Author Topic: Went for a long bike ride in the rain the other day (small victories)  (Read 1855 times)

CloserToFree

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 369
  • Location: Major U.S. City
  • 30-sth lawyer (for now), traveler, lover of nature
OK I know this is really minor in the grand scheme of things, but it felt like a win to me.  The other day it was slightly drizzling but I figured it wouldn't be that bad on a bike, and I was craving a decent workout, so I set off for a long bike ride during my son's nap (DH was home...not to worry ;-)).  About 10 minutes in the drizzle turned in to much heavier rain, pouring at times.  I hadn't worn biking gloves and my hands were freezing (it was very chilly that day), plus I was getting pretty soaked.  I stopped for a minute and seriously considered turning around and heading home.  BUT then I thought of that MMM post where he talks about taking on difficult tasks as a personal challenge (including being outdoors in the elements like snow, hot sun and rain), and how it makes you happier in the end.  I gave myself a little pep talk, warmed up my hands for a couple minutes, and got back on the trail.  I ended up going 15 miles when I had initially only aimed for 10, and it turned out to be a really awesome ride.  Because it was rainy, no one else was on the trail (usually heavily trafficked on weekends), so it was not only a great workout but also restorative to spend that time alone in nature.  Really glad I didn't bail before the ride really started!  Has anyone else had similar experiences lately?

bortman

  • Stubble
  • **
  • Posts: 113
Good job!

I think it was on the Grant Peterson/Rivendell Bikes blog where I read about 'toughening up' when it comes to stuff like this and it convinced me to stop being so fussy about getting out on my bike. Tires a little low on air? So what? You'll go a little slower and work a little hatprder. Oops, you went out underdressed for conditions? You'll probably survive the 1-3 hours of being a little uncomfortable, you won't melt in the rain, and you'll feel like a badass when you get home.


Laserjet3051

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 904
  • Age: 95
  • Location: Upper Peninsula (MI)
Great job. I love biking in the rain, it does feel badass, eh?

Dave1442397

  • Handlebar Stache
  • *****
  • Posts: 1646
  • Location: NJ
Very nice! I used to ride in the rain a lot in Ireland. I commuted to work and school, roughly 8 miles each way, and it rains a lot in Ireland :)


zinnie

  • Pencil Stache
  • ****
  • Posts: 710
  • Location: Boston
Good for you! I never feel like going out in the rain initially but whenever I do I remember how enjoyable it can be. The smell and sound of rain is nice sometimes. And it's especially enjoyable when everyone else is inside :)

I had a similar experience on Sunday. It was pouring here and I was planning to drive to the drugstore, but when I got outside I realized that my husband had a similar plan and took the car. I initially thought I'd just wait to go that evening but decided to just put on my best raincoat and boots and brave the weather. It actually stopped pretty early into my ride, and by the time I got there I was wondering why I ever let the rain stop me from biking.

CloserToFree

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 369
  • Location: Major U.S. City
  • 30-sth lawyer (for now), traveler, lover of nature
Good for you! I never feel like going out in the rain initially but whenever I do I remember how enjoyable it can be. The smell and sound of rain is nice sometimes. And it's especially enjoyable when everyone else is inside :)

Yes, this!!  Love the smell and sound of rain and got it in full effect during this ride.  Plus birds tweeting and other soothing sounds of nature...