It was hot when I started today’s ride (12:27) and even hotter when I finished (2:45). As I rode away from home I wondered if staying home inside with cooler air was a better idea but as I rode along my body must have adjusted some. The air moving around me and through my jersey provided some cooling and I think I started to sweat which helped a lot. Because I started late I chose the “Oakhurst – Valley Ranch” route and rode 30.53 miles. This was enough to increase July’s mileage to 105 miles. Not bad for three days into the month. I will not bike tomorrow because it is the Fourth of July; a parade, relaxing and fireworks as we celebrate the birth of our country. Throw in some hot dogs, corn on the cob and apple pie and we have the makings of an All-American Day.

The wind was not very helpful when I rode south into it. At the end of the ride I checked the airport weather to see the wind was from the south at 10 mph with 19 mph gusts. Those gusts took all of my energy as I rode south on the I-69/US59 service road from Valley Ranch Parkway to Northpark Drive. I made a stop at the Texaco station at Valley Ranch Crossing for water, ice and a banana. I didn’t eat much before leaving home and I didn’t want to bonk before I got back. After the short stop I had some energy to pedal into that tough wind. There were a few spots where the wind let up but they were not enough.

I was glad to be back home and the A/C was welcomed. Now I will catch up on stage 2 of the TdF.

Starting weather

Finishing weather

[iframe http://ridewithgps.com/trips/9773737/embed 600px 600px] [iframe https://www.strava.com/activities/629151538/embed/61e627804c53be82c810b1fcb411d1b713c9b3c0 590px 405px]