It's too hot!
My car was overdue for an inspection and I needed an oil change badly so I dropped my car off at a car repair chain in Newark and caught the bus (with my bike in tow) to get to work on Thursday. The plan was to get some miles in on my way home by riding from Perinton to Newark and then pick up my car and head home. I knew it was going to be hot. And it was.
I almost missed the early bus to Perinton. I was trying to get some last minute stuff done before I took off for my long weekend. I ran outside, got my bike unlocked, and rode like crazy to the park and ride with my handlebar bag hanging around my neck and my lock around my wrist. I had to go the long way around because they’ve closed the parking lot I usually cut through to get ready for Bills Camp.
The bus was sitting on the opposite side of the road waiting for an opening in traffic to get across to the stop. I had just enough time to dump all my stuff on the ground and get the pannier off the bike before the bus pulled in.
I got off in Perinton and coated myself in sunscreen. It was already hellishly hot (93ish I think) and I took off down the road. It was hot when I got to Egypt. It was still hot when I got to Macedon. After I got through Macedon I decided to cross over to the canal path because at least there was the chance of some shade over there. It was still hot but it was so much better. That was a day to take the slow road for sure.
I refilled my camelback at the canal park in Palmyra. I had gone through a whole lot of water in just 12 miles. I tried to soak myself to cool off, but it’s surprisingly difficult to get cooled off with the pathetic little stream of water that comes out of a drinking fountain.
I almost wiped out when I got to the car place in Newark. I was riding up and I needed to turn in to the parking lot. I saw there was a little tiny lip between their parking lot and the road. I though to myself, I shouldn’t cross that at this angle but then I didn’t listen to myself and tried any way. The front tire just ricocheted off the lip without climbing up onto it. My bike started to go over but I was prepared in that I knew it was a bad idea in the first place. I managed to get my leg out and stay upright though it was VERY graceless. I am somewhat hopeful that the mechanics weren’t watching. They didn’t say anything about it, but making fun of your customers isn’t always a great idea.
This was 19 more miles for le tour challenge.
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