How the HELL do you live in AZ?

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

I am working outside of Yuma for the month of July at the Yuma Proving Grounds and staying in Yuma.  I was here in Dec. so the mornings were cool and the afternoons beautiful.  But now, son of a bitch is it hot.  All of my work is outdoors with an air conditioned trailer/office we can go into once in a while to cool off.  105-109 everyday with practically no break from the sun.  Car do not cool down even with max AC on unless you're on an open highway and not stopping.  When home in VA I walk an hour a day regardless how hot/humid it is.  I walked 42 minutes today and thought I would die.  I think my sneakers melted.  The last two days I only made 30 minutes each day. We're starting work at 4AM to beat the heat but we are still out there well past noon.  
I see few riders and no one is anywhere close to ATGATT which I can certainly understand.  
I don't know some of you live like this but more power to you.

[C 4]

Im from phoenix and It's actually cooler with a good gear. I used to ride squid style but was like a blast furnace so never rode may to October. When I decided to get this bike, I decided for the family and self preservation to use gear all the time.
Stay hydrated and a cool wet towel on your neck helps too.

[brockep]

When I was in the Marine Corps we spent a couple months at the Proving Grounds in July and I know just what you are talking about.  Hot, but if you can find some shade, which is hard to find it is not that hot.

Drink lots of water.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

When I was in the Marine Corps we spent a couple months at the Proving Grounds in July and I know just what you are talking about.  Hot, but if you can find some shade, which is hard to find it is not that hot.

Drink lots of water.

Shade.    This is the only place I've ever been where the shade is as hot as the non shaded places.  Of course, where I am at YPG there is no shade anyway except where we have the kennels.

[Kneescrubber]

It's better over here. We're only doing 103-109ºF.

[olderigetfasteriam]

Pussy.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Pussy.

Yeah.  I admit to preferring cold over hot.  

[Mac]

 Nice balmy weather there in Az.

[olderigetfasteriam]

Yeah.  I admit to preferring cold over hot.  

Unfortunately, you do get used to it. I moved here in 1986 and had a WTF moment that first summer. Now, I golf in it, ride in it etc.. Although we try to escape to the mountains as much as possible. No two ways about it, hot as hell here. I am wondering what all these people will think who arrive here for the All Star game this week.

[Kneescrubber]

Unfortunately, you do get used to it. I moved here in 1986 and had a WTF moment that first summer. Now, I golf in it, ride in it etc.. Although we try to escape to the mountains as much as possible. No two ways about it, hot as hell here. I am wondering what all these people will think who arrive here for the All Star game this week.

Crown King?

[olderigetfasteriam]

Crown King?

Not in a long time.

Payson, Pinetop, Showlow typically.

[jay547]

record high of 107 here yesterday. we've only had one day below 90 degrees since memorial day.     for some unknown reason, we just keep riding.

yesterday, every weather station in oklahoma reported a high of 100 or greater - first time that has ever happened.

[McHack]

It's better over here. We're only doing 103-109ºF.

Yea, I grew up in El Paso...   we rode in the dirt during the summer,  we were just too dumb to know it was hot.   lol

[scottzilla]

It's a dry heat.

[miles]

A few years back I visited Phoenix in the middle of july. when I mentioned that it was warm, I was told "no, its not bad today at all.  it's only 118 degrees today. You should have been here last week. now that was hot."

[DredheadV2.0]

A few years back I visited Phoenix in the middle of july. when I mentioned that it was warm, I was told "no, its not bad today at all.  it's only 118 degrees today. You should have been here last week. now that was hot."

it's the same here in Vegas.  Thankfully this week hasn't been bad due to the monsoon bringing clouds and rain.

But honestly, the shade DOES help.  If you have a bottle of water, the right clothing and a place to step out of the sun every so often, it's really not that bad.

 Car do not cool down even with max AC on unless you're on an open highway and not stopping.  

This took some getting used to.  I figured it was the Germans not knowing how do make an AC unit that dealt with 110 degree heat, but I guess it's true of all cars.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

It's a dry heat.

That's what everyone said back east.  I'm going to punch them in the nose when I get home.  

[kevin_stevens]

That's what everyone said back east.  I'm going to punch them in the nose when I get home.  

I'm much more comfortable in 110 in Arizona than I am at 95/95% humidity in Houston.  It has to get to 120 before it's equal/worse subjectively.

KeS

BTW - that's why I *hate* German Shepherd Dogs.  They have that long low trot, and getting them up to a working pace in Houston heat just *kills* you.  Dobermans have a much shorter and slower trot.

