Halfdoesyn Posted February 14, 2018 Posted February 14, 2018 So I hopped on the bike late afternoon yesterday, heading home from work, after the rain showers seemed to have cleared and the roads all nice and dry again. I like dry roads. Everything went smoothly until I reached the race course in Durbanville when some beeg drops started pelting the deck. Big as in Highveld-sized rain drops, not the drizzly Cape Town-like ones we're used to. Upping my effort to get home sooner only produced a nice sting and burn on the arms and face, which was ok, I thought. Not so bad. Then at the golf course some gum ball-sized hail started coming down, and there was nowhere to hide. By this time the rain and humidity has fogged up my glasses and it was hard to see. I made it to a small tree and got off the bike to get some shelter from the hail. I was lucky not to be struck. I thought of waiting until the hail subsided, but then some grumbling thunder made me realise that squatting next to a tree is probably not the smartest thing to do. Fortunately by then, the hail was gone and I set off in the rain, only to be met with some more hail and heavy rain. I found myself riding in a rim-deep river of storm water coming down the side of the road. I just prayed that cars would be able to see me through the haze, because I couldn't see much. It was becoming dangerous, so I made a beeline to the garage by the side of the road and hid under the roof - like many people trying to avoid hail damage to their cars. After about 15 minutes the hail and worst of the rain had gone and I resumed my eventful commute home. Thankfully made it in one piece without incident. Only struck 3 times, on the forearm, index finger and helmet. Bike is ok, so happiness! That was - shall I say - interesting.
Long Wheel Base Posted February 14, 2018 Posted February 14, 2018 So I hopped on the bike late afternoon yesterday, heading home from work, after the rain showers seemed to have cleared and the roads all nice and dry again. I like dry roads. Everything went smoothly until I reached the race course in Durbanville when some beeg drops started pelting the deck. Big as in Highveld-sized rain drops, not the drizzly Cape Town-like ones we're used to. Upping my effort to get home sooner only produced a nice sting and burn on the arms and face, which was ok, I thought. Not so bad. Then at the golf course some gum ball-sized hail started coming down, and there was nowhere to hide. By this time the rain and humidity has fogged up my glasses and it was hard to see. I made it to a small tree and got off the bike to get some shelter from the hail. I was lucky not to be struck. I thought of waiting until the hail subsided, but then some grumbling thunder made me realise that squatting next to a tree is probably not the smartest thing to do. Fortunately by then, the hail was gone and I set off in the rain, only to be met with some more hail and heavy rain. I found myself riding in a rim-deep river of storm water coming down the side of the road. I just prayed that cars would be able to see me through the haze, because I couldn't see much. It was becoming dangerous, so I made a beeline to the garage by the side of the road and hid under the roof - like many people trying to avoid hail damage to their cars. After about 15 minutes the hail and worst of the rain had gone and I resumed my eventful commute home. Thankfully made it in one piece without incident. Only struck 3 times, on the forearm, index finger and helmet. Bike is ok, so happiness! That was - shall I say - interesting.Towards the end of last year I was on the way home and one of joburgs famous afternoon thunder showers decided to find me and sit right on top of me. I am a rider that stops at robots and stop streets but just as I was slowing down for a red robot a freaking bolt of lightning hit a tree on the opposite side of the road. Luckily my pants were already wet because I reckon I wet them. As soon as it was clear of cars I went through that red robot and sprinted to a near by garage and hid there for a bit. The lightning buggered off but the rain didn't. Sjoe I got wet that day. About the only time I will jump a robot(races don't count).
Halfdoesyn Posted February 14, 2018 Posted February 14, 2018 Towards the end of last year I was on the way home and one of joburgs famous afternoon thunder showers decided to find me and sit right on top of me. I am a rider that stops at robots and stop streets but just as I was slowing down for a red robot a freaking bolt of lightning hit a tree on the opposite side of the road. Luckily my pants were already wet because I reckon I wet them. As soon as it was clear of cars I went through that red robot and sprinted to a near by garage and hid there for a bit. The lightning buggered off but the rain didn't. Sjoe I got wet that day. About the only time I will jump a robot(races don't count). Must admit, same here. Also jumped a couple yesterday. I made very sure that it was safe before doing it. Would've not only wet my pants but probably do a no 2 if lightning struck that close to me!
