The Wet Weekend Ride Picture Thread (WWRPT)

I had the day off … and picked the worst day of weather for it. We’d had 60mm in the rain gauge on Wednesday and Thursday and it rained steadily all night. I got up at 5am to the sound of rain and thought **** it, I don’t often get a chance for a long ride, so rain can’t ruin my day off.

Got to the shed and found the chosen steed laid on its side – the rear tyre had lost air overnight and it had fallen out of its stand. Ominous.

Whacked some fresh sealant in and some air and it was good to go. So I did.

The route I’d mapped on Strava yesterday was about 110km, and for some stupid reason I’d put several horrible hills in for the last 20km. I made a snap decision to reverse the route, meaning I’d get the climbs (arguably slightly harder) out of the way early. I’m so glad I did.

Climbed up onto the range up roads that were running like rivers. And stopped to admire the view of the ocean 20kms to the east…

Then I had the fun of a 70kmph gravel descent in pissing rain. Eyes almost closed. Thank goodness for a front mudguard.

Hours of sodden forestry, sideways rain and impressive mist-shrouded mountains ensued.

Eventually I arrived at a cafe and took a large coffee and an eclair in return for some of my money and a shit load of mud on their outdoor furniture (whoops!)

All that remained was another 40km of flat and fast gravel to make it home just in time for lunch and an important Teams meeting.

Crash count 2: a slow speed off due to a wet clay climb having zero traction and a deeper than expected puddle/pond.

Yahtzee!

Rain all weekend down South, I’ll spare you a picture of my turbo trainer ?