Oh the stories we learn from expecting our bodies to climb hills on a bicycle! I should have listened better when the night before I noticed my urine was yellow, so not enough hydration. I did listen when my started showing signs of cramping as I was halfway up Kitt, yet what should I do? I was running low of water and I had taken electrolytes. I surmised it was mainly a water challenge. Luckily I got a half a bottle of liquid from Alex during the 1st bout. But then at about mile 9 it happened again. This time it was Mike that gave me 1/2 bottle. Well I made it, thanks to both of them. For the beginning. It was a great start as we met a group that was riding to the shootout as we rode down University. UofA was setting up for a football game, so figured we would experience the aftermath on the return as well. Then over Gates Pass I hung with Mike and Chris. Rode with Mike and Chris to 3-points. Decided then that I could not keep that pace. My body felt ok, just my legs started to feel funny. Then just past the ICE guard shack I had a flat. That's when Steve came by and we rode a bit up to the turn-off to Kitt. I did not want to go as fast as super-Steve was doing. So there I was climbing alone. Then the cramps. While Mike stopped he told me about the telescopes focused on Sol ,and seeing sunspots and coronal ejections, so I got to see those when I got there. Going down was great and make it to 3-points just as Theresa was about to leave. Got water and headed out. Felt great. Eventually I could see her up ahead was about to catch her. Then on Mile Wide Road yet a 3rd bout of cramps. While I was walking the bike Mary, a volunteer at the Desert Museum just up the road approached from in front of me and offered help. I asked for water and she had none. Then she left. A few minutes later I noticed a vehicle approaching from behind, slowly. It was Mary. This time she convinced me that I could make it to the Desert Museum about 0.5 miles up and get water there from an outside bld. What a great idea and a great spot to use the bathrooms, get water, eat food and watch the low sun on the saguaros! Eventually after a few minutes I took off because I wanted to get over Gates Pass in daylight. Approaching Gates there were lots of people getting situated to watch the sunset. What a great time to ride over the pass, right at sunset. And yes there were lots of UofA students and parents out and about as I rode up University. Tough ride in very hot, unusual weather. Hopefully I can recover for Sunday at Mt Lemmon!