|   They say a picture is worth a thousand words. . . | Stick
Apr 22, 2002 6:23 AM | | Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me on my ride yesterday. So, here goes:
The weather has been a bit freakish around here lately. Record high temps all last week (mid-90's). That began to change by the end of my ride Saturday evening. Driving home, the temperature fell and it began to rain. Showers continued on and off throughout the night. When I woke up yesterday, it was gray and downright cold (relatively speaking). Wasn't raining, but I couldn't go for a ride right away. I had to watch Isaiah until 3:00, when Felicia would be home from work. While I waited, I cleaned and lubed my drivetrain and tightened up a loose casette that had been plaguing me for days. I loaded the bike into my car around 2:00. It was just starting to rain again; a few drops on the windshield.
By the time Felicia got home, it was raining steadily and gaining intensity. Should I ride anyway? The answer came soon enough when Felicia said, "Just go. Be happy. If you don't, you're just going to sit around wishing you had."
How could I argue with such flawless logic?!?
I dressed quickly and was out the door, headed for Wissahickon.
When I arrived at the park, I had the feeling that it was going to be a short ride. It was still raining, and the temperature had peaked at 50F. I started riding, and found myself thinking for the first time that leg warmers may actually be a practical thing to buy. My knees were bright red and goosebump covered in a matter of minutes.
I turned and started churning my way up a long, steep grade. Soon I was warmed up and feeling good. By the time I reached the trail that runs along the 'rim' of the valley, I remembered something. Something you'd think would be hard to forget, yet somehow I'd forgotten all the same.
I really like riding in the rain.
Once I'd spent some time pedalling through it; once I was really out there in it...I stopped noticing it. Well, not really. I listened to it falling through the trees. I heard it splashing in puddles. I saw the rocks and roots slickened by it. It was everywhere around me, and I'd become completely immersed in it but, as I pedaled, I was impervious to it.
What's that? What about the trail, you ask? Well, I thought a bit about that while I was out there. Thought about my college years, spent earning a degree in Environmental Chemistry. Thought about youthful idealism (or is it naivete?). Thought about all of the times I've stayed home, longing to ride, because it would be "bad for the trails" to ride in inclement weather. I thought about all of that. . .for a moment.
But the trail didn't scream in pain as I rode. My tires left very little trace (if any at all). As I twisted my way through lush green woods, wet to the core but completely comfortable, it seemed as though I belonged out there on the trail to experience the rainfall. It was a comforting, welcoming feeling and I reveled in it. It was, in a very real way, reminiscent of my first encounter w/ p. cubensis. My brother had given me some of the magic fungus on a rainy spring day much like this one. We took the dogs out for a hike in a downpour. As I walked along the creek that day, looking up at what seemed to be impossibly big trees, I felt a sense of peace like no other I'd experienced. I could've wandered out there among the sound of flowing water and croaking frogs all day long. Likewise, I wanted to stay out all day yesterday (though, if you're wondering, no mushrooms crossed my lips before, during, or after the ride).
Contrary to how I felt at the start, the weather was not forcing me to 'hurry up and finish my ride'. It was, in some way, inviting me to extend it. I decided to stay out there and ride until my legs gave out, and that's exactly what I did. And I did it with a smile.
The ironic thing is that, with the exception of one or two really slick rocks that forced me |
| damn truncation!!!!!! here's the rest.... | Stick
Apr 22, 2002 6:26 AM | | The ironic thing is that, with the exception of one or two really slick rocks that forced me to dismount, my tires seemed to hook up better on the wet trail than they do when it's dry. I completed my loop faster yesterday than I had the day before, and I finished feeling stronger. When I got back to my car, I realized I had plenty of time to keep riding. So, naturally, I did. Rode a few sections of the trail in the opposite direction. Cleaned two very steep, technical climbs that I'd not expected to make; a very pleasant surprise. I found myself carrying momentum well enough to do some climbing in the big ring. Rolling hills flew by; steady undulations beneath my tires. Kept going for another half hour before deciding to turn around and head back.
