Some people think it's unbearably hot out -- but I disagree. It's GREAT! Nor do I end my bike commute covered with sweat. Let me share some of my methods, Watson, that may make your riding more comfortable.

The big advantage of biking is the wind chill factor that no one remembers in the summer. It's still there, though -- so if you're riding at 15 mph, that's good for several degrees of cooling. Runners sweat a gallon, and even young women may "glow," but our motion keeps us cool.

I always dress as comfortably as I can. Bike shorts, jersey. Saturday I rode with someone wearing blue jeans at 11 am -- and he was a good sport, but I wouldn't do what he did for all the T in Sesame Street. For some events (like an open house Monday) I rode in shorts and jersey, and pulled on long pants and a dress shirt when I got there. (I also rode once with a woman who had a dress tied around her waist. She untied it and pulled it over her head at our destination. I remain impressed. )

I also carry water, and dribble it on me as I ride. Arms and legs mostly, sometimes on my face. At 85 degrees, I put on water every 2nd or 3rd downhill; at 95, it evaporates much faster, and so I douse myself more often. Yes, I drink some too, but it cools me faster on he outside. Try it sometime!

I tend to slow down a little, too. Instead of charging up the hill, I'll take it easy. I may ride for a workout at other times, but going to work, why sweat it?

Although I don't end up in sweat, I may end up with some moisture, especially if I'm caught in a shower. The cure: a fan under my desk, to help things dry quickly. Discreet, quiet, and valuable. (One year, on a multi-day tour, I washed my shorts out every night, and put on the still-wet-chamois every morning. I still shiver at the memory.)

So don't let the heat stop you - keep riding, and happy trails!