Thursday Thoughts: The “Lower Limit”

I have a set of very simple rules that make up my “lower limit.”  It’s a sort of go/no-go gauge that determines when I will refuse to ride.

• Temperature above limit?
• Sufficient  weather gear available for current and expected conditions?
• Sufficient Time to reach intended destination?
• Bicycle appropriate to intended activity available and in good repair?
•  
• If I can satisfy those parameters, then it’s a go.  If not, then I’m not riding.

The Mountain Bike Trail consideration:  I might add, that the weather requirements for off-road rides are a bit more stringent.  Riding mountain bike trails in heavy rain is a poor idea in several ways.  Riding trails in hard rain is damaging to the trail.  For that matter, wet weather mountain biking presents some significant dangers to the rider.

Be Prepared!

Preparation is the key difference between a Winter of missed opportunities, and one spent riding comfortably and frequently.  Learn what your “limits” are, and then prepare to meet them.

When in doubt…  Go!

I’ve seen it happen countless times.  The conditions are almost right, but there is a possibility of a negative change.  In the face of that, riders often cancel, only to later see the day turn out well.  If the situation isn’t below one’s minimums, and isn’t rapidly changing for the worse, go for it.  Most times this works well.

But what if I go, and it turns really bad?

Good question!  There are about four possibilities.

1)  The “False Alarm.”  We got ready, and went to meet the ride, but things were just too bad at ride time.  Okay.  Cancel and go home.  There’s no shame in this, and you were ready, and if it had stayed inside your limits, you would have had a ride.  This beats the stew out of sitting at home on a day when you could have ridden, and will happen a lot less frequently than you would think.

2)  The “Early Lousy.”  The ride has started, in questionable conditions, and then things get worse, a lot worse.  Okay.  Admit it, and turn back.   No harm done.  So you get back to the car (or home) a bit sodden and chilled.  You will live to ride another day, and you have a good story to tell.

3)  The “Classic Murphy.”  It was a “maybe,” but you went.  You’ve now gotten as far away from the start as you could possibly be, at the exact midpoint of the route, and suddenly conditions turn vicious.  It’s time to make a decision.  Continue, or pull the plug?  If you decide that you can continue, do so promptly.  If you are going to terminate the thing, find shelter, and call for help.  It happens.  Better luck next time.  (I seem to get into one of these “bail out” situations about once every year.)

4)  The “Nasty Ending.”  You made it through ¾ of the ride (or more) before it all went sour.  Well?  You’re in it now.  Go ahead and get it done.  Finish.  You might consider taking a shortcut, but just ride it out.

Have Faith in Yourself:  You are far more resourceful, and capable than you know.  And each situation that you encounter improves your knowledge and experience. Establish a reasonable set of parameters to guide you, and then believe in them.

What experiences have you had that left you battered, but not beaten?