Ride while you can...rain is a comin'!

[allison]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

Wow I may take off early from work today so I can get a ride in. Hmmm EM sounds tasty

You know the past three storms that we had here in So Cali the weathermen and media sounded like it was going to be armageddon and we were going to need Noahs ark.

A drop of rain here signals the coming of the end of the world. Duh!

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by mntbiker12

Yep, our first 'named' natural disaster of 2008! Yay!

This is that time of year when water begins to fall out of the sky and Californians loose their minds - they forget how to drive.

there is a truth here, it rains, we forget how to drive. but this applies in other areas-

in the Portland, Oregon area, they forget how to drive when things get icy and snowy.

in Michigan, when things get icy, apparently it means you drive faster. same thing with central Washington.

what's this prove? we're all idiots

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

You know the past three storms that we had here in So Cali the weathermen and media sounded like it was going to be armageddon and we were going to need Noahs ark.

and then we barely get anything from 2 out of the 3.

[bighit8]

You are right, I was born and raised in Seattle, rain is ok ( you get LOTS of practice), but when it snows, watch out!

[Abui]

Hey NWS, where's the rain? I planned rides around the rain and it's not happening. This morning at 7 AM it's not even on the radar. Yesterday I rode stuff that I know will be very different after a deluge, one last ride.

SLO is getting wet.

[Upsidedown1]

I understand not riding on singletrack and certain fire roads during or after rainstorms in order not to tear up or rut the trail. But I have noticed that all races are held regardless of rain or weather for that matter...rain or shine.

[denmother]

Rode Fully Loop last night, a few clouds, temp was 64!!

Woke up this morning, no clouds in Riverside yet. Got to work in LA at 7:00, a few clouds but that's all!!!

News said it's raining up north in SB.

[JoeTruth]

Sometimes people get carried away and lose sight of reality. The reality of things are, more damage is unleashed by nature then we'll ever be able to do on a fire road. One good down pour could completely re-shape or destroy a single track or create washouts and landslides on fire roads. From rains we had 3 years ago, The Mt. Wilson Toll Road developed a few landslides, the biggest one right at the beginning of it just north of the Eaton Canyon bridge is still out and the road has been closed ever since. This is mostly due to $$$ and silly politics. Big bummer!!!

I was hiking up to Henniger Flats via the Mt. Wilson TOLL road with my kids one and my son was dragging this stick behind him and in the process, creating a slight carving in the dirt on the FIRE ROAD. A hiker behind us actually had the audacity to ask my son to stop dragging his tiny stick because he's ruining the trail. This is the same "trail" where 10-20 ton Forestry trucks pass on every single day to access the nature center @ Henniger Flats.
I first wanted to punch the idiot but knew I couldn't because my kids were there. I quietly walked up to him and told him to mind his own business and then told him to eff-off. I think I might have thrown in a few other choice words but all done very discreetly so my kids wouldn't hear me. I couldn't believe the nerves on this assjack. Point being, people get carried away and sometimes sound very foolishly when they speak. Pick your battles, people.

[Abui]

Looks dry in Santa Barbara.
My early warning system:

Caltrans 101 at Patterson
SBCC Coach's Cam

[allison]

Originally Posted by Upsidedown1

I understand not riding on singletrack and certain fire roads during or after rainstorms in order not to tear up or rut the trail. But I have noticed that all races are held regardless of rain or weather for that matter...rain or shine.

Some are. VQ/CC I think has a second weekend if there is bad weather on the first.

[Fired Yo Momma]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

Wow I may take off early from work today so I can get a ride in. Hmmm EM sounds tasty

You know the past three storms that we had here in So Cali the weathermen and media sounded like it was going to be armageddon and we were going to need Noahs ark.

What did I tell ya guys.... "Big storm" watch
"Rain Drops keep fallin on my head" What a joke!

I need to be a weatherman, throw a coin up in the air and say heads or tails.

I know the storm is coming but wasnt it supposed to downpour last night?

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by Fired Yo Momma

What did I tell ya guys.... "Big storm" watch
"Rain Drops keep fallin on my head" What a joke!

I need to be a weatherman, throw a coin up in the air and say heads or tails.

I know the storm is coming but wasnt it supposed to downpour last night?

fugging weather people. cant predict anything right

[davidB]

I pray to the weather gods that this cold weather holds up until tomorrow morning, hoping to ride Turnbull at 8am

[granny ring]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

I was thinking we should all get on our horses and tromp through the mud.

Cuz that don't hurt the trail none.

Not to bash on the horsey people but when I was riding The Loop the other day I couldn't help but notice while going around the lake was all of the hoof prints in the dirt that were obviously made when it was wet.

[STP]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

fugging weather people. cant predict anything right

I concur! After watching the excited news people with their stupid "Storm Watch" and "Live Doppler Radar 2000" junk, I had to laugh as I walked out after work up here in Palmdale. Heck, it was just partly cloudy up here.

My riding partner, Sarge had packed his bike and brought it to work, just in case the weather fools might be right. If it had rained, we would've rode in the 'secret' 1/8 mile tunnel that runs underneath the huge hangar where we work. It's 20 feet wide and it's heated or airconditioned depending on the season. It ain't very long, but we've gotten some good intervals going on down there, while it was pouring outside!

Back to last night. No rain, but plenty of pain. We drove to our spot and suited up by 5 PM. HID's blazing and we rolled out. I rode a bunch, but Sarge hadn't ridden for a week, so he was feeling fat and slow, as I was, from the usual holiday excesses and all the riding.

