A
Andrew Price
Guest
Went for the long ride on Sunday - storms were "about" but it didn't look that bad when I
started out.
3/4 of the way through the ride hit a heavy rain shower - no big deal, both the bike and I needed a
clean anyway.
Except that this storm had the added thrills of hail and for my first time while riding, a serious
lightning storm and I'm a long way from shelter.
I guess I was lucky because in similar storms here this week there was one death and 2 injuries -
press reports at -
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/26/1075087964361.html
In my case there was a flash close enough to scare me more than Condoleezza Rice does and the
thunder clap seemed to shake my rib cage.
Found the first substantial building I could (a cafe 3km up the road) and drank a number of very
strong coffees reflecting on what I should have done, apart from choosing a better day/time to ride.
From a web site devoted to protecting people from lightning strikes at -
http://www.lightning.org/safety.htm
- I see the recommendation if you get a tingling sensation if unavoidably outside is to get off the
bike, away from metal objects and to crouch (not lie) down cover your ears and presumably kiss
your bottom goodbye.
Just wondering if anyone in the group has any better wisdom about being smarter if unwittingly you
get caught riding in a storm with lightning.
best, Andrew
started out.
3/4 of the way through the ride hit a heavy rain shower - no big deal, both the bike and I needed a
clean anyway.
Except that this storm had the added thrills of hail and for my first time while riding, a serious
lightning storm and I'm a long way from shelter.
I guess I was lucky because in similar storms here this week there was one death and 2 injuries -
press reports at -
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/26/1075087964361.html
In my case there was a flash close enough to scare me more than Condoleezza Rice does and the
thunder clap seemed to shake my rib cage.
Found the first substantial building I could (a cafe 3km up the road) and drank a number of very
strong coffees reflecting on what I should have done, apart from choosing a better day/time to ride.
From a web site devoted to protecting people from lightning strikes at -
http://www.lightning.org/safety.htm
- I see the recommendation if you get a tingling sensation if unavoidably outside is to get off the
bike, away from metal objects and to crouch (not lie) down cover your ears and presumably kiss
your bottom goodbye.
Just wondering if anyone in the group has any better wisdom about being smarter if unwittingly you
get caught riding in a storm with lightning.
best, Andrew