It's Grim Down South...

[Aperitif]

What a day! In London it has been raining continuously since 05:15, and it's still falling hard.
OK, going one way in a mix of traffic and rain is one thing, but to return in the miserable flooded road gloom after a whole day of rain is the pits.
No primary space as most of the roads have spreading puddles - more like rivers in the sloping parts - and unkind motorists splashing through other water laying across the roads. No escape - you just get washed!
Braking capability for my (non-disc) brakes was minimal at times, the drain covers became danger zones (where they were not submerged) and the stainless steel studs marking road crossings here need careful negotiation.
Be careful be careful be careful!
But I do apologise to the Post Office van driver who pulled out in front of me between the Marylebone and Edgware Roads. I nearly delivered myself into the back of his van via the side and shouted (politely) "What are you doing - you idiot?" He wound down the window and equally politely said "Sorry mate - I was looking at the other car, I do apologise..." Said with such humility that I regretted shouting at him. Lessons learned eh?
Anyway - soaked in most parts save for the Altura Night Vision protected parts The same waterproof gloves are OK on the inside too, but the shoe covers didn't stand a chance with all the bathing they took.
And it was cold too.
Latest forecast is that the rain is set to get heavier then turn to sleet.
No wonder you lot in the North are so miserable...

 

[hackbike 666]

I have no problem with this rain,mindful if it snows I may be walking ten miles to work.

 

[Brock]

Yep, I got soaked, and my new place isn't even two miles from work. Just hope my shoes dry out for the morning.

 

[ianrauk]

Yep, got absolutely soaked on my commute tonight, one hour of constant rain, rain, and more rain, with some nice headwind too..

Thing is, I thought to myself, well i'm going to get thoroughly wet through so might as well enjoy it, cycled hard to keep warm.. and went through a couple of huge puddles, legs in air screaming "woo hoo!!!".. just like a little kid..

 

[hackbike 666]

ianrauk,even though I had no waterporoofs and felt cold funnily enough I did enjoy it although the motons and peds irritated the hell out of me.There were some real morons out there tonight though.

Best discovery is waterproof socks,the best thing since sliced bread.They are brilliant I even wear a pair in bed.

 

[HJ]

What a day! In London it has been raining continuously since 05:15, and it's still falling hard....
Latest forecast is that the rain is set to get heavier then turn to sleet.
No wonder you lot in the North are so miserable...

It is also way miserable in London, all you lot ever do is complain about it. It's been a lovely day up here, could do with a wee bit more snow so I can go skiing on Arthur's Seat though...

 

[neslon]

The biggest problem in Newcastle was the blinding sunshine at dawn & dusk!

 

[snorri]

No wonder you lot in the North are so miserable...

:?::?:We are miserable?
You seem to be the one who is complaining, for me it was one of these 'great to be alive days'. Blue sky from dawn 'til dusk, not a breath of wind, calm seas with ice floes near the shore, the fresh snow on the lower ground, the green forests sweeping up to the snow covered peaks.
A pleasure to be out and about on the bicycle.

You need some proper clothing

 

[yenrod]

Funny thing is Ap' - I was saying to my uncle earlier: when the south 'get it' we certainly know about it!

 

[LLB]

Rain has turned to snow in Glos. I nipped out to get some fuel, and decided to take a drive up the hill (as you do). I got up to the top quarry and saw some headlights flashing.

A couple of lads in a Discovery had strayed off the road and got stuck in the ditch between the field and the road. They were soaking wet, plastered in mud and were shivering as they had been trying to dig the car out for about an hour and a half. I had a go at dragging them out, but the road was solid snow, and they had managed to dig a really deep hole in the side of the ditch. I wasn't prepared to risk going into the field and getting stuck myself so we left the car there and I ran them back to their house.

It is bloody dangerous out there so keep the risks to a minimum boys and girls.

 

[asterix]

Aye it's a gradly day in York, nowt t'mither about, leastways.

 

[Davywalnuts]

I've discovered that my "waterproof" Altura over-shoes and seal-skins "waterproof" socks are not water proof.

But I have discovered that shopping bags wrapped over the shoe and under the over shoe works a treat, and a free upgrade too! Bargain!

 

[redjedi]

What are you talking about, it was great yesterday !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (© Keith Oates)

Didn't cycle at all last week due to weather and having a cold.

I was a bit disappointed when I saw the rain in the morning and the forecast of rain all day but set off anyway.

I probably set my best time for getting to work and didn't even mind that I was soaked through.

Going home was even better (more downhill ). I was getting some good speeds, always a gap to get through the traffic and hit a lot of green lights. Got home with a huge smile on my face....loved it.

 

[ChrisKH]

I got humungously wet last night. My rucksack has a waterproof cover but it was sodden by the time I got home. Every bit of me was damp.

 

[Sig SilverPrinter]

and went through a couple of huge puddles, legs in air screaming "woo hoo!!!".. just like a little kid..

Glad i'm not the only one who does this.

I got very wet and cold last night , my shoes were still wet this morning.
Got home to find water running down the walls in the kitchen and bathroom were there are leaks in the flat roof