Rode over 600 miles today. Most of it in the pouring rain. It rained the entire way from Federal Way, WA to Roseburg, OR. To make matters worse, there was an accident and major construction in downtown Portland. They took four lanes of I-5 down to one lane!!!
It was pouring rain. It was cold. And I was stuck in traffic for over an hour in downtown Portland.
Was not a happy camper.
Normally, I am pretty well geared up for the rides. But, I had no idea it was going to be so dang cold and rainy the entire way. I was battling hypothermia cuz all I had was my leather jacket and a t-shirt. After riding in the rain for four straight hours, the rain soaked through the jacket and got my t-shirt all wet. My waterproof gloves were not so waterproof after about four hours of constant soaking on the highway.
I was freezing cold.
South of Portland, I stopped at a shopping mall to get some clothes.
First went to Target and all they had were summer clothing. Not one sweatshirt.
Then went to Ross. The same story.
Finally went to Marshalls. The same story. But just before I left, I saw that they had some sleeping wear - pj's and stuff on clearance. I checked, and I was very fortunate to find a long-sleeve pj top. That thing saved my life! Seriously.
I was so dang cold.
After Roseberg, it stopped raining.
Riding is so much more pleasant when it's not raining.
Well, because I lost so much time in Portland and trying to find some clothes, I will not be able to go down the coast as I planned.
I will have to make do and just take I-5 all the way to LA.
It will be interesting. I was freezing cold today, but tomorrow I am going to be baking in the California desert. The temperatures are supposed to be in the high 90's.
After 600 miles, my butt is sore, my back aches, and my ears are ringing. But I've still got a smile on my face.
I'm going to go to bed now.
Sweet dreams everyone.
The joys of riding!!!
It was pouring rain. It was cold. And I was stuck in traffic for over an hour in downtown Portland.
Was not a happy camper.
Normally, I am pretty well geared up for the rides. But, I had no idea it was going to be so dang cold and rainy the entire way. I was battling hypothermia cuz all I had was my leather jacket and a t-shirt. After riding in the rain for four straight hours, the rain soaked through the jacket and got my t-shirt all wet. My waterproof gloves were not so waterproof after about four hours of constant soaking on the highway.
I was freezing cold.
South of Portland, I stopped at a shopping mall to get some clothes.
First went to Target and all they had were summer clothing. Not one sweatshirt.
Then went to Ross. The same story.
Finally went to Marshalls. The same story. But just before I left, I saw that they had some sleeping wear - pj's and stuff on clearance. I checked, and I was very fortunate to find a long-sleeve pj top. That thing saved my life! Seriously.
I was so dang cold.
After Roseberg, it stopped raining.
Riding is so much more pleasant when it's not raining.
Well, because I lost so much time in Portland and trying to find some clothes, I will not be able to go down the coast as I planned.
I will have to make do and just take I-5 all the way to LA.
It will be interesting. I was freezing cold today, but tomorrow I am going to be baking in the California desert. The temperatures are supposed to be in the high 90's.
After 600 miles, my butt is sore, my back aches, and my ears are ringing. But I've still got a smile on my face.
I'm going to go to bed now.
Sweet dreams everyone.
The joys of riding!!!
2 comments:
Omg! I can't believe you rode your bike all the way! I'm glad you made it though! Hopefully it won't rain on your way back..
I do most of my riding with an Aerostich Roadcrafter suit...and when it gets cold, a Kanetsu electric insert. Amazing the difference it can make if you are 1) not soaked and 2) not cold. Electric gear is awesome.
The price point on those are pretty high, so, as one biker to another, let me suggest getting an xxl workman's rain suit to fit over your jacket (heavy duty, bib-overall type) and packin' 'er up with ya. You can get 'em at most WalMarts or KMarts or MartMarts.
Watch the desert heat! Be sure to hyper-hydrate! Being in the heat requires much fluid, but if you're exposed to prolonged wind that exceeds human body temperature, it can take you out as surely as the cold.
Blessings on your journey!
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