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Today is going to be hectic in the lab, as we follow up on some projects that got started on Friday and continue with the usual Monday data-collection. So I don't know if I'll have much time for a thorough recap of our adventures.
But I have to say, I think this ride went much better logistically than the 600k last year. I'm also grateful that we didn't have to deal with much headwind (especially compared to that accursed 400k), and that overall the weather was pleasant. On top of that, I think I managed my overall energy levels well - I didn't feel nearly as destroyed during the last 60 miles as I felt last year. Nice to finish on a more solid note.
But still - I was kind of amazed by how low the overall level of visibility was in parts of southern Arizona, especially around Tucson. I don't really have a long-term basis for comparison, but things seemed much more hazy than they have in the past. I think there are a lot of farms that are active right now, and indeed we passed by a field along the frontage road where someone was very busily plowing and stirring up all kinds of dust. So perhaps that, along with the lack of rain, has contributed. And perhaps that's just how southern Arizona is this time of year. Thankfully, at least in the Phoenix area, we are getting some more rain today, which should help with overall air quality. I think the poor air quality is the reason why I've been coughing up some disgusting phlegm for the past day or so. Highly unpleasant.
When I think about my long-term health, I tend to think about a range of different factors, including sun exposure, air quality, the kinds of foods I eat, and my fitness level. It's hard when those factors conflict with each other, and they often conflict when I'm out riding my bicycle. There have been some night rides where I've come back and felt fairly wretched because I couldn't breathe well - the evening air is often the worst. In contrast, when K and I are out rowing, we're right above a big body of water, and I think my lungs appreciate the higher humidity levels (not so when I'm sitting on a rowing machine). On top of that, the overall air quality is better first thing in the morning, before other people are up, driving around and using those stupid leaf blowers to spew dust into the air.
Anyhow. There was a disappointing lack of wildflowers along most of the ride, because it's happening earlier in the year than the last one. Only a very small handful of poppies. Most of the flowers that we got to see were right along the I-10; even in Saguaro, there were just a few fairydusters in bloom. At the higher elevations, there were only small signs of green life at the base of the yellow grasses. I'll bet that, in a month, things will be glorious up there.
But I have to say, I think this ride went much better logistically than the 600k last year. I'm also grateful that we didn't have to deal with much headwind (especially compared to that accursed 400k), and that overall the weather was pleasant. On top of that, I think I managed my overall energy levels well - I didn't feel nearly as destroyed during the last 60 miles as I felt last year. Nice to finish on a more solid note.
But still - I was kind of amazed by how low the overall level of visibility was in parts of southern Arizona, especially around Tucson. I don't really have a long-term basis for comparison, but things seemed much more hazy than they have in the past. I think there are a lot of farms that are active right now, and indeed we passed by a field along the frontage road where someone was very busily plowing and stirring up all kinds of dust. So perhaps that, along with the lack of rain, has contributed. And perhaps that's just how southern Arizona is this time of year. Thankfully, at least in the Phoenix area, we are getting some more rain today, which should help with overall air quality. I think the poor air quality is the reason why I've been coughing up some disgusting phlegm for the past day or so. Highly unpleasant.
When I think about my long-term health, I tend to think about a range of different factors, including sun exposure, air quality, the kinds of foods I eat, and my fitness level. It's hard when those factors conflict with each other, and they often conflict when I'm out riding my bicycle. There have been some night rides where I've come back and felt fairly wretched because I couldn't breathe well - the evening air is often the worst. In contrast, when K and I are out rowing, we're right above a big body of water, and I think my lungs appreciate the higher humidity levels (not so when I'm sitting on a rowing machine). On top of that, the overall air quality is better first thing in the morning, before other people are up, driving around and using those stupid leaf blowers to spew dust into the air.
Anyhow. There was a disappointing lack of wildflowers along most of the ride, because it's happening earlier in the year than the last one. Only a very small handful of poppies. Most of the flowers that we got to see were right along the I-10; even in Saguaro, there were just a few fairydusters in bloom. At the higher elevations, there were only small signs of green life at the base of the yellow grasses. I'll bet that, in a month, things will be glorious up there.
