RR: Chiquita Ridge Lightning Run

[KeepsWhatHappens]

Was supposed to meet the guys at 4pm today at Canada Vista Park to ride Chiquita. I left at 2:30 to do a little trail work (removing some non-native thistle plants).


Nice weather at the start in the parking lot.

When I left my truck the skies above were clear but threatening so I packed a jacket. After I rode for about a 1/2 hour I broke out my trusty machete and went to work.


The work site.

After about 1/2 hour of a$$holes and elbows I saw a bright flash and less than a second later a HUMONGOUS crash of thunder that shook the ground. I immediately packed up and took off. I had not been paying too much attention but the skies were now a dark pall of roiling thunderheads.

As I went more flashes came and thunder was clapping every 30 seconds or so. Holy sh!t I thought as I rode as hard as I could up the ridge I had to get over to reach the safety of lower ground.

Once over the ridge I pedaled my butt off downhill and to the west to escape the lightning storm.

Along the way I stopped to grab a quick few shots but after that did not stop until I reach the safety of a tollroad undercrossing. Shortly thereafter the rain started...and the ride was quickly over before the guys even arrived.


In a meadow pausing to catch my breath and answer the phone I grabbed this pano.


Crazy person climbing Red Sign into the storm.


Heading for safety.

We ended up playing it safe and heading to Ladera Brewery for some liquid refreshments. Better safe than sorry.

[OMR]

Could have been a close call....Besides, you'd look good with curly hair, John!!!

[kparsons]

Sorry I missed it. Ladera Brewery is my kind of ride!

[KBL]

I've been caught out in a thunderstorm. It rolled in behind us (my wife and I) and we didn't see it until the lightening hit the ridge above us. We ditched the bikes and huddled in the bushes waiting for the storm to pass. Freakin' scary!

Glad you got back safe.

[Elisheva]

Gorgeous shots, John. Love the contrast