not an enjoyable day on the bike...
We'd picked out a route around Wachusett Reservoir which is Massachusetts' 2nd largest lake. Was to be 45 or so miles. Forecast was for possible heavy downpours and you can remove the possible. When we started there were some ominous looking clouds but we tried to set off anyway. It started pouring maybe 2 miles into our ride. We pulled over, thought about turning around, but decided to go on anyway. It poured for maybe another 10 to 15 minutes, and water was just sheeting off of us, and our shoes were full of water, we were soaked etc. I had my rainjacket by my husband didn't. There were a few new wrinkles too - I was wearing contacts and new riding shades and I haven't worn contacts in many years before this. Also, we put on our new Michelin Pro Race tires so I was to be on guard for a different feeling and slickness with them...
The rain stopped and we encountered challenge #2 - a road closure that was on our route. We took a left there and managed to work our way back on route. We alternated between periods of no rain and light but manageable rain. Things were looking better. We passed a charity ride water stop (didn't know there was one on) where several wet and bedraggled riders were refueling.
We had a slow ride overall. There were lots of hills and everything was wet. We had the skies open up a 2nd time on us, just pouring and pouring. It was raining so hard the water was pouring down my helmet into my jersey/shorts. At times it was hard to see with so much water on my lenses. We almost pulled over to stop again but just like that the rain was gone.
Then came the truly scary moment, though, oddly I didn't feel it at the time. We came upon a railroad tracks at an angle to the road. I have ridden over tracks many many times, and know to try and approach at 90 (it wasn't easily possible here), and that they can snag you bad. I was trying to figure out my approach and decided to go across with good speed. Between new tires, wet everything, angled tracks, it wasn't the right decision and I got across halfway maybe and then started fishtailing. Somehow, I have no idea how, I righted the bike and kept going, no fall. I wasn't scared in the moment of it, but after it happened I was like holy @#$%#$. I feel extremely lucky to have not fallen and likely hurt myself. I will be more careful around tracks especially non perp ones and when wet. I am actually a very cautious rider so this seems like I just made a bad judgement here.
At that time we were still 6 or so miles away from the parked car, and I think we both decided we would skip the "optional" extra mileage I had planned, since we'd had enough for the day. We were still sopping wet. We got back to the car, and did do an extra out and back across the Res bridge, mostly for the views, and then returned to car (with a hot dog cart parked nearby, so we had some).
Of course, then the sun came out.
It was a strange day on the bike and I'm still not sure what to make of it. But everything turned out ok...
we have a ride planned for tomorrow. I hope it does not rain like today...
