Exile

I had to exile myself from Botetourt County and Allegheny County in Virginia for a while. Last night I returned. With two wheels and high performance everything right out of the box - not to mention a level of respect I'd never get in that place from the cab of the tractor-trailer I used to drive though there - my sworn enemy couldn't touch me. Being on back roads through the mountains meant I'd almost never even see one.

Enough about that. I think I almost rode through a lightning bolt last night. That was cool! Also, maybe I love being out in thunderstorms more than I should. Also, check out those little white beads on the ground in what should be the second gas station photo where I was waiting out a downpour. Those are hailstones. Cool! Right?

Oh and I finally tried out the rain mits that came complimentary with my winter riding gloves. (I know it's not winter, but I knew I might need this feature last night). I didn't know they'd actually be mittens. Imagine the challenge I found with clutch control, throttle control and front brake control as I found myself constantly reminded of my inability to use the two-finger technique on my levers with those mittens on, but at least my hands were dry.

Final note: Riding on I-81 at night in a downpour is awesome!