Day 63: Houston

Distance: 93 avg: 12.8

Some days more than others remind me of our physical nature. Especially when you start pushing the limits of your ability. When I first started this trip part of my reason for doing it was to discover what my limits are. People are pretty amazing machines, and can handle some intense punishment.

Todays punishment, erm, I mean ‘adventure’ was the brutal heat. I biked for over 7 hours in it. I took frequent breaks, and dowsed my head in water to help cool down. It’s difficult to tell when you are overheating, because you aren’t thinking straight. I get these headaches, but I can’t tell if it’s because I’ve got to drink, or eat, or get out of the heat. I usually try all three and get back on the road. I’ll also start shifting sloppy, accidentally shifting too much. This is another sign I need to stop.

A new part of my approach to the heat is powerade. I’m hoping this will keep me moving more than just straight water. I drank two powerades and almost 2 gallons of water today. I peed once, but sweated almost all of it out.

About 6.5 hours in I was sitting in front of a baptist church, resting. A guy was selling fireworks next to the church. He walked over with a frosty bottle of water. “You look like you are pretty hot,” he said(and not in that way, shush! 🙂 ). I know I must have looked pretty dismal. I took the water, and thanked him.

Apparently I must have still looked thirsty, because soon after a bunch of rednecks threw a beer at me. 😛 They missed thankfully. 🙂

After such an intense day I’m glad to be snug in a hotel. The forecast shows lower and lower temperatures. I hope it’s right!