Rode in a semi-torrential downpour into work on Friday. Figured 1.5 hours in the rain. J & G Raingear and it wasn't cold. Rode 7.5 hrs in the rain in N. Wales once, so I"m thinking my commute would be a snap by comparison. WRONG!
Was harrassed by a pitbull for 3-4 miles on a slight continual incline about 1/2 way through the commute. Needless to say it was a harrowing experience as he DEFINATELY wanted a piece of me. He came up out of the ditch to my right in full gallop growling w/t intent to bite...there was no doubt. As he reached my leg area I slammed on the brakes and he skidded by me. Then I began to chase HIM. He kept trying to manuever himself beside me, but I stayed in his blind spot and wouldn't give him a good angle. Now I know why air-combats are called 'dogfights'.
Slammed into him from the rear several times once knocking him off his feet whereupon I covered his face w/Direct Stop to no avail. This is the 1st day in months I didn't bring my pellet pistol.
The only thing that stopped him was that I chased him into the oncoming lane where a couple of cars had made the turn and were heading towards us. The road I was on 'Ts' w/another road. In forcing him into the oncoming lane he had to clear out of the way of the cars. He was between me and them and I was giving no ground. So, his only option was to go to the other side into the ditch. Saw him stop and look around confusedly. I think he forgot about me. I was able to make it to the corner(about 200 ft), turn left and climb my way out of the area. Don't know what happened to him as I wasn't concerned for his welfare at that point. Wasn't concerned about the ride home either as I know where the dog lives and figured his owners would've caught him and had him properly fenced in by the time I passed by there after work. He'd probably dug his way out as the ground was soft from the rain.
Then a few miles later I was heading towards a main road and noticed a group of cars sitting in a 'county store' parking lot w/their lights/emergency flashers on and another car backing out into the road I was on from the road I was going to turn on to. I thought, "Uh, oh THIS can't be good"...I was right. The road was flooded w/at least 2 feet of water. However I only had to ride about 1/4 mi before I turned off on another road that was a small climb then rolled flat at a slightly higher elevation. I ventured that it would be dry. Correct again. But, as I rode through the flooded part each time I turned my cranks both feet would dip into the water. It was deeper than my bottom bracket, but the bike rolled through it just fine. Got to work, dried my bike, changed clothes, worked a full shift and had a dry, pleasant ride home. Though my shoes and socks were still wet it was ok as the socks I wore are Sealskinz and they're made to hold heat while wet.
As long as one has clothes to change into upon arrival at work and dry clothes or 'quick drying' cycling gear for the ride home it's really not bad commuting in the rain. Was more wet from sweat as the J & G gear repelled the water just fine. One tip: A baseball hat or visor helps a ton in keeping water out of the goggles. I'd double bagged' my lunch, night ride homeward gear, etc. as my bags aren't waterproofed. All was well. None of my lights shorted out and all I did was oil my chain and wipe down my bike the following morning. Went to top off my tires w/my frame pump and had some water blow out of it...
