July 31, 2011 7:45 AM PDT
I'm living proof, that yes, sometimes it IS to daggone HOT to ride...
I was pregnant with my (now 19 year old) son, and I decided to take a nice long ride one fine Florida morning. I dressed in the usual requisite black. Pants, boots, t-shirt, vest, jacket and helmut. (Pryor to the repeal, ya'll) Anyway, I left the house in 82 degree weather. By the time I got half way from Lake Wales to Gainesville (my routed map), I had already stopped twice to peel things off. Since back then, cell phones were the size of blow dryer's, I didn't have one, and hence didn't know what the temp had climbed to. Unbeknownst to me, it had peaked out around 96 with a heat index of near 110. Dang! All I know is, by the time I got to Gainesville, (roughly 2 plus hours), I was dizzy and nauseous. I couldn't get enough liquid in me! I was so sick, I decided to get back on the bike and try to get home. Needless to say, I made it about 30 miles before I had to pull over at a MOM & POP. It was just fortunate they had facilities, cause it wasn't pretty.
Do all your'selves a favor, huh? IF you feel HOT, you ARE HOT!!! Get to some shade, quickly...
I could have lost my son over that, and only thru God, I didn't!!!
Don't press your luck. Your life MAY depend upon it!!! OK!?!
I wouldn't bitch...but you guys know I worry about you, right?
Ride Free *and cool
Tweek