Day 17: 100+ Degree Ride

June 22, 2022 in Carbondale, Illinois

As I'm sure you've noticed, this post is just under a day late–– yesterday, we were go go go from 5am until 10pm and I just didn't have it in me.

Our wake-up time was 5:30 but I was up by 5 again. Kind of a bummer! Our breakfast was provided by the host, and I had eggs, bacon, and a biscuit with jam. A perfect pre-ride meal.

By the time we got on the road, though, it was already upwards of 90 degrees and it only got hotter. I did finish all 62 miles, but man was it a struggle. During the ride yesterday I decided that if it got this hot again tomorrow I should get off the road.

The first 25 miles were on a gravel trail in the woods. Historically, I am not a huge fan of gravel. It's slippery, more difficult, and requires more effort for less payoff. Also I don't like to fall down.

I persevered though, and had two close calls but not spills on the trail. Even though that part was hard, it would turn out to be the easiest part of the day because there was at least some shade.

The next 40 miles were mildly hilly, but the hills felt much bigger in the heat. I had to take lots of breaks as to not overheat.

Around mile 49, though, we found a lake to jump in! It helped a little bit, but the lake was pretty hot too so it was short-lived.

When we arrived at our host, a very socially aware Unitarian Fellowship, we bussed to Southern Illinois University to use their showers. The fellowship also prepared us a delicious meal, which we ate with members of the congregation.

After dinner, I was part of a group who presented information about Bike and Build to the people who had come to meet us. It was our first-ever presentation, so I'd say considering that it could have gone worse.

The last couple of riders in quarantine were able to rejoin us today, so we had a meeting to talk about our team charter. The meeting was an hour long and didn't even start til 9 though, so I was so exhausted and frustrated I was in tears pretty much the whole time. It was one of the rougher moments on the trip for me.

I also couldn't sleep, so lots of tossing and turning made for a rough end to a hard day.

As I'd learn this morning, my decision to stay in the heat does have consequences, as I simply did not feel that great. More on today later tonight!