We have a few clumps of trees here and there, and down around the creek crossings, but most of my riding is across the vast north Texas prairie, where the wind blown grasses look like ocean waves. At this time of year, that means lots of hot sunshine that seems to accumulate on my body like the gravel dust on my bike. So after about 4 hours of almost continuous riding, it was time to cool down.
This is one of the few hilltop shady spots. With today’s winds at 22-27mph, you could close your eyes and lean right into it. Quite refreshing.
Pondero 
Wind blown grasses looking like ocean waves is a cool image. We tune ourselves with the landscape, I think. Although different, I think I could adapt.On the southern coast of Maine there was a saltmarsh farm. It had a lane like the one in your picture. Big Maples. Tall grass blending into the dunes. Grasses like ocean waves.
That is impressive. It is difficult for me to imagine the psychology of flat, hot grass riding amidst the hilly, tree-ish land I live in, despite having spent time near Hico, Texas. I think this is one of my favorite things about the world of blogging. That is, seeing a similar slice of life from a quite different place.
I'm terrified of crossing the hot prairies this summer on my long tour. I'm afraid the cooling down spots will be too few and far in between and I might melt.
That shade looks quite inviting. Just noticed your water bottle has hardly any liquid missing. Is that all you drank for 4 hours of riding or did you refill somewhere along the way? If that's all you've drank, you must be part camel! 🙂 I really enjoy the wide open views I've seen while driving across open prairie; though I've never cycled it.
GravelDoc, multiple refills, including immediately prior to the photo (spare bottle in bag).
I sort of figured that was the case. By the way, what is your choice of liquids? Looks "lemony".
I start with a couple of bottles of water and, if the ride continues, I follow with a 1/2 solution of Gatorade…lemon-lime or orange, usually. But I think things work better if I start the electrolyte solution earlier. I think I'll make a change.
Enjoy the cooling down while you can. We might hit 100 before the end of the week…
Cooling down is essential! It is going to be super-toasty before we know it, eh?Paz 🙂