[DredheadV2.0]

I'm much more comfortable in 110 in Arizona than I am at 95/95% humidity in Houston.  It has to get to 120 before it's equal/worse subjectively.

Substitute Vegas and Chicago for me, but yeah.  Even when it's 20 higher here than it is in Chicago, it's still way more pleasant.

[Kneescrubber]

Yea, I grew up in El Paso...   we rode in the dirt during the summer,  we were just too dumb to know it was hot.   lol

Now here is a trooper.  

BTW, where do you live now?  

[scottzilla]

That's what everyone said back east.  I'm going to punch them in the nose when I get home.  

The first time I went to Phoenix they had asphalt warnings on the radio, reminding you not to walk your dog without putting those booties on their paws.  Apparently dog paw burns are as common as little kids burning their palms on the pavement should they trip and fall.
I almost crashed the rental car grabbing the steering wheel.

[kevin_stevens]

My AMC Gremlin    in Houston had it's own microclimate.  When you got in and turned on the dealer-installed AC, the excess humidity would visibly condense and freeze in midair.  Yes, I'm saying it snowed inside the car.  Then it fell on the transmission console, melted, and immediately turned to steam again.

Talk about distracted driving.

KeS

[McHack]

Now here is a trooper.  

BTW, where do you live now?  

*grin*   In the burbs of Columbus, Ohio...   Yesterday,  here in C-bus... it was in the low 90's, w/ the humidity in the 85% range...
Supposed to be the same today.     But, ya know what?  I'm a mid-40's, father of 2... still try to stay & shape,  I run, & lift, etc...  
I cant bring myself to go outside & run when its like this.... here.    

[Bounce]

Shade.    This is the only place I've ever been where the shade is as hot as the non shaded places.  Of course, where I am at YPG there is no shade anyway except where we have the kennels.

Heh. Welcome to the wonderful West. In central OK it was 108 last week. I've ridden ATGATT through 110 official (120 on the asphalt) in UT.  When it's hot, it's hot. Layer and get good air flow. Hydrate and have a layer that wicks moisture away against your skin. The air flow and convection help the desert nomads (as does acclimation).

[DredheadV2.0]

My AMC Gremlin    in Houston had it's own microclimate.  When you got in and turned on the dealer-installed AC, the excess humidity would visibly condense and freeze in midair.  Yes, I'm saying it snowed inside the car.  Then it fell on the transmission console, melted, and immediately turned to steam again.

Holy crap.  That's awesome.

[Phenix_Rider]

I lived in Tucson for 14 years.  It's really not that bad.  

Lots of cool stuff out there that you don't get back east (where everything is just plain ol' boring GREEN).  Like watching a mosoon roll in over the foothills, and Saghuaro and Gila Monsters and flash floods and petrified forests.  And I'll take HOT over HUMID any day.  At least out there, your sweat evaporates instead of running into your eyes and your boots.

[zer0netgain]

Arizona and Nevada....testaments to man's stupidity in picking places to live.  

Little water and vegetation and hot as Hell.  Perfect place to build a city for hundreds of thousands to someday live.  

[miles]

Arizona and Nevada....testaments to man's stupidity in picking places to live.  

Little water and vegetation and hot as Hell.  Perfect place to build a city for hundreds of thousands to someday live.  

Actually, I'd argue that they are perfect places to build large cities.  Their construction does not require farmland loss, as most cities do, after all.  As far as humans are concerned, the land in those areas has very little utility.
Most cities (All, in fact, even in the wettest areas) require a large degree of work in the way of aqueducts, so in that regard LV and Phoenix are no different than Austin or Atlanta.  
As to the heat, I'd be willing to bet the average Houston home has the A/C running a greater number of hours per year than the average LV or PHoenix home does, too...

[olderigetfasteriam]

Actually, I'd argue that they are perfect places to build large cities.  Their construction does not require farmland loss, as most cities do, after all.  As far as humans are concerned, the land in those areas has very little utility.
Most cities (All, in fact, even in the wettest areas) require a large degree of work in the way of aqueducts, so in that regard LV and Phoenix are no different than Austin or Atlanta.  
As to the heat, I'd be willing to bet the average Houston home has the A/C running a greater number of hours per year than the average LV or PHoenix home does, too...

Actually, you are correct. My a/c is off right now and door open. Humidity is nil, 82 degrees. Later it will be hot of course. I worked in Houston and it is simply unbearable (heat + humidity).  

