It may feel as hot as a desert; but with our humidity, a desert it is not. Yesterday afternoon the heat index rose to 112 degrees!

I’m glad I can ride in the morning, before I go to work. I’m also glad that, when I ride a bicycle to work, I have less than three miles to go. A co-worker of mine rides 6-7 miles each way every day. I don’t believe I’ve ever see him with a water bottle; and I don’t know how he manages that ride without water, especially when it’s hot as a desert.

This heat and humidity make my weekend long rides tougher. Even when I start at 6:00 am, it’s broiling hot by the time I get home several hours later. It’s why I carry a load of water on my back, and wish for a shady path to ride. But at least I can be glad I’m not riding through the landscape shown above!

If desert riding is your cup of tea, though, some rides let you test your mettle. Enchilada isn’t only a cheesy snack; and Moab sounds like it’s both high and dry.