First time in the rain

September 12, 2009

I knew the day would come and it did. Having planned to bike today and wanting to keep my commitment, I left my home at 6:15 am in the pouring rain. I started slow because the roads were full of branches, leaves and who knows what from the huge storm and winds we had yesterday. As soon as I turned to head north I realized I made a mistake. The computer said the winds were out of the northeast. Surprise, they were out of the southeast. Easy ride out turned into a hard ride home. Got a break when the rains let up for part of the ride.

As I was approaching my home I heard that sound that I never want to hear. Slow hissing of air escaping from a tire. Must of been something I did not see on the road, punctured my front tube. With only 3 blocks to home, I walked my bike home instead of changing the tire in the rain. In the afternoon, I bot a better tire and with two new tires on my bike, I do not want to even think about flat tires.

Tomorrow I will be riding with Bruce, who is an experienced rider. We plan to do at least 50 miles. I am anxious to see where I am in my training. If all goes well I will attempt my first 100 miler by the end of the month.

Phil