I couldn't face not going out although checking through the window at the lashing rain, it was going to be an easy option to cry off. It was one of the days though that I just couldn't be dissuaded. Kitting up in everything waterproof I owned I had a momentary pause as I opened the shed and pulled out the road bike. It was properly hammering down. Like standing in a power shower. Back went the road bike and out came the cross bike. For some reason I thought it would come in handy.
Which was correct. As well as the buckets of rain it was also howling winds so the roads were littered with leaves, branches, bit of fences, smashed cars, stray cats, litter, rocks and very few people. This picture is pretty much typical of what the whole ride was like. The waterproofs did a valiant job but crumbled under the relentless strain after about 50 minutes. So in order to keep off the chill all climbs were done as fast as I could. My route never took my far from home but I couldn't resist throwing in some more hills just to keep the cold off. Downhills the shiver induced speed wobble was, shall we say, entertaining.
Got home full of the smugness that comes from heading out when you know everyone else is indoors. Next thing I know the suns come out and the rest of the day was clear blue sky. Bastards.