will ever happen again, it was nowhere near the usual. However, finally, I got on the part of the route that was less of a crosswind, and maybe a teeny tailwind, and I was able to push it. I passed one guy who was moseying, and that gave me the oomph to just get done. Again, I was not dressed quite right. I wore my rain jacket, which was a mistake, and I should have had a lighter jersey on. Even my legs were sweating... it was 44 when I started and 52 when I got home. I did take my glove liners off and push my skull cap up over my ears, which helped.
A lot of work for 17 miles, but I am glad I went