The northwest has just experienced a spell of dry weather over two months long. It’s been enough to make a man sick.
That’s all over now, thank Merckx. Commuting home today, I was caught off guard. No jacket, no gloves– nothing. A few drops hit, heavy and plump like ripe fruit. Then the drops became steady. By my half-way point, I was soaked thru. As I rose out of the saddle for the final climb to my house, I felt the rain accumulate on the tip of my nose and swing off with each pedal stroke.
The roads glistened in the dull light of street lamps, full of rain and empty of riders. They are all gone now– the summer heroes and the chatting groupettos. The roads are mine once more.
The rain hath returned. All hail the rain.
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@Cyclops
Hahaha!!! That is awesome!!!! Even as tired as I am of the whole Armstrong spectacle, that made me literally 'laugh out loud'! Good find!
I honestly envy you guys and your rain... the "rainy" season here in SoCal is shorter than a grand tour...
They're expecting our first significant rainfall of the season here in the SF bay area on Monday. I'm thinking I might just be riding my bike to work that day. =)
Rain is OK. It's not my favorite thing to ride in, but as long as it's not dumping buckets I'm OK. A gentle sprinkle can be refreshing, however what REALLY gets me this time of year is how early it gets dark.
@mcsqueak
The dark is rough, trying to squeeze 200km in without lights is a dark-to-dark endeavor.
But you're thinking of the rain wrong. The harder the better. The more it rains, the more badass you are. Just let that sinister grin spread over your face and pump the cannons in time to the drops of rain dripping from your cap's visor.
Spot on, Jim. Well written. I love riding in the rain. It awakens something in me. I feel more alive, stronger, alpha. I actually descend faster, as I was taught to descend in wet thundery conditions, and it is where my US Cycling Sensei forced me to find the limits of the bike - I just don't have the same confidence in the dry.
There is something almost primeval and deliciously sensual about being so wet the water just runs off you - particularly with shaved guns. You are so drenched it can't get any worse, and you have to work harder to stay warm. The brakes don't work, your face and bike are covered in grime, and you are 60km and two big hills away from home. Love it.
It is why rule #9 is my favourite. And - as you point out - the roads are so much quieter. I never ride alone anyway.. there are always the voices in my head for company.
Oh you PNW guys talk tough about your disregard for rule 9 conditions. Where were you last weekend? When the merest chance of rain was forecast for Whidbey Island all but four suddenly had a reason to stay home... Weddings, exploding heaters, and McSqueak - we got in (almost) before dark. Come on guys
@roadslave
Spot on.
She's only Happy When it Rains? Fortunately Shirley Manson is from Scotland. She's happy a lot there.
@wiscot
And an artist can't be creative when they're happy; that's why she moved to LA.