Riding in the Rain

(june 11, 2008)

"Phenomenal"

In a word....that lightning storm last night was phenomenal.

I got stuck at dinner in Fairfax when the storm hit. My friend and I sat out the worst of the thunderstorms watching the Red Sox vs. O's game (Sox eventually lost).

At 9pm, when the rain had abated for a good 30 minutes, I figured it was time to begin my journey home. Rain gear in place, I head for home. Ugh...need gas. But wait! Trusty new reflective vest has handy pocket for quick access to credit/debit card. Sweet! Gas and go!

Hit I-66 (local interstate) and the temperature is cool, which I appreciate because the I'm melting under the rainsuit. Also, it's not raining...yeah! However, road was wet, but now has dry tracks from the car traffic. I'm in no rush and just plug along at about 60mph.

WHAMO! FLASH. BOOM!

Holy cow - that was spectacular! Because of the darkness, I couldn't see how cloudy it was.

However, as soon as that lightning zipped across the sky, I knew I was in for a great ride home.
Though, my toes were crossed for no rain, as my hands were busy guiding the BMW.

The lightning seemed to be settled over DC and north on DC. I skirt onto 495N and head to the American Legion Bridge. Traffic is relatively light and there is no one around me. The view as

I'm crossing the bridge is awesome - how the lightning lights up the whole skyline of the Potomac River/Great Falls area.

BOOM!

I could barely hear the XM over that one... LOL

CRACK

That bolt was shaped like ﮎ, but backwards. And...bright!

Conscience: Hey Repo - remember reading those ride stories on ADVrider about riders being hit by lightening?

Repo: Yes Conscience, I remember.

Conscience: Well...dummy, maybe you should wait this one out?

Repo: But...if I survive this, it'll be a fun thing to write about. Besides, when have I ever really listened to you? And why should I start now?

Conscience: Ah...yeah. Good point. Catch ya later...

Repo: Hey Conscience?

Conscience: Yes dummy.

Repo: Did I ever tell you that you sound like Kazoo?

Conscience: I get that all the time.

Repo: Bye Conscience.

KABOOM!!!!!!!!

So, I make my way around the Roller Coaster of the top side of 495 (between River Road and Georgia Avenue exits)...and it's still not actively raining. It looks like I'm chasing the storm, as the light show is north and east of me. Hmmm, maybe I'll make it home without rain? (Thanks....lucky rain suit).

I make the turn onto 95N and the roads are more wet, but no rain. I'm closing in on the storm and decide to slow down a hair. The lightning is much more active now and when it shoots, I can see that the cloud mass is east of 95.

"Punch it, Ponch!" 15 miles to home. Will I get rain? The lightning is moving east...and the roads remain dry.

Nope - no rain. Home in about an hour....not bad. That nature show was much better then TV.