Day 247: Let the Rains Begin Again

As much as I had fantasized that spring was reaching us early this year, I knew that wasn’t the case, and that winter would be back after a brief respite from the rains. Today the rains have returned, and it appears that we’re going to be in for a wet 7-10 days.

I don’t mind telling you that I really, really didn’t want to get onto my bike today. I simply didn’t want to go back to the days of leaving the house in the rain. It’s not easy to do, and especially when I know full well that within 45 minutes, and while wearing great waterproof winter gear, I’ll be soaked all the way through. No matter how waterproof one's gear is you’re going to get wet.

After much procrastination in the form of fussing over what bike was ride worthy, I picked out the Santa Cruz BLT, and I got it into as good of shape as possible given that its drivetrain is roached (that's bike lingo for worn out and in need of replacement). The SuperHeavy is completely worn out. It’s clear that it needs a complete rebuild after I tried unsuccessfully to get it back to being road worthy. All of this did help delay my departure into the rains and cold temps that were undoubtedly waiting for me on Mount Tamalpais.

I left the house a little after 1:00 and headed into the rain. It was one of those rains that are rather annoying in that it wasn’t raining very hard, but it was nonetheless going to get me soaked anyway. I actually prefer riding in heavy rains since it keeps the mud from slinging into face. The heavy rains seem to catch the mud before it hits my face.

I did one of my regular rain rides today since I know precisely how long I’ll be out there, and I’ll also know exactly how cold I’ll be by the time that I get home. I can descend for 45 minutes during rainy conditions as long as the temperatures are above 40 degrees. Today the upper elevations were in the low to mid 40s I’d guess.

I reached the West Point Inn and I decided to take a photo from the same spot as I did yesterday. What a difference. Today’s view is above, and then yesterday’s photo with the beautiful views of the Bay Area is directly to the left. What a difference a day makes.

As with many other cold and wet winter rides that I've completed, by the time that I reached the bottom of Railroad Grade, I could no longer move my fingers. I literally couldn’t actuate my thumb shifters. I had to move my arms in order to force my fingers forward! I know, it’s pretty extreme…

As I reached my driveway my higher power’s seemingly endless gift of timing had me crossing paths with a new friend that I’ve met through R2R. Since I was literally “done” with being on my bike, and so chilled to the bone that I was shivering, there was “E. B.” passing by in his V-Dub and I couldn't even wave. My hands were basically stuck to the bars. ;-}

As I peeled off all of the gear that I had to wear today, and as I stood on my back porch shivering from the cold, I had to remind myself that what I’m doing is a commitment; a dedication to myself, even on the days like today that are difficult to enjoy. That said, I seem to be able to find a silver lining in the clouds. It's a constant reminder to me of where I’ve been, and where I’m going. I don’t know, but as I sit here writing this posting, I feel alive quite alive. Even on a cruddy day like today, I’m happy to be alive!

I’m listening to U2’s Pride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHcP4MWABGY). These guys have tremendous soul, and for them, “love” is for human kind as they’ve demonstrated time and again over the years. They’re a good example of how those that have succeeded in life can give back.

Pride is a sticky wicket. I've been accused by many of being too proud, and it's probably true, but from an early age my mother taught me to have "personal pride." It's tough to bypass those early lessons in life, and in fact pride has in some cases picked me up off of the ground, dusted me off, and gotten me back on the horse that had just thrown me (metaphorically of course).