[DredheadV2.0]

 
As to the heat, I'd be willing to bet the average Houston home has the A/C running a greater number of hours per year than the average LV or PHoenix home does, too...

I'd second that bet -
This whole week we've been throwing the windows open at night.  A/C doesn't get turned back on til 10am or so - and it's set on 81.  

Honestly my only real beef with this place is the lawns.  I'm not going to lie - it makes Henderson kinda pretty in a midwestern, suburban way.  But I sought out a house intentionally with a "desert landscape" because there's no way in hell I'm going to waste water on keeping a lawn alive in this climate.  The way water seems to be running out (17 years to go at current levels of use and Colorado snowmelt!) I think it's not long before grass is going to be restricted to public parks and golf courses (the latter because it seems to be an economic engine out here).

[Kneescrubber]

Born and raised on the Texas Gulf Coast. Lived in Mesa for about 4 years in the 80's. I'll take heat over humidity any day of the week. I dread it when I have to go to Beaumont/Houston to visit my mom and sister.  

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Man you guys are hardcore.    I'm still in Yuma.  I try and get a one plus hour of hard walking in a day for exercise but I've found out that if I don't get out in the AM by 10 I'll never make an hour.  There have been some days I can barely make 30-40 minutes with the heat.  My feet are on fire and it feels like my shoes are melting.  I've been here all month and have seen ZERO runners on the road and I am up at 0230 every day.  

[olderigetfasteriam]

Come through Phoenix and I will buy you a beer Bigfoot, a cold beer.

[Phenix_Rider]

Actually, I'd argue that they are perfect places to build large cities.  Their construction does not require farmland loss, as most cities do, after all.  As far as humans are concerned, the land in those areas has very little utility.
Most cities (All, in fact, even in the wettest areas) require a large degree of work in the way of aqueducts, so in that regard LV and Phoenix are no different than Austin or Atlanta.  
As to the heat, I'd be willing to bet the average Houston home has the A/C running a greater number of hours per year than the average LV or PHoenix home does, too...

I'll second that.  Not even close to "worst places for a city."  Try New Orleans and Tokyo for near the top.  Katrina and daily earthquakes anyone?  For chrissakes, LA has a tar pit in the city park!  Compared to all those past and potential disasters, Arizona and Nevada are perfect.  Worst they get is drought and flash floods.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Come through Phoenix and I will buy you a beer Bigfoot, a cold beer.

Thanks but I'm working everyday and fly out Friday back to DC.

[sagerat]

Grew up in NW Phoenix (39th Ave/Peoria Ave) and we used to say to each other "thank gawd we don't live in Yuma, Bullhead City, or Gila Bend." I've played racquetball outside in a 108F and bicycled in 114F.  Key is lots of water.  

[Atitalongtime]

Satin just called.... He wants his weather back!

[olderigetfasteriam]

Satin just called.... He wants his weather back!

Is "Satin" a stage name?

[DredheadV2.0]

Is "Satin" a stage name?

She does an act with Lace and Silk at the Spearmint Rhino on Thursdays.  

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Is "Satin" a stage name?

Satin sheets to lie on
Satin sheets to cry on

Showing my age now with this song.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Dry heat  I cook in my oven and it's dry also.  Wouldn't want to be in there either.    No matter what it's hot.  It may be humid in VA but at least we have clouds.  I don't believe I've seen a cloud in Yuma since I've been here.  We also get some nice days mixed in come summer.  From what I've seen here you can expect 100 plus everyday.  I'm coming back in August as well.  Can't wait.  
I do like this part of the country but can't see living here.  It's all what we're used to I guess.

[kevin_stevens]

Dry heat  I cook in my oven and it's dry also.  Wouldn't want to be in there either.    No matter what it's hot.  It may be humid in VA but at least we have clouds.  I don't believe I've seen a cloud in Yuma since I've been here.  We also get some nice days mixed in come summer.  From what I've seen here you can expect 100 plus everyday.  I'm coming back in August as well.  Can't wait.  
I do like this part of the country but can't see living here.  It's all what we're used to I guess.

The circling vultures provide some shade.

KeS

[KodiakRS]

Used to live in Prescott AZ.  Temps would hit 90 with some consistency but triple digit days were few and far between.  Living within 10 minutes of the start of white spar road had it's advantages as well.  Just moved to Chicago and I miss it greatly.      

