The Scorcher

I think that's what the "Tour de Vine" should be renamed after this weekend. The scorcher it was! MS Ride #2. Theresa and I had great plans when we signed up - 100 miles each day to get some serious miles in before Ironman. We realized earlier in the week though that based on the weather forecast of temperatures approaching 100, with heat indexes of about 110, we might have to revise our plans.


Day 1. Despite our best attempts to get an early 6:30am start to beat the heat, some mechanical difficulties delayed us until 7:40am. At that time, it was probably a mere 80 degrees or so with 99% humidity. There was a nice fog over everything. We took it slow from the start, determined not to have to cut our ride short due to heat stroke. Fortunately there was a decent amount of shade on the ride and rest stops every 8-12 miles with lots of ice and towels soaked in ice water for us to cool off.

We managed 75 miles in total, which I really do think has to be equal to 100 miles on a good weather day. The last 5 miles were brutal, completely exposed to the sun. The homemade ice cream at the finish line helped to ease the pain though and thankfully we could head back to the hotel and crank up the AC after the ride. A few hours later we went back out to the finish line party for wine tasting and then found our way to a Mexican restaurant we heard had great margaritas. Well...the food was great. The drinks...disgusting!! We knew we were in trouble just looking at them! A few sips was all either of us could manage.

Day 2. We decided not to ride. Biking in 100 degree weather for one day was enough for us, so we decided we'd get up at 5:30am, get a long run in before the true heat set in for the day, and spend the rest of the afternoon touring Monticello. It was a great day, though still unbelievably hot!



Most importantly, between Theresa and I (and all our wonderful family and friends who donated to us!), we raised over $900 to help find a cure for MS.