Left at 6. Somewhat cool (it’s all relative-cool compared to the 90s) with a slight cloud cover for the first hour. Then it got hot. I couldn’t get into a motel til 3. Tried to sit in the shade, but even that was unbearable. Looks like rain and thunderstorms tonight and early tomorrow. Might have to start later, which means I’ll melt sooner.

Had a nice ride today on roads that were more of a straight shot than the winding, hilly ones on my transamerica route. The roads were busy enough, and I didn’t have to worry about dogs. I’ll take traffic to dogs any day. I still had hills but not quite as steep. I got a workout, though. My legs are tired tonight from trying to beat trucks up the hills. When I see one coming (and they always show up on the hills where there is nowhere to get off), I put it in high gear and try to beat them to the top. If I see them soon enough where I can get off, I get off and let them pass. It’s not what I’d call relaxed riding. But worrying about dogs would stress me more. I did hear three bark today, but they were fenced in. Thank goodness.