In Which I’m Happy to be a Little Damp

Above, C Avenue Pond Thursday morning, Oct. 5. Below, C Avenue Pond on Friday morning, Oct. 6, just as it starts to rain on me.

When I got ready for my bike ride to work Friday, Oct. 6, I decided to use the mountain bike. I lubed the chain (because rain was possible) and aired the tyres first, then set out.

The morning was cloudy and cool, and I was riding with lights on. Less than a half mile from home, the air became misty and a fine rain began to fall. And it made me happy.

No, I’m not a crazy person who takes rain as a challenge and rides no matter what. I typically avoid rain because, while not a wicked witch who would melt, I do prefer the dry life.

Life lately has been quite dry, extraordinarily dry. The entire state of Iowa, where I reside, is in drought, but a little pocked in east central Iowa recently moved into the highest drought category. We’re not bone dry, because bones aren’t the driest thing anyway—we’re approaching Moon dry.

And so, there was a minor chance of rain Friday. And when I checked the weather app on my phone that morning, it looked like it could be rainy for most of the morning, but wouldn’t start until 8:30, after I had arrived on campus.

Sept. 26--Bikes at Warde Hall loading dock. Seeing more bikes this fall on campus.

Sept. 27--Bikes at Basile Hall bike rack.

Sept. 26--My bike parked at MMU.

The app was wrong, the rain began early, ended early and never amount to much more than a hint or memory of rain, raindrops fell but nowhere near enough to put a dent in desert Iowa. Still, rain is rain, and I’m glad for what I get, even if it slightly dampens me on my way on two wheels to work.

I was wearing a sweatshirt, protection against the cool breeze but not much defense against H2O, but I had no need to worry. I keep a sweatshirt in my office and was thinking I could swap when I got there should I get a bit uncomfortably hydrated, but the rain was so sparse I saw no need for the change.

Well, at least some rain fell.

Weather app image of Friday. Have not seen many colorful days like this during this drought.

And this fall, even if the gardener in me would prefer more clouds and rain, has been ideal biking weather. It was warm in September and is finally, in October, starting to feel the season—cool mornings. We’re getting to the point where a sweatshirt may even be comfortable some afternoons.

For this high BMI biker, cool is indeed good news. The bad news is my time for biking is too constrained this time of year, but what person who loves riding a bicycle doesn’t feel their saddle time is sometimes constrained by life?

This fall has featured another helpful biking sign, too. I’ve seen more bikes parked at Mount Mercy University, the college where I teach. That’s nice. A few years ago, we had an active Bike Club at the school, and maybe we’ll reach a critical mass where that group can be revived.

Whatever. Most of my biking is solitary, although I enjoy a good group ride now and then. And if it helps appease the rain spirits, I’ll willingly take some risks.

Never thought I would have this attitude on my biking blog—but more rain, please.

September miles totaled 308.83. 57.56 miles so far in October as of Oct. 7. Year-to-date: 2,794.99—500 miles or so to ride for annual goal and almost three months to go! I hope they aren’t all dry months.

Oct. 7--Rode with grandson to Lininger Park in Marion in late afternoon. Pretty day for a ride!