The Four H’s of Cycling

Here’s something I decided after today’s ride: long-distance cycling deserves its own weather rating system.

I’m calling it the Four H’s of Cycling:

Heat. Humidity. Hills. Headwinds.

And today, we experienced all four.

Heat: 10/10
Humidity: 10/10
Hills: 4/10
Headwinds: 6/10

Some days on a cross-country ride feel smooth and effortless.

Today was not one of those days.

The heat had weight to it. The humidity made every mile feel earned. The hills kept us honest, and the headwinds added just enough resistance to remind us that progress rarely comes free.

But this is part of the rhythm of a long ride across America.

You don’t get to choose the conditions. You only get to choose your response.

So you drink more water. Slow the pace. Keep turning the pedals. And trust that eventually the day softens and camp comes into view.

Tonight, we’re staying at Rising Sun Campgrounds after reaching mile marker 893.

Another day complete.