MONSOON MADNESS

The monsoon season in the Arizona highlands was in full swing this week.  On Tuesday in particular….we headed out for a 60+ mile ride knowing full well there were thunderstorm cells out there.  Nexrad weather radar was showing them more to the east of us so we were hopeful, but 6 miles into the ride our hopes were dashed.  Fortunately we had stopped to put on our rain jackets just before this because we were chilly and heading for a downhill.  Well…it rained and rained and rained.  For a brief period on the first half of this ride the rain stopped and the sun came out and our jackets started to dry, but then the weather came back with a vengeance.  About 3 miles from our turn-around point/rest stop we had to abandon the bike and jump into a gully under some trees because the lightning was striking so close. We were actually down on all fours trying to be “small” as to not attract the lightning.  Too much fun….  At the Chevron station (our turnaround), we took shelter inside drinking hot coffee and tea while the skies torrentially unloaded for almost an hour.  The Chevron clerk felt sorry for us and gave us free refills.  Finally after over an hour the rain (and thunder and lightning) subsided enough for us to brave out into the elements again, just 32 miles to go to get back to camp.  We were wet and cold so we rode like hell to get warm.  Got rained on  more but didn’t have to jump into any more ditches to avoid getting electrified.    Maintained a 17.2 mile average for the 65 miles.

Today is only supposed to be 20% chance of rain but looking out, it seems very likely that "baby the rain will fall".  Hmmmm....may be time to move on somewhere drier....