Today is Day #27 of The Road To Valour

On today’s ride I was travelling solo.

I had already packed up and had breakfast when I rolled over to Ava and Kevin’s place, but the company and the coffee made for a great start to the day. Much better than the 2 ½ km long over 100 m high hill climb out of the campground.

This was just going to be a long haul. Nothing of notable significance or at least that is what I thought would be happening. The road was long and flat and insignificant. The sun was shining and there were a large number of clouds developing to the north. Quite a ways to the north, so I wasn’t too concerned. My biggest concern for now was a campground. The Rolling Hills Municipal Campground was on Google and Komoot, but nobody was answering the phone and there didn’t seem to be much conversation on social media about it.

Then Karen called and said that it looked like I might be getting some weather. The clouds were still quite a distance to the north, BUT. As soon as she hung up it started to rain — just lightly at first. I didn’t even put on my rain coat. Then it hit! RAIN AND WIND! Rain was falling sideways, the wind was so strong. It was hitting me sideways. When it almost pushed me into the ditch, I decided that it was time to stop cycling and lay bike down at the edge of the ditch and I needed to get into the ditch to get away from the wind. there was no other cover,

Then the weather service started broadcasting Tornado and hale warnings.

Luckily, Roberta stopped in her van. She was on her way to pick upper sons from school in Rolling Hills and offered to load the bike and gear into the van and drive me there. My angel in the van.

She dropped me off at the Rolling Hills Golf Club – the only place that was open. I stayed there for a few hours until the winds died down a bit and I could ride to the campground that did exist.

As I lay here in my tent, I am very glad that this is a 2-man tent, so that I can have all my gear under cover with me. But, more importantly, I am listening to the winds howl and I’m hoping that they are quieter tomorrow.

Riding The Road To Valour