Pooks -- something just occurred to me, and I wondered if it would be useful to you! What about evening rides? I don't know how late it stays light where you are, or how long it stays hot, but perhaps an evening ride now and again -- maybe even in addtion to the morning ride -- would be a good way to work up to that 40 mile LiveStrong ride?

(someone somewhere was mentioning don't ride at noon because of the hot and sun -- here in Boise, things are just starting to heat up around then. 4:30 or so is DEFINITELY the hottest part of the day!)

Karen in Boise