It's 8 am and raining outside. It's a cold rain and we are busy loading the van as we prepare to drive to downtown Hamilton and get breakfast.
We eat well and drive back towards the hotel. Dennis pulls over in a safe spot and I proceed to get dressed for the rain. I'm planning to put on my full Tyvek suit. I take off my jersey, arm warmers, and leg warmers knowing they will just get cold and wet under the suit.
Getting ready to face the rain
Soon I'm out in the elements and hoping for the best. I have to stop to put on warmer gloves. It's a cold rain. Worse, I'm facing a strong 20 mph North Eastern wind. I feel like I'm moving backwards.
The rain comes down harder and the wind is stronger
Geting wetter and wetter
Let's add some mud to the game
Back on the road, but the wind and rain is worse
My Garmin display is giving me my route on a nice map but with gloves on I can't change the touch screen to see my speed. I'm concerned that today's ride is going to take much too long.
My Tyvek suit is designed for single use and it's already been worn three times. It is no longer waterproof. I feel water puddling in shoes, my legs and arms are getting chilled, and the rain is burning my eyes. I plop through a few flooded sections of the road and realize that it doesn't make sense to keep going. I decide that I'll ride to Ohio and find a good place to call it a day. Ohio though shows up a bit too soon for me, so I press on a bit more. About an hour into the ride I see a school in Montpelier and decide that's the spot.
I pull over, turn off the electronics. Score: Mother Nature 1, Dave 0.
I'm a bit disappointed but know I made the right call. Diana is pleased that I have a semblance of common sense left in me. She says she is proud of me.
As we get on the interstate and drive into Perrysburg, Dennis struggles to keep the van in its lane. The wind and rain is fierce, visibility is poor. Dennis tells me that I was moving at a good pace despite the wind. For a second I wonder if I should have pressed on a bit more. But that thought fades quickly I'm glad I'm on the inside. Safe and dry.
So, where was Dedi, you may ask? I was in the van, with no intention of partaking in this craziness.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the USA weather map it is showing rather severe weather for you. When is it supposed to clear up? I guess commuting on Calaveras in the winter is going to look easy after this. Kudos to you all.
Deletegreat call, after all you and the rest of the team have achieved, getting injured because you got jammed in a pot hole you couldn't see because of the water/rain. Let's hope weather improves and the final days are smooth. Incredible performance by all and especially you Dave.
ReplyDeleteThanks Collin, we appreciate your encouragement.
DeleteHoping for better weather! You guys have been really lucky so far. Proud of you too.
ReplyDeleteI packed my rain jacket, just in case, but I'll see how I feel about riding in the rain once I arrive!
ReplyDeleteAndrea
I think we have better weather in the forecast Andrea, looking forward to having you with us.
ReplyDeleteI sure hope we don't have a repeat of today.
DeleteI say the score is Mother Nature 1 David 1000!! I admire your perseverance!!
ReplyDeleteA NASTY day of riding! You had the right idea Dedi!! Glad you convinced Dave to come in outta the rain. Hope you all get better riding weather ahead. -Mikey
ReplyDeleteHey Mikey! Great to hear from you. We miss you.
ReplyDeleteThis far and you've only jumped in one time - that's damn good in any book.
ReplyDeleteWild weather. I agree. It was a smart move to stay safe and see what tomorrow brings. Hoping for better weather for you! Also proud of the tremendous effort you've (all) put into everyday of this amazing journey! Kenny
ReplyDelete