It was another scorcher here in Texas with temps in the 100's almost every day. Sheesh! Other than a few errands to secure floor tile and supplies (we've got a contractor coming to work on our floors later this week), I did all my errands by bike. That's Blue Bell there packed with kitty litter in the baskets, and a few other grocery items packed in the box I bungee-corded to the top. Needless to say, when you wake up and the temps are already well into the 80's, you do all your errands in the morning. I generally give myself a couple of those morning hours for biking and the rest for yard work and guzzling water. The system works, giving me the hotter afternoons to get housework done and maybe slip in a little book-reading time.
I guess that's the key to biking. You have to figure out what works for you. For me, weather dictates what I can do (and when). Otherwise, I'm pretty free to come and go as I like. For others, it might be dangerous intersections or hilly terrain or the fact that you have to actually look decent by the time you get to work. We all have limitations, but don't take yours for granted. Push the envelope a little. You'll never know what amazing things you can do until you try. So get out there and practice a little pedal power of your own.
See you on the road!
6 comments:
The heat is an issue here, too. Another problem is stores that don't open until 9 or 10 am. I started as early as I could yesterday but had to wait for those stores to open. By the time I got home (after 14+ miles), I was just roasting. Despite a lot of water, I really didn't feel well the rest of the day. I hate to use the electric assist too much but I think I'm going to have to accept that I need to use it more when it's 100 degrees or higher.
Another advantage to biking and running errands early in the morning is that one can avoid the crowds. I am not a fan of people and like to avoid them when I can.
Chile: I often wet my neck with water before heading out on hot days. Evaporation cools me down.
I often do that, too. It dries really fast! Back when I had a Starbucks habit, I'd get a glass of ice water along with my latte. I'd pour half of it in my water bottle and the other half over my head. People thought I was a bit strange but it helped with the heat.
Chile - Same story here. I'd much rather bike at 7AM, but nothing is open. Maybe instead of daylight savings for the light (which seems silly these days), they should adjust store hours for the heat...
Beany - That's why I like biking on Sunday mornings. That when I usually do my grocery shopping (for store stuff anyway). I love biking when there's no one else on the road.
I've often thought that, Heather!
Right now it's 83 degrees in the house, over 100 degrees outside, and I don't want to move - much less get on a bike and go anywhere. Even taking out the compost gets me all sweaty!
Chile -I'm normally ok with the house warm in the mornings, then by afternoon, I have to kick the fan on (I try to avoid the AC until Dave gets home from work via bike). Earlier today, I was meditating when the cat decided to sit on me. I could slowly feel my body get warmer and warmer as her hot furry body snuggled close. After 10 minutes I gave up and turned the fan on :)
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