Hit the first steep hill and my legs felt leaden and heavy. Sometimes, you just have to deal with it, versus stoking the internal and infernal 'baby' that resides in all of us. Who knows, you might just feel better after a long warm up?

No flog-fest tonight and as the hills darkened, we climbed one tough hill after another in the gathering blackness. We rolled across the valley and began the very fun South Ridge bomb run. Open the bomb bay doors, set it on terrain following radar and just let it fly.

Something about catching air in the dark that makes life a little more thrilling than in the daytime. The third downhill run found my little brain considering how ludicrous it is to be slamming the berms and feeling the tires hit the edge of their traction limits. Just about ready to break loose and then they cross that boundary and you slip in a quick little correction without even thinking about it.

Traction-Firma on again and your helmet light stabs through the next dark corner, while the bar light picks up the deep whoop that's right there. You soak it up at speed, not losing an ounce of momentum and all is good. Then you blow the tried-and-true entry pont on the next curve and end up geeking it in the dark. Regain that flow and keep going until it rolls out on the flat and level.

Now the ugly climbing begins again and you're on a 25% grade and pointing the bike toward the stars. The legs protest, while the lungs and heart pumps. Your riding bud is right next to you, so no slacking off on the pace there. Hill after hill and soon you're just a thoughtless protoplasm and what are you in the night and the breeze?

[Burner]

Originally Posted by Caveman

Looks dry in Santa Barbara.
My early warning system:

Caltrans 101 at Patterson
SBCC Coach's Cam

Raining at Patterson now.

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by granny ring

Not to bash on the horsey people but when I was riding The Loop the other day I couldn't help but notice while going around the lake was all of the hoof prints in the dirt that were obviously made when it was wet.

Ya, Sladnas and I rode LPQ in SD yesterday and there were 3-4" deep hoof prints in the dried dirt all the way up Powerline. At one point they turned into 6-8" deep tracks.

And bikes do all the damage, right??

[allison]

Originally Posted by granny ring

Not to bash on the horsey people but when I was riding The Loop the other day I couldn't help but notice while going around the lake was all of the hoof prints in the dirt that were obviously made when it was wet.

They ride wherever they want, rain, mud, or otherwise.

I'm sure that there are some bad and good seeds there also. Just wish more would stay off the muddy trails!

[2wheel_lee]

Just get a weather rock. Suspend a rock with rope or twine just above the ground, then:

First -- Observe the rock for motion
The Rock is not moving- 0-3 MPH ligh breeze
The Rock is moving slightly - 4-10 MPH Mild wind
The Rock is moving in a small arc - 11 to 20 MPH Wind
The Rock is moving in a medium arc - 21 to 40 MPH Wind-Gusts to 50 MPH
The Rock is standing off to one side by 15' - Gale Force Winds
The Rock is standing off to one side by 30-45' - Big Blow Coming
The Rock is standing off to one side by 60'-Hurricane!!
The Rock is standing at 90'-Tornado!! Get to a root cellar! Take Toto!
The Rock is bouncing up and down-Earthquake !!

Second - Touch and Look at the Rock
The Rock is cold, dry and easy to see- Clear, Fair Weather, it's Cold
The Rock is cool, dry and easy to see- Overcast Weather
The Rock is warm, dry and easy to see- Clear, Fair Weather
The Rock has a shadow - It's sunny
The Rock is hot & dry and easy to see - Clear Weather, It's Hot
The Rock is warm and white - Chase the birds away
The Rock is cold, wet and easy to see-It's a cold, wet, day-Dress warm
The Rock is wet on top and dry on the bottom- It's Sprinkling
The Rock is cool,wet, and easy to see-It's raining. Get your poncho.
The Rock is dripping on all sides-Its a downpour-Too late for poncho
The Rock is warm, wet and easy to see-Its a summer shower, Have fun
The Rock is hot, wet and easy to see-What're you doing at the Equator?
The Rock is cool, damp and looks milky- Its foggy, be careful.
The Rock is cool, wet and looks milky- Its foggy and raining
The Rock is cold, white and hard to see- Its snowing
The Rock is cold, iced & wet & easy to see- Its sleeting
The Rock is cool, dry, and hard to see- Its Night, go to bed.
The Rock is underwater- Look for a bearded man loading animals on a funny boat
The Rock is has melted and the rope is vaporized- It is a Volcanic eruption
You see two or more rocks - Check the coffee!

Third - Smell the Rock
Get down on your hands and knees, smell each side of the Rock. One side will smell musty. That side will have some moss one it. This is the North side of the Rock and you are looking South. On your right is West and on your left is East.
Fourth - Taste the Rock
Tasting the Rock is no longer recommended by the National Office due to health reasons. See the Designated Rock Taster for help.
Tasting the Rock may, for example, indicate conditions such as acid rain; in which case the Rock will taste bitter.
Fifth - Listen to the Rock
Sounds coming from the Rock indicate a number of conditions.
The Rock may be haunted
You may be haunted
You may be spending too much time working on your ticket; Relax!
This may indicate an earthquake and you should leave the area immediately.
The Rock is talking-The weather is fine-your're not!!

Abbreviated version:
If rock is wet, it is raining.
If rock is white, it is snowing.
If rock is shaking, there is an earthquake.
If rock is dry, the weather is fair.
If rock is swinging, it's windy.
If rock is warm, the sun is out.
If rock is not visible, it's dark outside...or your eyes are closed.
If rock is under water, there is a flood.
If rock is gone, there is a tornado (Run!!)