Doubling Down

I Suspect Most of the Water in this Creek is from Irrigation Runoff in our Severe Drought

This has been a pretty toasty North Texas summer. We came in second all time in monthly 100+ days, we came in second all time in consecutive 100+ days, and we are currently second in annual 100+ days. Perhaps even worse, we've been setting records for "highest low" temperature.

Don't Forget Sunblock!

You can see the weariness in some of my fellow bloggers. They simply haven't been riding a whole lot. If I wasn't commuting, I'd be in much the same boat. Luckily, I've elected to double down on my commute and ride throughout and regardless of the weather. That decision has made this summer much more pleasant than it would have been otherwise, because hot weather riding really isn't all that bad if you get acclimated.

And, in truth, in North Texas we have some advantages over our northern brethren. If, for example, you are considering a mid winter commute in, say, Minneapolis, you have to make your "bike or car" decision right at the moment when the cold is at its worst. In Texas, on the other hand, on those days where it is really hot, you leave for the daily commute right when the day's weather is most pleasant. And then you are committed.

Still, that doesn't explain why I have ridden every day this summer, even when I got sick. I'm not sure I know myself other than, after a while, it partly becomes a matter of not letting the weather get you down and partly of moving further beyond the boundaries of "fair weather cycling." Maybe, my brain just got cooked and I've gotten befuddled. Anyway, it seems best to double down and finish the hot streak to its end.

As of today, we've had 62 days where it got to 100F or higher. The record, set in 1980, is 69. I think we're gonna fall short and hit another #2 spot.

Stopping for a Rest in the Shade is WONDERFUL When it is 105+ Out!