sunshine

We've been sharing in on the nationwide heat wave these last few weeks, (she says with a HUGE grin on her face!) Sure, the heat and sun can be something to complain about. But for a cyclist who doesn't race---but enjoys riding everyday, well, this kind of weather is great.

People just enjoy complaining---not just here, but everywhere. I remember riding my bike up and down the various climbs (Tunitas Creek, West Alpine, Kings, Old La Honda, etc) during the few really HOT (95+) days we'd get in the Bay Area. Everyone would be complaining about the heat then too----in California. Can you imagine? I mean there it at least cools down nicely in the evenings and if you live in San Francisco, nobody has air-conditioning cause you just don't need it. I always think of my friend Sue Kayser (Alan's lovely lady) on hot days like that. Everyone else might be complaining, but I'd run into Sue on those days on top of one climb or another and we'd be out riding in our sleeveless jerseys and just LOVING life. Sigh...

In Marshall, we have air-conditioning. I have to remind Mike that we have it so we can use it. We aren't using it at night though as we've been lucky with a naturally cool basement and we sleep there in order to conserve as much as possible. It's the same when it's cold. Mike likes to conserve the heat then. We sit down to eat dinner with coats and hats on inside the house. It isn't because he's such a "green" guy wanting to save the planet or anything. It's because he likes to save money. Either way, the planet wins---regardless of his reasons though.

My legs are very tired with no days off the bike in 4 weeks now. My days off have been 30 mile rides. I keep thinking about the days I won't be able to ride though and out I go. I am loving summer this year more than I ever have before. Summer in San Francisco is the coldest and windiest time of year. Summer in Minnesota is too windy for my liking, but it's warm and rideable and I am taking advantage of every possible outside day I can. I'll deal with tired legs soon enough.

Winter will be my big challenge. Mostly because I hate exercising. You might find this contradictory since I put over 300 miles a week (closer to 350+ these days) on my bike. I like being outside and exploring....but I'm not one to go to the gym. Mike says we'll take up swimming. All my swimsuits are for sun-bathing---as in bikini. I suppose I'll need one of those fancy speedo suits come wintertime. (smile...)

Enjoy the day---the day looks hot and great and no signs of winter to worry this sunshine gal today at least. The Scrapper enjoyed a run at the field already before the corn heated things up too much for her liking.

Have a great weekend! (See not a word about the Tour! What a great race it's been though---eh?)