Today is the last day in a long stretch of canicule, a heatwave. It appears the new meteorological term of the year around the globe has been heat dome, and one has been parked over the Mediterranean for the last week. We were lucky in that it wasn’t as extreme here like in Italy or Spain. Here it was lovely.
Sunlight just breaking over Mont Ventoux.
Lovely might not be everyone’s adjective for high 30s weather, but it is for me. Sure, you have to plan out your day accordingly. Yes, you must make sure to hydrate enough and limit your time in the sun. And OK, if I am totally honest, having air conditioning, even a small amount, seriously helps to get a night of decent sleep.
But… these days are few and far between. The intense heat doesn’t seem to come every year, certainly not in many places in the northern hemisphere. I understand that most people think low 30-degree weather is rather warm—and it is very pleasant—but when you are creeping toward the 40s, that’s just crazy. It's an anomaly, and it’s worth pausing to appreciate it. When winter sets in for months on end, we’d all rather be in +40 than -30.
I made sure to get out early for my especially long rides so I could finish before the worst of the heat. Cycling in the early morning is quite peaceful if you can drag your bones out of bed in time. On days where I had a shorter ride planned, I wasn’t as fussed about getting out early; early enough would do. Afterward, I would dunk myself into the very chilly pool for some leg hydrotherapy. Then after a little drying off in the sun, I’d grab a bite and get to work. Rinse and repeat.
I could seriously get used to this pattern, and the calm my body and mind feel when I get hours and hours outside in warm, fresh air. It's easier to be positive, to stay focussed and to be hopeful. I love summer, dog days or otherwise. Luckily for me, here it’s been top-du-top !
The short-lived season of the tan…
