I have to admit that I haven't been riding as much as I should lately. I can make excuses like work has been busy and family obligations are needing more of my time than usual but the honest truth is it is freaking HOT! The weather in New Orleans has been down-right oppressive.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a morning person. I do not wake up early unless I absolutely have to. Because of that character flaw, the temp outside is usually in the mid-90s by the time I get up with a heat index well over 100. Add to that the general steaminess of the oh-so-humid climate and it can feel like you are sitting in a pot of boiling water with the sun only inches from your head. I am getting older and with each passing year, my ability to tolerate the heat diminishes.
A friend of mine somehow managed to convince me to wake up in time to go on a group ride recently. The rest of the group are morning people. The weather was tolerable, not comfortable but really close. Not being accustomed to the morning sun, I didn't even think to apply sunscreen. Luckily the burn quickly faded to a nice tan but the tan lines... Wow.
The ride itself was great. We had several more experienced riders and two relative newbies. We elected to go at a pace that permitted most of us to have a pleasant conversation while also allowing the new-comers the ability to stay with the pack. All-in-all, it really was a great relaxing ride.
The one caveat I have to throw in there is that I experienced my first tire puncture since 1995. The unbeaten tire streak has ended.
Since the heat does not appear to be going away any time in the near future, I am beginning to think that I may need to take up night riding (at least until my stamina for the heat improves). I checked my lights and everything appears to be in order. The other option is finding a route that has at least some shade. Either way I just need to get off my lazy ass and ride.
I am not, nor have I ever been, a morning person. I do not wake up early unless I absolutely have to. Because of that character flaw, the temp outside is usually in the mid-90s by the time I get up with a heat index well over 100. Add to that the general steaminess of the oh-so-humid climate and it can feel like you are sitting in a pot of boiling water with the sun only inches from your head. I am getting older and with each passing year, my ability to tolerate the heat diminishes.
A friend of mine somehow managed to convince me to wake up in time to go on a group ride recently. The rest of the group are morning people. The weather was tolerable, not comfortable but really close. Not being accustomed to the morning sun, I didn't even think to apply sunscreen. Luckily the burn quickly faded to a nice tan but the tan lines... Wow.
The ride itself was great. We had several more experienced riders and two relative newbies. We elected to go at a pace that permitted most of us to have a pleasant conversation while also allowing the new-comers the ability to stay with the pack. All-in-all, it really was a great relaxing ride.
The one caveat I have to throw in there is that I experienced my first tire puncture since 1995. The unbeaten tire streak has ended.
Since the heat does not appear to be going away any time in the near future, I am beginning to think that I may need to take up night riding (at least until my stamina for the heat improves). I checked my lights and everything appears to be in order. The other option is finding a route that has at least some shade. Either way I just need to get off my lazy ass and ride.
