4DEC2015

Riding in the rain is fun...sometimes. After a long day of sitting in a harness twenty to thirty feet off the ground (no matter how super comfy my Metolius Waldo Deluxe may be) however, I looked outside today and I just was not feeling that desire to go out and "enjoy" the rain. I confess now that every aspect of negativity entered my mind and I just thought of any way I could get out of it. I'm really stoked for what happened next...
Johnny, a great friend and coworker seems to choose to ride his sweet, old school Specialized Stumpjumper only on the days that promise horrible weather; good for me! He came up to me right as I was fishing the start card for my route (final step in setting a route) and asked when I was heading out. I knew this meant that he was up for hitting some mud on the way home and was hoping I could ride with him. My whole perspective changed. Riding in mud with a friend can make riding in the rain much more palatable.



Johnny, seen here, with his "custom" water proof backpack setup. (Note how well the rigging works on his rear fender :)


The photo did not turn out the way I hoped...no mastery here why. The forest was beautiful this day...





Crocs look awful at first glance...and maybe also at second glance. Still, I found them to be invaluable bikepacking/rain-riding/lightweight partners in crime (no, it is not yet a "crime" to wear these out in public).


I love riding through fallen leaves on my Surly Pugsley. Actually, I love riding over almost anything on the Pugsley.


Another fail photo here--hopefully you can sense the spray from this super fun puddle.

And, in closing, here are some photos from the following morning; enjoy, if you like that kind of thing.