Condition Red

I finally rode my bike.

This weekend was the hottest so far for the summer. It was record temps and high humidity, and it was hot enough to send out a code red for extreme conditions. Whatever you do don’t do anything to strenuous during the peak daylight hours.

I was stupid, and went out shortly before noon. I figured to get a ride in and jump in the pool afterwards.

The ride began somewhat fun. A right onto Greenspring and a quick jaunt to Caves. There must’ve been a tail wind, because I was flying. I really thought I was in shape, but it’s been two months since the fatwars and I’m home as a veteran so I deserved my rest and pie. I’ve lost all conditioning since then, but I am mentally thinking I am okay. With the tailwind, it looked as if I was flying and the conditioning was still there. On the turn around on Park Heights, the tailwind became a headwind and reality set in.

I was pedaling, but seemed to go nowhere, 12mph! And it was slow. The melting tarmac added to the problem. As I crested the hill and down the other side into the valley, the heat began to build. Halfway through the ride, I knew I had to get out of there as the heat was becoming oppressive. I was going to have to take the shortcut — up Dover Road.

I have never ridden up Dover Road. And it was only my fifth day in the saddle all season. Dover Road rises up a hill for at least half a mile. It’s probably not good to take it on the hottest day. And it wasn’t. I made it a third of the way, got off and walked the rest of the way up. My spirit was broken. I bonked. I spun the rest of the way home.

I was hurting for the next half hour trying to cool down and get hydrated. It was really something.

The next day though was fun. A tad earlier in the day. Less humidity. A slight wind. It was great. And I was running quick. I think it’s coming back. The feeling of the need to go for a ride. I’m starting to smile.

• Category: Uncategorized
• Tag: cycling

Posted by broderic

Yo! I'm the writer here. Super sauce.

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