[yotes65]

I've been here pretty much since August of 82'. Moved back to the DFW area twice for a year each only to come back to Phoenix. There is just something about being able to truly ride year round... even when it pucking hot here in the summer. Everyday my co-workers look at me like I'm nuts or something as I walk in from the BFE section of the parking lot that we are allowed to park our bikes still wearing my jacket.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

I made it home to VA Friday night from good ole Yuma.  Wow what a difference.  You people talk about the humidity here VS the heat there.  Just an observation.  I walk an hour a day and did so all but 2 days while in Yuma.  I thought I was going to die on several days when I didn't make it out until the afternoon and I had to give up at the 30-35 minute mark.  My feet were on fire and I thought I was on fire. Even the breeze felt superheated there.  I've walked 60-75 minutes the last 2 days with no problem.  Yes it is humid but when when the breeze blows while I'm walking it actually has a cool down effect (affect?) on the sweat.  I come back to Yuma in August and just can't wait.    That said.  I finally got to see the Grand Canyon even though it was from the air.   I usually fly at night so seeing it on Friday was cool.  And from what I hear I'd love to get the chance to visit places like Flagstaff on a vacation.  

[kevin_stevens]

I'll still take the desert heat.  In Santa Fe I could play tennis and volleyball all day as long as I kept sucking down gallons of water.  That whole evaporative cooling thing worked great.  In Houston I'd just stew.

But you might like this:



The way they shot these old Esso/Exxon commercials was to drive the tigers out into the middle of Arizona in air conditioned vans, boot them out the back, and start driving slowly away.  What you see are tigers in avid pursuit of air conditioning!  

KeS

[DredheadV2.0]

Just got back from a week in New Orleans.  I am so, so happy to be back in the desert.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Just got back from a week in New Orleans.  I am so, so happy to be back in the desert.

I was in New Orleans last year.  I couldn't wait to get the hell back to VA when there.  

[Mac]

What? You didn't cool yourself down with the plentiful frozen drinks available on every street corner? I like the Hurricanes and mint julips.

[kevin_stevens]

I guess I get to put up or shut up.  Just flew into DFW for the week.



No, that's not heat soaked, that's just after pulling off the freeway where it had climbed up there at 70mph.

KeS

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

It does get humid here so I guess it's what you're used to.  It rained today for about an hour at midafternoon.  It cooled it down from 93 to 82.  I never saw anything like that while in Yuma.  Hell, I never even saw a cloud in or near Yuma.  I return to Yuma on Aug 20.  Can't imagine how hot it will be then.    Why couldn't YPG have been built in Maine?  

[Kneescrubber]

...Why couldn't YPG have been built in Maine?

[yotes65]

It does get humid here so I guess it's what you're used to.  It rained today for about an hour at midafternoon.  It cooled it down from 93 to 82.  I never saw anything like that while in Yuma.  Hell, I never even saw a cloud in or near Yuma.  I return to Yuma on Aug 20.  Can't imagine how hot it will be then.    Why couldn't YPG have been built in Maine?  

LOL... too much snow... at least in AZ they can test year round...

It was a breezy 105 today for the commute home.  

[miles]

Why couldn't YPG have been built in Maine?  

Well, it would be ridiculous to put the Yuma Proving Grounds anywhere but Yuma, now wouldn't it?  If it were in Maine, there'd be no way to prove Yuma, would there?

 

[DredheadV2.0]

Well, it would be ridiculous to put the Yuma Proving Grounds anywhere but Yuma, now wouldn't it?  If it were in Maine, there'd be no way to prove Yuma, would there?

 

You'd need a really good telescope.

[miles]

You'd need a really good telescope.

Or Sarah Palin's eyesight.

[veefer800canuck]

Or Sarah Palin's eyesight.

 

[kevin_stevens]

Well, it would be ridiculous to put the Yuma Proving Grounds anywhere but Yuma, now wouldn't it?  If it were in Maine, there'd be no way to prove Yuma, would there?

 

It would be an awfully good test.

KeS

[DredheadV2.0]

Or Sarah Palin's eyesight.

zing!

[sagerat]

Because 3:10 to Maine doesn't sound right.

[DredheadV2.0]

Well, it would be ridiculous to put the Yuma Proving Grounds anywhere but Yuma, now wouldn't it?  If it were in Maine, there'd be no way to prove Yuma, would there?

 

Honestly, if you were trying to prove Yuma from within Yuma, wouldn't the experiment be too subjective?

[miles]

I think it's a bit like the Large Hadron Collider. These things can only be proven relative to their static positions.

[DredheadV2.0]

Somewhere in the Multiverse, Yuma is in Maine.

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Somewhere in the Multiverse, Yuma is in Maine.