Riding in the Rain

We woke up this morning to pouring down rain. After a phone call to Vicki to confirm she had rain out her way, we decided to go back to bed and cancel the ride. A few hours later, Vicki called and invited us to lunch. We met up with Vicki and Ericka to try a Mexican restaurant.

Afterward, Vicki, Pete, and I decided to try and get in a quick ride in Hollywood Park. Rather than starting from Bike World and having to ride backwards on the shoulder back to Bike World at the end of the ride, we decided to start from Pete’s dentist office parking lot. It was perfect as there is a driveway from the parking lot onto a neighborhood street that took us straight into Hollywood Park. As we drove, I noticed what a beautiful afternoon it was turning out to be. I even commented on the bright blue sky and the fluffy white clouds. Just then, it starts to sprinkle. Oops! A few miles later we arrive at the parking lot and the sprinkle has passed.

I’ve discovered that the seat tube of my sleek new Madone is too short for an average bottle. They make shorter bottles, but I haven’t made it to the store to purchase a shorter bottle yet. I mention to Vicki how I can only carry one bottle and she offers a spare short bottle. I take the bottle and try to put it on my cool new Ride Like a Girl cage, but it won’t fit. The top tube is thicker because it encases the bike cables that usually run along the top tube. The short bottle almost fits, but the bite piece of the lid is too tall and won’t allow the bottle to go in all of the way. I know that I can’t ride with a bottle sticking out to the side. We’re going to have to take the bike with us when shopping for a short bottle to confirm it will fit. I have plenty of water in the Camelbak for this ride, so we’re good to go.

The roads are damp, it’s humid out, but the temperature has dropped and I start to think it may be a nice afternoon ride. We decide we’re going to work on attacking “the hill”. As we meander our way on the new (to us) streets, we casually wave hello to the neighbors who seem to be out in mass this afternoon. The ride is uneventful as we approach the required complete stop intersection.

Just as we start down the hill rain drops begin to fall. We keep moving and I learn what it’s like to ride in the rain. My sunglasses are getting rain drops on them. The jersey is beginning to stick to my chest as it cuts through the rain. Vicki’s hands are slipping on the handlebars as she forgot her gloves today. I grasp for my brakes and discover my fingers are slippery on the smooth metal surface that’s now wet.

We pause under a tree but determine the rain is not going to stop. While we stand there clearing the rain from our glasses and trying to dry our hands, I spot a roadrunner on top of a brush pile. He doesn’t stay too long, but he seems to be investigating and hunting for bugs in the pile. We continue on to attack “the hill”. I don’t know what was different about today, but I made it up “the hill” on my first attempt. I’m ecstatic, but want to get better. Afterall, Vicki can get up the hill and still have gears left.

Going around the block to try again, I notice the roadrunner headed for dryer pastures. I’m on the attack and ready to get up this hill a second time. I can feel water running down the back of my knees as I start up the hill. Vicki doesn’t make it up and as I pass her there is a crack of thunder. It startles me and I jump off the bike! I walk up and shake my head as I realize how I just jumped off of the bike. We discuss the weather and decide the thunder sounds close and it doesn’t look like the rain will be passing soon, so we decide to head back to the truck.

It was a quick ride, but it felt good to get out and get some exercise despite the weather. I understand why people don’t want to ride in the rain and I don’t know that I want to try it in more than a drizzle again either. It took a long, hot bath tonight to finally warm up after being chilled to the bone by the damp rain.

Goals
Today's Miles: 9
Total Miles Achieved: 712.6
Financial Investment: $2015.24
Total Weight Loss: 0