Today’s ride adventure…
I had a doctor’s appointment this afternoon so I decided to ride to it. Big mistake, I checked the temperature and rain status. I said to myself, “warm enough and I will get back just before the down pour, good to go!” So I timed my ride to get to the appointment with time to spare. I get out on the road and noticed it was a little windy but not too bad though so I thought. I get 2 miles down the road had my first pickup truck driver of the year going the opposite direction yell, “Get the F off the road!”. A little while later I make a left turn dead into the wind, hit me like a brick wall; message to myself next time check the wind report! I debated; do I turn around or keep going? I figured just keep going and power through the wind it can’t be that bad. I was wrong it was that bad 20-25 mph winds with gust up to 35 mph. I got blown all around like a rag doll but I kept going, my only saving grace was I got a new power meter so I was able to impress myself with my power output even when my pace slowed to a crawl. It wasn’t an easy ride but I finally got to the doctor’s office only 3 minutes late not bad at all.

After seeing the doctor I started the ride home. It didn’t look good had rain clouds in the sky and a little dark, the wind was still out but as expected the wind started to shift directions. I finally make my way back to Rte 70 which will be my route back until I get to my last 5 miles. Instead of having a tailwind I had a strong side wind that was swirling which made it dangerous at times. Blowing me towards traffic then to the opposite side, holding on and power pedaling kept me in check. I was in zone 3 HR power would fluctuate with the wind but I kept pedaling as hard as I could. I see it getting darker and not looking good. My weather report said rain at 4pm; it was wrong rain at 3pm, I got dumped for over one hour! When it first started it was lightning and thunder. I began to wonder how far I could go before needing to stop, about 15 minutes later the thundering stop but the rain got worse, I couldn’t see so I had to lower the glasses some. Finally, I get to my last turn heading home now the rain and head wind slowed me down to my slowest point of the ride. I had to get out of the saddle to get my speed back up, this section of the ride really hurt. I finally, make the last turn off the main road into my neighborhood. What really is the pisser I am soaked to the bone, I finished the ride and the rain stopped at the same time!