Riding in the Rain

I'm riding in the rain, just riding in the rain... what a glorious feelin', I'm happy again!

The rains came. Last Friday. Except for he break we had on Sunday (which brought mostly blue skies and sunshine) our weather forecasters have been spot on regarding the precip that's descended on our region. I took light rail to and from work for the first time since the skies went dry last spring, and wouldn't you know, my train goes kaput to start off my weekend. Thankfully the outage only lasted about 20 minutes.

Wow, it just dumped cats and dogs outside as I continue to type.

Tomorrow morning the storms should be history and I can resume my two-wheeled commuting again. I was just thinking about the many times I've been caught riding in the rain... caught, I say, since I rarely consider heading out when the wet stuff threatens to fall. It's one thing to be rained on while close to home, and a whole 'nuther story when stuck hundreds of miles away. How far is far?

Portland, OR
Spokane, WA
Eureka, MT
Aspen and Vail, CO
Salt Lake City, UT
Flagstaff, AZ
the northern CA coast
the Sierra Nevadas

My friend wrote to say that he got caught riding in the rain on his commute home Thursday evening (whereas I caught only a few droplets). Not being a seasoned rider, his comment was that it was scary. Regardless of experience, it is scary having to share the roadways with idiots in urban traffic; I'd rather take my chances on the open road, hundreds of miles from home.

Light Rail

Last week I commuted via light rail (our electrified local mass transit system on rails). That's because my favorite commuter motorcycle puked its rear end upon getting home from a Halloween shindig. It's just as well, since I eventually will have gotten around to alternative transportation... and best I learn the ropes before it begins raining cats and dogs.

I drive my truck about 4 miles to the most convenient light rail station, park it, validate a ticket and board the train for a 5-6 mile ride to my downtown office. Fortunately, the train stops at my building (and the one departing for home stops about a 1/2 block away).

It's not so bad.

The problem for many people is that the light rail routes are not necessarily as convenient as I have found them to be (altho' it'd be nice if I didn't have to drive 4 miles to the station... but I'm nitpicking). Some still have to walk several blocks to their offices. There's also the problem with vehicle break-ins at some of the parking locations. Lastly, you get to share your commute with others (many with whom you'd rather not).

With everyone jumping on the GREEN bandwagon (global warming, hybrid vehicles, Al Gore), maybe the powers-that-be could do something to better promote mass transit, such as developing better routes and providing enhanced security. As for putting up with fellow commuters' profanity, lack of personal hygiene and what-not... I'm not sure there is a solution.

Once my Cruiser's rear end is all fixed up and weather permitting, I will be back to two-wheeling it to work (I park free about a block away). I love riding.