Ridin' in the Rain

It was reported this week that April, 2009, was the wettest April in Indiana of the last 45 years. The OWLS can vouch for that as both weekday evening rides in the last week of April were wet.

Rain, Rain doesn't stop the OWLS

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Tuesday's OWLS ride started in the rain, although, when the 14 of us gathered at the church at 5:45, it was still dry. Believing the weather reports that said it wasn't supposed to be raining, ride leaders Shelley Bradfield and Kathy Cummins led us out anyway, heading west toward Church St. and up to That Road. Glen and Caleb on their tandem bailed out at Clear Creek trail, due to failure of the navigator to dry out after the rain stopped. We regrouped often, and thus all speeds of riders generally stayed together, or at least in sight of one another.

Rockport Road hasn't gotten any less hilly, and on our destination street, Tramway, another rider left the ride while another one performed a classic example of getting your foot stuck in the cleat while stopped. We're not naming names! But the damp gravel the latter person landed in gave him a very impressive "tough rider" look for the remainder of the ride. The last portion of the ride along Schacht and onto Harrell went quickly and smoothly. We all arrived safely, and hopefully all involved gave their bikes a good rinse upon getting home, before rinsing the rain-enhanced road grime from themselves.

Reported by Kathy Cummins

OWLS ride in the RAIN again

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Six riders rode on the Thursday OWLS ride. Zero riders ended up dry. After discussing the weather radar and probable chance of rain, it was decided that we would take the safe and reliable ride to the water plant instead of the Airport ride.That turned out to be a good decision. Shelley and Carl led everyone out at a quick pace and would stop frequently to let us (Rob, Tom, Ken and me) catch up. When we arrived at the water plant, Shelley convinced us we had to ride down to the lake and then we could go on Shady Side Lane.The hill coming back from the lake was hard work but then Shady Side Lane was the reward. It started to rain shortly after we left Shady Side Lane. The closer to town we got the harder it rained.By this time we were in three groups of two riders. Everyone must have made it home because I was at the end of the ride and I didn't pass anyone.

Please note that SKS Raceblade fenders are a really good $50 investment for rides like this. Don't leave home without them. Look into a rain cap (or cheap hotel shower cap) to cover your helmet. Your main goal is to keep your head dry, not make style points. Another tip (from soccer experience) is to stuff your wet shoes with wadded up newspaper to help soak the water out of your shoes. Just don't stuff to much in and stretch your shoes.

Reported by CE Taylor