A meteorologist doesn't like to get caught in the rain whether expected or not-- it doesn't look good as it appears that we missed the forecast!
But I decided to risk it.
Last week I watched Julie Chin on Channel 2's "Mid-Day" newscast at 11am, and she had a 50% chance of rain for the afternoon (So I have a 50% chance of not getting soaked?!)
I wanted to ride my bike anyway, so I headed out on a 35 mile ride across the bike trails through Broken Arrow, South Tulsa and the Arkansas River. A quick check of the weather radar showed nothing immediately threatening...yet. I knew I might get wet, but hopefully I could make it back home before the storms moved in.
Me giving someone the "2" from near Turkey Mountain.
I rode the first part of my ride without issues. I averaged over 18mph for about 20 miles.
Half way done with my ride I stopped near Turkey Mountain (above picture) , and observed developing storm clouds to my southwest. The cloud bottoms darkened at the horizon. Small storms bubbled up and were heading my way.
Time to head home!
Pedaling southward, I stopped at the 96th Street bridge to check out the clouds (see picture below). Threatening skies loomed closer now as dark cumulus towers appeared to rise out of the Oklahoma Aquarium from the distance.
Looking SW at storm clouds from the 96th Street bridge. The Oklahoma Aquarium is in the distance.
I had 15 miles to go, so I downed my warm Gatorade and started pedaling. Somewhere near Yale and the Creek Turnpike Trail I got sprinkled on. I couldn't see the storms clouds due to the trees, but obviously the rain clouds were nearing.
Faster, faster! Keep the pace up! Don't let the storms catch me!
At Memorial Drive a gust front caught up to me. The gust front (which is a lowered cloud line of wind pushing out from the storms) actually helped to push me along. I averaged about 22mph on the Creek Trail and near 25mph where the wind nudged me.
As I crossed Olive in south Broken Arrow, I knew I wouldn't make it home before I would get dumped on. Rain curtains in the distance drew my attention, but the occasional lightning bolts concerned me more. I would be in range of CMs soon (cloud to meteorologist lightning strike).
A few sprinkles wet the pavement along the Creek Turnpike Trail. The distant clouds weren't friendly.
After the distant thunder sounded not so distant, I think I actually accelerated biking uphill!
The skies finally opened up on me as I pedaled toward Aspen and a lightning bolt hit a few miles away...time to take shelter.
This wet meteorologist raced toward then pulled the wet brakes to stop under the Aspen bridge along the Creek Turnpike. I was partly to mostly soaked. When your feet get wet, your day is over!
Julie's forecast was correct as not everyone in the viewing area got rain that day, but I was 100% saturated.
My view looking westward while waiting out the storm under the Aspen/Creek Turnpike bridge. My toes got wet.
I waited out the storm while parked under the bridge. The rain poured, thundering downward on to the pavement. Lightning bolted something somewhat close by, seemingly shaking the bridge with thunder. A few motorists also pulled under the bridge trying to avoid a messy drive through the storm.
I texted my wife to let her know I was fine. And that I didn't drown.
After waiting about 10 minutes the storm cleared. I jumped back on the bike and pedaled home as another storm was approaching. I beat the next storm home!
Just as I coasted into my driveway, thunder cracked loudly. I pulled under my front porch and the sky opened up again. A violent downpour of rain and small hail too.
But I was home and safe now. I watched the rain from inside the house.
I got in my 35 miles.
Living in Oklahoma I know I'll play this game with the weather again.