Imploder Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 Getting pretty dark now at 5:30am. #WinterIsComing LOL!
Hairy Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 Getting pretty dark now at 5:30am. #WinterIsComing LOL!We also commented RE this .. you can also feel the sun on your skin not being so harsh in the morning either, and the suns angle is certainly lower and more in your eyes......so guys, those lights need to be charged and fitted at all times. I also hit the 1+K mark, so happy about that .... and the new phone seems to not drop Endomondo like the old one did, so hopefully far less "lost" commutes on the app this year. This morning we were 15 riders @ 5m/rider should that person be in a car in bumper to bumper traffic = 75m of clear roads offered up by our group this this morning.
Imploder Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 We also commented RE this .. you can also feel the sun on your skin not being so harsh in the morning either, and the suns angle is certainly lower and more in your eyes......so guys, those lights need to be charged and fitted at all times. I also hit the 1+K mark, so happy about that .... and the new phone seems to not drop Endomondo like the old one did, so hopefully far less "lost" commutes on the app this year. This morning we were 15 riders @ 5m/rider should that person be in a car in bumper to bumper traffic = 75m of clear roads offered up by our group this this morning.Nicely done on hitting the 1K mark! Guys are in-it-to-win-it this year!
Bateleur1 Posted February 20, 2018 Author Posted February 20, 2018 We also commented RE this .. you can also feel the sun on your skin not being so harsh in the morning either, and the suns angle is certainly lower and more in your eyes......so guys, those lights need to be charged and fitted at all times. I also hit the 1+K mark, so happy about that .... and the new phone seems to not drop Endomondo like the old one did, so hopefully far less "lost" commutes on the app this year. This morning we were 15 riders @ 5m/rider should that person be in a car in bumper to bumper traffic = 75m of clear roads offered up by our group this this morning. This white cr@p must stop now. I am loosing out here.
Imploder Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 This white cr@p must stop now. I am loosing out here. You gonna have to find a longer route home this year Bats!
Bateleur1 Posted February 20, 2018 Author Posted February 20, 2018 You gonna have to find a longer route home this year Bats! Your wish is my command . Think my wife might be slightly the moer in though. But hopefully I will get a couple of 350km weeks in this year under normal commuting. But am thinking about adding a beer loop on my way home this year every now and then.
Hairy Posted February 20, 2018 Posted February 20, 2018 Your wish is my command . Think my wife might be slightly the moer in though. But hopefully I will get a couple of 350km weeks in this year under normal commuting. But am thinking about adding a beer loop on my way home this year every now and then.+1 for doing a beer loop .... best thing about our Friday rides home
Bateleur1 Posted February 22, 2018 Author Posted February 22, 2018 Looks like next week might have a chill in the air.
Imploder Posted February 22, 2018 Posted February 22, 2018 Looks like next week might have a chill in the air. Weather.jpg LOL -8 MAX ?!?!?! WTF!
Flemish Lion Posted February 22, 2018 Posted February 22, 2018 Here's hoping CT has a terrible cold and wet winter - else this challenge is a done deal already!!
Hairy Posted February 22, 2018 Posted February 22, 2018 Here's hoping CT has a terrible cold and wet winter - else this challenge is a done deal already!! I am also hoping for a cold wet winter in CT, but it really makes no difference to the commute for me
Imploder Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Flemish Lion was involved in a accident this morning. This is a wake up call for the rest of us. Be careful out there guys. Heal up soon FL. You're in our thoughts and prayers. https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172620-rider-hubber-flemish-lion-down-in-northcliff/
Imploder Posted February 28, 2018 Posted February 28, 2018 Not sure about the rest of you, but I'm pretty shaken up by what happened with FL.Think I'll take a couple days off the bike. This stuff messes with your head, especially when it's so close to home. Sh*t just got real!
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