SpokEasy

The School of Misery

books school of misery cold wind rain ride

Oh, the school of misery!

Trying to train for a century ride is frustrating when the weather keeps thwarting your plans. Today again I had to cut my planned 40-plus mile ride very short; and it was a miserable ride.

Last night the forecast predicted 57 degrees at 8:00 am; but with a 70% chance of showers. It was overcast, but not raining; so I set out. Right after I began the ride, it started to rain; and the wind was unpleasant, too.

I got wetter and wetter; and of course I also got colder and colder. After less than nine miles, I figured it was time to call it quits; and it’s a good thing I did.

I didn’t think to use warming packs in my gloves; and that was a big mistake. Before I was halfway home, my hands were so cold that I could hardly feel them. If I had tried to push on, I might have developed frostbite!

The rain stopped before I got home, but it’s still overcast; and we might still get some more rain. Tomorrow is supposed to be mostly sunny; but colder than today. I’m glad I don’t have to go to work tomorrow; and I can ride later in the day, after it’s a bit warmer.

My road bike at least got some much-needed washing during today’s ride; and of course now I need to lube the chain.

My current lube of choice

The chain is due for a lube job in any case; and it’s especially important to oil it after a ride in the rain. Our next chance for rain isn’t until Saturday; and that’s fine with me. I’ve had enough of the school of misery.