Hello,
Nice ride yesterday, started out fine then ended in a bit of misery. Wanted to ride solo as usual so I timed my departure to start after the group ride start. I should have known someone in the group would've had a flat. I rode by and heard muffled jeering from some of my friends, nevertheless I was able to ride another 15 miles before they would catch me. I decided to ride along with the group but as we arrived at Rio Verde the group slowed and I took off. I didn't know I had a follower until I turned left to climb 9-mile hill, he was a new Brumby rider and told me he was from Oklahoma. I suspected he was a new AZ transplant when he thought we were heading south as we climbed up the 9. I had a specific pace I wanted to do so after talking awhile I suggested he jump on a small pack that was overtaking us, he did and I watched them pull away. Another small group went by towards the top of the climb. I noticed Julie Huish and Nicole Susco in that group and I thought about how much they've improved their cycling fitness, very impressive (very nice people as well).
When I got to the top we fed and watered and chatted. I was then persuaded by David Hatfield to keep riding on to Seven Springs. I hesitated as did Grant Taylor because it was already heating up and the small amount of cloud cover was becoming ever-thinner. But, we caved and off we went. After about 10 miles Grant and I decided to turn around and scurry home while we we were still able. We went home the Pima road way, it was flatter and we thought maybe faster but the constant waiting at traffic lights made it worse in terms of speed and heat discomfort. Grant and I stopped one last time at the Shell station on Pima then pushed the final 10 or so miles for home.
I've ridden in a lot of hot weather and I'm no stranger to discomfort but that final push was VERY warm, especially with the high humidity. Desperation is the one word that comes to mind those last few miles. I know Grant would agree, we were spent and done with the heat.
I spoke with David that night and he told me he, Wayne Smith and Mike Skousen decided to get picked up in Fountain Hills by Mike's wife, same problem, the heat that day was just overwhelming and for sure dangerous.
We all lived to tell the tale but if i'm riding a century in the Arizona, in July, i'm heading out at 2 0r 3 a.m. I knew better, I'm usually riding that early but needed to sleep in that morning.
In summary, I believe 115 degrees is great if...I can read about it from Alaska.
