The Roving Reporter
Thunder, lightning and new lights
Posted by: Amy Reiter
Tuesday, July 8, 2008 10:00 PM
Today I'm pondering some of those "to bike or not to bike?" questions.For example, I need to take my dog to the vet for her annual shots. How does one do that with only a bike? Her vet is several miles away. Do bike-only people prioritize such services by what's closest to home?
Or, and more timely, what happens when it's so stormy out, I can barely see in front of me?
I was pretty psyched (though completely exhausted) last night -- nearly 15 miles on my first day out! I thought maybe today I'd top that. I started out well, with about 9.9 miles by 2 p.m. today.
But then, when I was getting ready to leave, one of my coworkers pointed out the weather to me -- thunder, lightning and pounding rain.
Get a ride with me, she said. It's not safe to bike.
And I did.
I feel pretty guilty about this, and I think I would have felt guilty if I'd ridden in such bad weather as well, especially since I haven't yet installed the lights I bought today (front and back lights -- thanks for the tip, bi from the first set of commenters).
Cyclists, what do you do in this weather? When is it too bad outside to cycle? Is there a right answer? (And thanks for the note about braking slower in rain, Tim -- this week, it's going to come in handy.)
Among the roads traveled today:
This morning I tried the new bike lane on First Street, and found it a pretty good experience. The lane is wide enough not to feel too close to either traffic or parked cars, though it ends randomly at a few intersections. Still, it was great to see a bike lane on a street I bet many students will use once the University of Illinois' fall semester starts.
I also rode along Main Street in Urbana between Lincoln and downtown. It's such a pretty street, with those pastel-colored houses and turrets, that it's even more a pity the road is so bumpy.
By the way, thanks for all the wonderful cycling stories and expertise! They've been so useful, and I'm using them as fast as I can.
Tomorrow I'll be cycling west Champaign, so look for more on that.
Amy
Comments
Well I rode through the storm last night.
I did seek shelter in a car wash when it was really coming down hard and lightning was hitting all over the place. I always have a book with me, so I just sat there reading until it dropped to sprinkles.
The roads were very flooded, and low points were little ponds. Then I got caught in wave two. Was very wet when I got home.
My tips for rain.
Be sure to dry your bike off well.
And if the rain is coming down so hard you cannot see - get off the road, and seek shelter.
That's another tip for you - when planning your bike route take notice of places you can shelter during a storm.
--Tim
Posted by tevans on July 9, 2008 at 10:49 AM
I do not bike in lightening storms. Regarding how to get your doggy to the vet, those who live carfree usually have a cart, like the ones they use for kids, and they train their dogs to ride in them. The carts also come in handy for hauling groceries, shopping bags, etc. The other option that may soon be available in our community will be a car-share program. So, when you need to make those trips by auto you do not have to own one, you just sign up and use one when you need it.
Posted by consider on July 9, 2008 at 12:12 PM
P.S. You can always put your bike on an MTD bus in bad weather and take the bus!
Posted by consider on July 9, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Another thing about heavy rains - it shifts the little pieces of glass on the road side.
Posted by tevans on July 9, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Don't go cutting your wrists with the glass, Timmy. I know things look bad right now with the loss of the big printing contract; the new, unused plant; the sharp revenue declines; the buyouts; your inability to separate truth from fiction.
But things will get better. Once the empire declines significantly, you'll have less stress, and you won't have to pretend to be smart as often.
Posted by Wenalway on July 16, 2008 at 2:21 PM
