The summer of 2024 was the hottest on record for Phoenix, Arizona, with a daily average temperature of 100 degrees for more than 100 days and 61 days with highs of at least 110 degrees. In such conditions, getting out on the trails isn't just uncomfortable; it can be downright deadly.

Mountain bikers, however, tend to be a foolishly tenacious crowd. Faced with such searing conditions, many local riders have taken a cue from the wildlife and gone fully nocturnal to escape the heat.

“Down here, it’s the only time that’s safe and tolerable to ride," says Arizona rider Kurt Refsnider. "You can only spend so much time by the pool, and not everyone has a pool."

“Riders of the Night” read and written by Sakeus Bankson.

This episode of Patagonia Stories was produced by Patagonia and Cosmic Standard. See more at https://pat.ag/PataStories.

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