According to the National Weather Service, nearly a half inch of rain fell in Pierce County on Saturday, then nearly doubled that rainfall on Sunday. The Sunday group mostly remained intake for 40 miles, but endured constant heavy downpours, which stung cheeks. During the ride home from Puyallup, the riders were bludgeoned with hailstones that viciously pierced through helmet vents. And with just a few miles left, they rode through flooded streets at water levels above the bottom brackets. Now most people believe being outdoors during such weather, particularly on a bicycle, is a miserable experience.
Seasoned bicyclists know better.
Bicycling includes headwinds and strenuous uphills, as well as tailwinds and stimulating downhills. On warm days the bicycling experience is overwhelmed with visual sights like gardens in full bloom and the majestic Mount Rainier hovering over bucolic pastures that stretch across the horizon. When it s raining, and raining hard, you must focus on the pure exertion and exhilaration of your bicycle. You are not distracted by scenic splendors. You are merely watching the line of fellow riders in front of you who are beacons to your destination.