We are currently resting at a litle restaurant in the small town of Salome in Arizona. Due to extreme heat on the road and ongoing fatigue, Arvid decided to stop for some food and is going to be spending the coming evening’s sleep time right now. This both allows him to recover from the excruciating heat and gives him more biking time in the evening, when it’s cooler and he can travel faster and more efficiently.
It is 115 degrees Fahrenheit!!! – 42 degrees Celsius!!! How does one keep an ultramarathon cyclist cool?
In this weather, breezes simply make things worse. To survive in this weather, Arvid wears a bag around his neck filled with ice. As the ice melts, it cools his neck and his back, and the ice pack is replenished regularly. In addition to providing
him with water bottles, the follow crew also sprays him with water very frequently. Water requires heat to evaporate, so spraying with water will help cool him down – even when the wind is itself hot.
Even with these aids, however, the heat is unbearable and takes its toll, so Arvid has had some food and will be spending two hours in the air conditioned van.
Howver, Arvid has in fact been making excellent time and has suffered no actual health or technical issues. His bike is still running the original tires from Oceanside! Things are looking good.
***UPDATE – Arvid’s up and ready to go! Back on the road!”***
We are praying for you and encouraged by your strength and dedication!
Sounds like an excellent crew. Praying praying praying!!