Cycling is the world's greatest sport...in my humble opinion. It offers to it's participants a rare view of life as you travel down the road. It's good for your health, your outlook on life and even has beneficial social aspects. I have enjoyed riding my machines now for almost 40 years. I've ridden all over this country, although not across it. I've ridden through winters in Ohio as well as the hottest summers of California, Virginia and here in Florida. I learned alot regarding how to survive a northern winter on your bike. Everything from clothing to type of tires to what to put in your water bottle and so much more. Things we never have to think about here on the Gulf Coast...thankfully.
But, I have learned alot about summer riding as well. Since moving to the deep south I began reading up on riding in the heat and humidity, as well as trying numerous experiments. I had a really rough day a few years ago. I almost didn't make it home at the end of a 60 miler in our unique combination of heat and humidity. I thought it was just me. However, upon asking others how they were doing, I realized at times we all suffer on the machine in the heat. Now, suffering is a good thing. I tell young Weedhoppers that you must first learn how to suffer to become a good cyclist. However, to be great, you must love suffering. (It's actually a wonderful spiritual truth) I believe this is the difference between the greatest cyclists and the rest of us. They have crossed over into the invisible realm of not just tolerating the pain, they actually enjoy it...they love it. When it comes to the effects of the heat however, we must be extremely careful. One of our own, a very fit young man who has trained in this heat for years was overcome by the heat last weekend at the Ride Yellow event and had to be administered 3 liters of fluids by IV. (He drank 4 water bottles during the ride)
I say all this to say; we have a long and hilly ride this Saturday in Blackwater State Park. The distances between stops are fairly long as well. It's going to be hot and climbing those hills take longer and at a slower pace, yet using the same amount of effort if not more. Drink early and often. The amount of fluids will depend on your body, only you know how much. However, if you are feeling thirsty, you are already behind. Remember also, that you are not just sweating out water, but valuable nutrients and electrolytes. As you select what you will be drinking (and eating), keep in mind replenishing what you are actually losing through your sweat.
Don't wait for the rest stop, drink as you're riding down the road. It's very important. Also, if someone asks you how you're feeling, be honest. If you're hurting, tell them. If your dying for a drink and you're out of water fess up. We'll get you some from somebody. By letting others know that you're having a tough time, they'll be watching out for you and hopefully telling others as well. It's no shame to say you're having a bad day...we all have bad days. Better that than being hauled off in an ambulance after waiting for an hour out in the hot Blackwater sun for it to arrive!
Lastly, watch out for each other. If you see someone getting dropped let us know. If someone is sucking wheel, (other than Coolio, that's just his typical mode of operation) let others know to be watching out for the one that's dragging. And, if you need to turn back, PLEASE let as many people know as possible. I can't stress the importance of this enough! If you're hurting and need to turn back, we'll get someone to go with you.
This should be a great ride with a huge group of riders. There will be at least two pace groups. Please everyone remember to wear your team jersey! They'll be wearing theirs! See you there at:
Saturday at 7:30am at Milton Bike Trailhead behind Truly Spokin'. They leave promptly at 7:30am so don't be late!!!
Also Sunday evening at 7:30pm at Casino Beach Parking Lot. We'll ride to Fort Pickens while enjoying the beautiful sunset and back under the light of the full moon. Please bring $3.50 to enter the park.
See you out on the road,
Bob
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