Rainy Tune Up Ride

The weather seriously dampened turn out for Sunday’s Audax Tune up. (Sorry about the pun.) Only three of us showed up.

I’d like to extend a hearty “way to go” to Cindy. She hasn’t had much rain riding experience, but she was game to go. Chris is a more experienced rider, but it was raining for her too. Both these ladies showed a lot of pluck, dealing with the conditions with good cheer. I am truly impressed.

The hardest thing about a rain ride is throwing your leg over the top tube. After that, you ride. Your rain gear works, or it doesn’t. Eventually, you get wet. Your focus changes a lot in the rain. This is even more evident when it’s not particularly warm. Chatter tends to go away. Riders focus on the essential tasks, watching traffic, matching gearing to the conditions, communicating road hazards. At the same time, idle chatter drops off. It’s not an easy thing.

For a long time, I’ve maintained that a good rider should seek out and actively ride in less than ideal conditions. In this fashion, one learns how to handle the adverse before one has to do so.

Good job, ladies. Bravo!