All said, it was a truly excellent ride. Must be something magical about losing one's self in the rain. The moral of the story? Go out in heavy rain and turn your local loop into a torn up mud bog? Of course not! But I can say that I won't be so quick to stay home the next time spring showers blow in to town.
-Stick
P.S. 909 words. Oh well, I guess I've given you slightly less then a complete picture. :-\ |
| I was right there with ya, | SoulRider
Apr 22, 2002 6:46 AM | | only at French Creek. I love the rain. Makes you look at the off camber rocks and roots in a whole new light at speed. |
| 909...oh well, we'll forgive you :) | kristian
Apr 22, 2002 7:21 AM | | Great post. Riding in the rain is a lot of fun. However, as we found out Saturday, when riding in freezing rain, the ice crystals kinda hurt your face :). And we also found out, that only 15 minutes of rain can spell the difference between a perfectly ridable trail and a trail that attacks your bike and suspends any further wheel spinning. (the 15 minutes in question was how long it took us to decide to ride back UP the trail from the bottom to look for the Marylanders who followed NoSpode down an alterate trail and then got lost in the maze of trails above the parking lot. Luckily, after a half an hour or so, they found their way back to the parking lot :). |
| Sweet. | Bikebreath
Apr 22, 2002 9:32 AM | | I used to get behind the clubs and the advocates about the "damage" to wet trails. I have to say it's become a personal choice for me not ride them, but I've lost my elegance to the naysayers. Years ago you may have read my rants on protecting the wet trails. I don't want them closed or restricted anymore than any one else, but I no longer feel that political closure is dependent on something as simple as riding on a wet trail. A simple thunderstorm can do worse.
Back when I first got into mtb'ing I rode no matter what the weather. Now I personally don't like the slippery rocks and roots, the mess in my car, grit in the tub and nasty clothes laying all over the house to dry. Maybe I just got old.
I don't mean to take away any of the magic from your ride in the wet woods. I used to ride in the rain. I know what happens. It turns into a world not like the one we usually play in. A special new universe is created and a freshness is released in shinny leaves and earthy smells that seem to change even the way you process stimuli. Your story clearly expresses the freedom you latched onto and the peace that comes from empty wet trails and I will not take that away. I will not take it away, like the water will erases your tire tracks...take it away, like the rain washed away your doubt about going for ride...
Glad you had a nice ride and I throughly enjoyed your joy...and your story.
Bb, [ ran on Saturday and did an Urban on Sunday. ] |
| thanks BB. | Stick
Apr 22, 2002 9:45 AM | | Glad you enjoyed the write-up, and thanks for the non-lecture.
I've got to admit, it was one of the best rides I've had in many, many moons, and the bike only brought ~ 1/4 lb of wet pine needles and mud home with it. The ride was wet, but not terribly muddy (if that makes any sense). |
| Great read. | wm
Apr 22, 2002 10:10 AM | | Sure brings back memories of when I used to ride regardless of conditions. You're absolutely correct - I'd forgetten that I loved riding in the rain. I've regressed. Help.
My sis recently referred to my four kids as "The Fource". And The Fource must be reckoned with. Someday my priorities will re-shuffle again, and when no one else is willing to ride in the wet and/or cold with you, you'll know who to call.
wm |
| glad you had some good rides............wish i did.......... | 1WD
Apr 22, 2002 7:24 AM | | I had two rides planned for the weekend.
I got in zero rides. I'm done planning stuff.
Every time I plan anything it falls through.
Hope the Manowar concert works out though.
Later
Dave. |
| read the 'Loose Change' column. . . | Stick
Apr 22, 2002 10:45 AM | | in this month's issue of 'Bike'.
Entropy is king.
Next time just go riding anyway. Thumb your nose in the face of chaos. Stick to the plans. |
| nice post Stick | wc
Apr 22, 2002 8:07 AM | | Good to hear you braved the elements and had a great ride. No rain here yesterday but it was only about 40 degrees at ride time. I'll try to post some pics tonight because I just don't have it in me to write 900+ words.
Mike |
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