As I lean into each curve, I not only look ahead for nonexistent traffic, I keep an eye out for a stagecoach lurching out of the hills. Let yourself accept the desert will be hot, and the scenery can be startling. Yes, even after as many traversals as I have made. But hot is relative. The air temperature is around 100, give or take a few.
Flannel holds sweat and evaporates well.
In preparation for this, I convinced her to buy a MiraCool Cool Vest. When they swell, they hold what felt like a gallon of water - to be slowly evaporated in the wind. A swamp cooler. It soaked in the tub before we left, then it soaked her for several hours. Our now normal routine of riding for an hour then stopping for a 'knee break' is stymied by Utah.