July 31, 2024
Traipsing through La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote, I have newfound emapthy for Cervantes' hero. Between the scorching heat, otherworldly landscapes, and castles popping up around every corner, one's mind easily drifts to the fanciful.
But then the hot climbs bring me right back to reality. Today's thermometer registered 108 degrees F before noon. I had planned to end my ride by 2 pm, which meant getting in only 35 miles on the rad new route Zoe Ashbridge sent my way. This heat wave has slowed me down to what feels like a crawl.
Tomorrow, my goal is to set out before sunrise so that I can get in more miles before the heat becomes dangerous. Alas, getting up early is not my forte.
Distance: 34.8 miles
Total: 4,716 miles
Take good care of yourself in the heat! I don’t think I can even walk outside in those temperatures.