Hand, Hotter 'n Hell, and Heat

Well, I've tried some adjustments to my bike at the track and my hand numbness seems to be getting better. Thank you to all those who gave me tips on fixing that problem.

This past weekend I set out to do the Hotter 'n Hell Hundred bike rally, which is a century ride in Wichita Falls, TX and one of the largest bike rallies in the nation (over 12,000 riders). This was my 3rd year doing the 100 mile route, but ended a lot different than the past 2 years...I DNF. The temperature hit 107 that day and the heat just did not agree with me. I made it to the 70 mile mark rest stop, got off my bike to fill my camelback with water and had to run out of the line toward the porta-potty. I didn't make it all the way there before I threw up. The heat just made me sick, I guess. I was so disappointed. I felt like I could probably have gone a little farther, but I didn't know how far and I didn't want to be stuck between rest stops collapsed on the side of the road, so I bit the bullet and sagged in. While waiting in the medical tent for a ride to the finish line the there was a guy who was given an IV and I found out later he is an avid cyclist who had done 14 other centuries and never had a problem-- until that day. I also heard and saw many more people sag in due to heat problems. It was crazy. It was definitely hotter than hell! I guess I just lucked out the past 2 years, because it was only in the 90s those years-- let me tell ya, 10-15 degrees more truly makes a huge difference!!! Anyway, it wasn't a total failure. I figure it was good I didn't end up in the ED or something and at least I got 70 miles in. My buddy Burt who I went with ended up riding 125 miles because there was some wrong signage and about 1000 riders got off course. Craziness! I also saw Triboomer at the 50 mile rest stop. He was lookin' good in his TNT jersey. I see him everywhere these days!! Way to go 'Boomer!!

Well, that is all for now. Pretty exciting weekend.