We were spared the “coup de grace” from Tropical Storm Grace; that is, unless she unexpectedly and drastically changes course while over water. The Yucatan and Mexico aren’t so lucky. Grace is \”only\” a tropical storm at present; but hurricane conditions are predicted by tomorrow for eastern Mexico.

It looks like Sunday’s long ride will get a coup de grace in the form of extreme heat. The forecast is for a high of 94 degrees; plus mostly sunny. That will mean a VERY hot ride; and a long slog on the way home.

We were under a heat advisory today from 9:00 am; and another is already posted for tomorrow. An excessive heat watch is in effect for Saturday; and I won\’t be surprised if one is posted for Sunday, too. That\’s bad news for riding out 25 miles; and of course 25 miles back home. Maybe I can do a comparatively short ride; but work at pushing the pace.

This afternoon it started to rain while I was unhitching my bicycle to ride home from work. On went the poncho; and I pulled the reflective vest over the poncho. If I don\’t do that, the poncho flares out so much that I can\’t see anything else in my hybrid\’s rearview mirror!

The precipitation was spotty on the ride home. Sometimes it was just a light drizzle; and sometimes it came down pretty hard. Not far from home, it had poured a short time earlier; and the bike path was awash. All that over a distance of 2.25 miles!

My poor bicycle now needs a good cleaning; and a good chain lube. I won\’t mind a few days now without rain; but I\’m ready for this heat to end!