Via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This time of year, Arizona is wet. Very, very wet. Yesterday it rained a lot. I drive a teeny little motorscooter and rain doesn’t mix well with safety on two wheels. Yesterday, I had to wait at work until the rain stopped. As soon as it cleared up, I popped on my brain bucket and took off. I did not anticipate a few things, unfortunately.
First of all, Monsoon season means that the weather is mercurial at best. While it was clear for me at work, the storm was still raging an epic battle at my house just a couple of miles away. Waiting at work for the storm to pass was pretty much useless, as the worst parts of the drive are closest to my house.
I also did not plan on getting lost without gps. Because it was raining, I couldn’t use my phone. I also couldn’t take my normal route home, as it is not terribly safe for large cars in the rain. So, I rode through the rain, got lost when I couldn’t read a sign. I thought I was on Vernon, and I was actually on Vermont.
While I was trying to regain my bearings, it began to rain again. Now the rain was coming down hard. Hard enough to hurt through my heavy coat. It was decidedly shitty. It was also coming down fast. I felt my shoes filling up. And cussed myself for not waiting longer.
It took me an extra 15 minutes to get home. For reference, it regularly takes me 5-7 minutes to make the commute.
When I finally got home, it took me about 5 minutes to transition in. I was super drippy, and not thrilled about it. After I was out of cold and wet clothes, and into a warm fluffy robe, the world seemed all right again.
Now, I’m not writing this to bitch. I’m actually writing it because I’m quite thrilled with my progress. Two years ago, I’d have been a quivering ball of panic. Getting wet is hard for me, especially getting rained on. I did end up with nightmares. That’s okay. That’s normal, at least for me. But I kept it together, and made it home safe. I feel like a boss.
Oh, and for the record, hydroplaning on a 200 lb motor vehicle is scary as shit. I hope my fellow Arizonans stay safe this season.
