I didn’t need “Alexa” to wake me up this morning. I had left the shade open and naturally woke as the sky started to lighten outside. I grabbed my morning dose of caffeine and when I turned on my IPad to check last night’s baseball scores I noticed the “Excessive Heat Warning” pop up. Oh well, it’s a beautiful day and the sun hasn’t crested Four Peaks yet. I’m quickly in my cycling clothes, grab my water bottles out of the freezer (they will thaw by the time I want a drink) and am on my Trek Emonda headed out toward Needle Rock as the sun makes it’s way up over the horizon.
I am enjoying the gorgeous morning and thinking about how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful area. Yeah, it’s a bit warm in the summer, but life goes on. I am particularly reminded of that when I see and wave to Alex going by in the other direction. Then a few miles later, it’s Mike followed by Connie. Soon afterwards I pass a few guys from Two Wheel Jones and then see Mark as he passes by on his morning ride. Another few minutes and Sandi waves and says, “good morning”. Then my buddy, Don, passes by a mile later. After passing a few triathletes, a couple more cyclist, and a couple runners, I see and hear Jake yell, “good morning” as he speeds by in the other direction. I continue into town and see a few more cyclist, some walkers, runners, tennis and pickle ball players and finally roll into my driveway.
As I am putting my bike away, I can’t help but think about what an amazing morning it’s been. I’ve already got a great road bike ride done, seen bunches of friends along the way and still have plenty of time to make the first church service. All this despite the “Excessive Heat Warning” that greeted me when I first got up. I also can’t help but think about what a tough bunch of folks these Arizonans are. You see, I am originally from Alaska and I always thought we Alaskans were tough. After all, it’s cold and dark for a good part of the year, but we don’t complain…. we adapt. That is even more true for Arizonans. It’s hot and hotter for a good part of the year, but they don’t complain… they adapt. That’s truly admirable in my mind.
Wake up with the sun, get outside and Pedal Well,
– Harry