Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Please

I'm from Michigan. It gets cold in Michigan. I can handle the cold. Its ways are familiar. Its seductions known. The heat remained pretty much a stranger until I moved to Oklahoma. Even then, I wasn't very good at handling heat.

I'm getting better at it now. I believe the main reasons is riding Billie, my Symba.

Last Sunday I was riding through some residential neighborhoods. It was hot. And, there were no people in sight anywhere. No one was sitting  in the shade and turning their faces to the occasional breeze. I traveled through some alleys and the backyards were abandoned as well. I suspect everyone was inside comfortable with their air conditioners on.

Air conditioning is a wonderful thing. The last summer St. Louis experienced like this summer was 1936. That summer 479 people died of heat related illnesses. This summer the count is 23 people. No one can argue air conditioning has made a big difference, a good difference.

Still, I'm grateful I'm leaning into the heat. Heat isn't something you conquer. It is something you have to cooperate with, become intimate with, befriend. My body is adapting. What was unbearable isn't so much now. I'm using my head to move safely through this treacherous time. Why? There is a satisfaction in doing it and doing it safely. Also, there are so many wonders outside to behold.





















There was an article in the Post Dispatch Sunday about a man who died in this summer's heat. I know it is important to be smart and not stubborn when it comes to the heat. Hydration is critical and protecting ones core body temperature is crucial. (Click here to read the article)

If you're riding where it is hot: Please, be safe. Please, be sane. And, I hope you are continuing to experience the world around you.



12 comments:

  1. Wise words you have here.

    As we get older we seem to appreciate the heat a little more, especially after a cold and wet winter and spring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't say I've come to appreciate the heat more as I've gotten older, but I do tolerate it better. It is sort of like that one relative you didn't look forward to seeing at family gatherings. As you get older you get to the point of tolerating that relative better, but you never get to the point of looking forward to seeing him or her.
      ~k

      Delete
  2. My scoot is gathering dust...I am not out scooting in this heat, which today pushed 100F again. I cannot do it.

    Desperate for movement and exploration, I have locked myself in my air conditioned cage and gone out on the back roads in it. Just to get out! Felt glorious!

    I am glad you can tolerate it, brother, and grateful for your advice!

    Friday a break is coming in the heat and I am hitting the golf course. It's been over a month since I played. NOT GOOD! LOL

    Hang in there... :=)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deb,
      I hope you got a break in your weather. We did get a break here and it was most welcome. When one is accustomed to the freedom of being on the scoot...being shut in is no fun. Funny to find some freedom in a cage, but I do get it. Done the very same thing myself. Thanks for the comment and stopping by. By the way, I hope leaving comments here will be easier for you from now on.
      ~k

      Delete
  3. I prefer cold to heat as well. Easy to put more on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good thing you live in Minnesota and not Florida. This is turning into one very long hot summer.
      ~k

      Delete
  4. Ditto on preferring cold to heat....here's my take on Hot Weather Riding. I just survived four days of riding in heat that at times went over 107 degrees...not much fun.

    dom

    http://redlegsrides.blogspot.com/2011/06/updated-hot-weather-riding-tips-and.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dom,
      Thanks for the link. The heat is so dangerous. I see many riders here in t-shirt and shorts. It amazes me. I suspect they wonder why they have a headache and are a bit goofy after they finish riding. I doubt they have a clue about dehydration. Oh well.
      ~k

      Delete
  5. "Heat isn't something you conquer. It is something you have to cooperate with, become intimate with, befriend."

    Well said Keith! And you learn to respect it. Heat is strong and sun can damage the skin. Stay hydrated, and if you can, stay out of the heat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sonja,
      Thanks for the kind words about my words...and, thanks for the well wishes. I do my best to be responsible.
      ~k

      Delete
  6. Great reminder. Our first outing in 108 F was educational. Found out also that sometimes you go faster to escape it faster, which could be very bad as well. Slow down and take cover and take it easy.

    Hope the weather is cooperating more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori,
      Luckily for me since I ride a Symba I don't have to slow down to take it easy :^)

      Your point is well taken. Take it easy and drink lots of water.

      Thanks for commenting,
      ~k

      Delete