Riding in the Rain

It was an all-day rain on the IRONMAN 9/11/22

When you have a rain or shine event, some times there is no shine.

This year's IRONMAN in Madison was soaked.  It was raining when the competitors dove into Lake Monona.  It rained while they covered 112 Dane County miles west of Madison.  And it kept raining as they ran the final 26.2 miles of the competition.

The men and women who compete in IRONMAN aren't worried about rain.  As my mom liked to say, "You won't melt!"

Rain does have some consequences.  It makes roads slippery.  When the temperature barely reaches 60, it draws heat out of your body.  In some cases it makes you feel less thirsty so you aren't taking in enough water.

This guy wasn't bothered by the rain. 9/11/22

 For the family and fans of the competitors, it allowed them to share the misery as they huddled under umbrellas waiting for their athlete to pass as they shook cowbells.

 In my RAW ride last month it was overcast and we had a few episodes of sprinkles which felt good.  Our nemesis were the stretches of muddy bike paths which at minimum slowed or at most wrecked some rides.

 We live practically on the bike route, so it was a short walk to get some pictures and offer encouragement before heading in to get dry.

Spectators and bikers in the rain. 9/11/22 dwm

As a throng of riders passed by they were almost half-way through their events, with the swim and half a ride behind them; the rest of the ride and run awaiting.

 

Most won't finish until after dark, exhausted, hungry, and wet but with a sense of accomplishment in conquering the miles and several inches of rain.

 

Congratulations!

Photos by David Mossner 9/11/2022