Welcome to Aging Adventurist. I am attempting to do one adventure every day for the month of August, 31 days, 31 adventures, some big, some small, some physical, some mental. I hope you’ll come along, or join me!
Day 12: Thursday, August 12
Bike riding in a storm, Easthampton-Holyoke-West Springfield, MA
We’ve had some good storms around here this summer, and August 12 was one of the better ones. Rumbling thunder, massive streaks of lightening across the sky, then a driving, angry downpour. This storm came on fast, faster than I expected, and it caught me unprepared out on the bike amid a ride from Easthampton to West Springfield. I made it to Holyoke, near Ingleside, about half way. Coming down the Route 202 hill the rain was driving into my face so hard I could barely open my eyes to see where I was going. I love a good storm, and certainly rode through some on my recent x-US bike trip, but this one forced me to stop for a while and wait it out outside a protective strip mall. Eventually the rain let up enough to ride on and I headed south dodging fall tree branches and debris, splashing through puddles and eyeing the impressive streaks of lightening a few miles in front of me. At one point as I rode in the rain, an attractive woman pulled next to me and offered to give me a lift home in her SUV. I was impressed by her bravery, so unusual these days; but I passed. I was actually enjoying the ride.
Adventure: Bike ride through the storm
Distance traveled: About 17 miles cycling
Challenges: Keeping my phone dry; keeping from being hit by falling branches; staying clear of traffic while dodging puddles.
Risks: Getting struck by lightening; slipping and falling down on wet pavement.
Difficulty scale 1-10: 5.5
Highlights: I enjoyed this ride. It reminded me of riding as a kid, free from care about getting wet.