Despite the weather forecast I set out for a short errand ride. First stop was the library to pick up a book for the spouse. As I was checking out I heard the disturbing sounds of thunder and muttered “oh, oh.” The librarian giggled a little as she had seen me lock my bike. Fortunately, I had remembered to pack a waterproof bag for the book and my Showers Pass rain jacket.
While unlocking the bike and putting on my jacket I debated whether or not to proceed to my second stop. The sky didn’t look that threatening and since I’m not water soluble, I pushed my luck. Thought I would get away with it, despite the intermittent lightning and rumbles. Then just as I turned onto a tree-lined street little white ice balls started falling out of the sky. I was near a mature live oak and sought shelter. Wasn’t perfect but the hail stones that got through the canopy had decelerated significantly. Discovered another benefit to helmets: hail protection. Well, somewhat. My helmet has rather large ventilation holes and one errant piece of sky ice made it through — ouch.
The hail storm didn’t last very long and changed to a wonderful deluge. This is where I was reminded how bad my helmet is at keeping water off my head. The very same ventilation holes. I’ve never been a big fan of cycling caps but I’ve been converted. If only for the little brim in front to keep rain out of ones eyes.
At the next store I added a new cycling cap to my purchases. Of course the rain stopped by the time I got back outside. Oh well, next time.
I tend not to bike when there is a good chance of rain. Half due to comfort, and half due to driver stupidity when things fall from the sky. It was not raining this morning when I left and I saw that there was a 50% chance around when I get off work, so I took the bike. Got a 5 minute sprinkle on the way in, but all in all not too bad.
Mid-morning rolls around and everyone hears hail on the roof and crowds the windows. We had little bit larger than nickel sized hail setting off car alarms. Had quite a few folks upset. My bike is protected from the weather, and the hailstorm didn’t go over my house. Had I drove, I may have had hail damage.
I’ve never been deterred by the “discomfort” of rain. My friends in the Royal Marines have a powerful saying: no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment.”
I do share your opinion of drivers, especially in Austin, and their stupidity in the rain. This influences both my route selection and my on street behavior.