Hello all- since I got up this morning it had not started raining
yet...was windy and cool. I managed to find a good rainjacket and
pants set to match with clasps to keep the rain of my clothes- I
wore a swim cap under my helmet and went off for the MS TZ ride for
2006-----there were alot of people there- some with rain gear and
wearing shorts, some combo shorts/long pants, some just with rain
jackets. The beginning of the ride was damp- just a sprinkle as we
got to mid span on the bridge the rain picked up.....it hard to see
in front of you in the down-pour and the hills on the thruway and
that 1st exit we got off were still trecherous for me, new bike not
knowing what gear I was in and a series of tough hills....the
biggest and hardset hill got me walking, my foot slipped off the
pedal my rain jacket got caught on the bike seat. The rain was
terrenchal.....got to the top of the hill and it was like a
waterfall downhill....used my brakes to keep me semi-safe, coasted
into Rockland Lake State Park, rested and got a snack. I believe at
this point the weather outlook was not any better so they cancelled
the 60mile portion of the ride....I of course wanted to complete at
least the 20 miles....Ha!!! WHo knew I could be so stubburn, so off
we went...I trekked back up that hill of course by foot, and was
able to ride the rest of the way back to Kraft foods, the hilly part
of the TZ on the way back was a piece of cake- shifted nicely-
though it was still raining cats and dogs. Made it back to my car
feeling like I lived on a lake. So now its afternoon----the sun is
out and the roads look dry - but I am exhausted!!! To all who
posted thanks for the sound advise---hopefully I wont have to make
many more rainy rides but will attempt to get better gear to be
prepared. :) Judy