Is what I thought today as I pulled my bike out of the garage, and stepped out in to the torrential rain.
About a mile in to my commute I hit the first hill, which to be honest was more of a waterfall. Water was pouring down off the fields, across/down the road, and then off the other side of the road. In areas where there was the slightest dip in the road water gathered across the road forming 5 or 6 inch puddles, often 10+ feet long.
Lots of standing water, but all fairly easily manageable.. Until I reached the bottom of the hill.
(Excuse the photo quality, my phone was in a waterproof case)
So now I had to make a decision.. 4 mile detour, or brave the flood.. Of course I took the latter option!
I opted for the higher, and shallower side of the road, for obvious reasons. Despite that the water level still went over the bottom bracket, but thankfully it was about a half inch from the hubs!
I successfully plowed through the flood water on my 23mm tires (much to the chagrin of the motorists having to turn around), and somehow my boots kept my feet dry despite having to pedal submerged in water.
After continuing down the road a bit I noticed police had placed "Road Closed" signs down, but only on one side of the floods.
My chain has now been blown out with compressed air, lubed, and bearings checked to ensure they're spinning freely and smoothly (which they are). Can't beat a good bulletproof commuter!
Here's some more photos I took later on in the day:
Road or river?
This brook is normally about 3 feet wide, and about 4-5 foot lower.
About a mile in to my commute I hit the first hill, which to be honest was more of a waterfall. Water was pouring down off the fields, across/down the road, and then off the other side of the road. In areas where there was the slightest dip in the road water gathered across the road forming 5 or 6 inch puddles, often 10+ feet long.
Lots of standing water, but all fairly easily manageable.. Until I reached the bottom of the hill.
(Excuse the photo quality, my phone was in a waterproof case)
So now I had to make a decision.. 4 mile detour, or brave the flood.. Of course I took the latter option!
I opted for the higher, and shallower side of the road, for obvious reasons. Despite that the water level still went over the bottom bracket, but thankfully it was about a half inch from the hubs!
I successfully plowed through the flood water on my 23mm tires (much to the chagrin of the motorists having to turn around), and somehow my boots kept my feet dry despite having to pedal submerged in water.
After continuing down the road a bit I noticed police had placed "Road Closed" signs down, but only on one side of the floods.
My chain has now been blown out with compressed air, lubed, and bearings checked to ensure they're spinning freely and smoothly (which they are). Can't beat a good bulletproof commuter!
Here's some more photos I took later on in the day:
Road or river?
This brook is normally about 3 feet wide, and about 4-5 foot lower.
Gently does it...
