A Wet Commute


There is something seriously magical about riding home in the rain. I'm not talking about a storm that would inspire ark building just a nice Spring shower. Everything changes. The same roads I ride every day look different, they're  all shiny and clean. The world sounds different with a gentle tat-tat-tat on my helmet and the whirrr of the water coming off of tires all around me. Things even smell different. For good or ill the rain releases a whole range of new scents from the trees, grass and pavement and then mixes them all together. It offers a different perspective on the everyday.

Many riders, at least those who have survived commuting for any length of time can achieve an elevated state of awareness on the road. Everything becomes crystal clear, focus gets sharper and sounds more distinct. This phenomenon seems to be exaggerated even further in the rain. You look past the water on your face shield. The flat light becomes an asset with no shadows to fool the eye. The rain also encourages you to slow down and leave a little extra room. That's a good thing. It takes any lingering aggression out of the ride. It gives you permission to take it easy, to forget about acceleration and put all of your energy in to being as smooth on the controls as possible. A wet ride is a gift. So are a dry change of clothes and a hot cup of tea after rolling in to the garage.


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Posted by James at 4/1/2009 6:33 PM
Categories: Commuting
 

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