A smart person would have turned around, but not me. The roads weren't slick but the temperature kept dropping and snow and sleet continued dumping down. My body was still warm, so I figured I'd be fine. About 5-6 miles before Issaquah-Hobart Rd, my gloves finally soaked through and I knew I was in big trouble. It took only a few minutes at that temperature for my hands to freeze. I finally turned on Issaquah-Hobart Rd and couldn't tell if I was even hanging on to the handlebars anymore.
At this point I was just doing what I could to make it to Issaquah. I pulled in to the Starbucks next to REI convinced I couldn't have ridden another mile. My fingers stung and felt numb and I couldn't even move them. They were stuck like they were still holding the handlebars. I ordered a hot chocolate with the idea that I'd take the bus home, but since I had stopped riding and was soaked to the bone, I started freezing and knew I'd never make it. I had visions of buying a whole new dry wardrobe at REI but instead called a friend in Issaquah, who graciously picked me up and drove me home. Thanks Terry!!!
This is the first ride I've bailed on and had to call for help. This was not a fun experience. I'm grateful I planned for rain and wore what I did or else I would have been in bad shape out there. I think I could have ridden home if only I had taken an extra pair of gloves with me. My fingertips are still tingly and numb, so I hope they come out of it soon.
Lessons learned:
- Extra gloves are a necessity in the winter (if you can keep them dry)!
- May Valley is not a good ride if there's a chance of snow in the forecast
- If in doubt, turn around. By the time you realize you should have turned out, you're screwed.
- Having a cell phone is a very good thing.
