timing

parabola

We’ve had some crazy weather.  From warm, sunny and balmy to torrential wind and rain.  And a couple of tornados in the area, unfortunately.  Timing is everything – getting out before the bad stuff takes over.  Riding in some rain is one thing, riding through destructive wind and hail is another … and definitely not for me.

On Monday I decided to head out early in the morning for my ride – mostly because I had to make a trip into Chattanooga, and I knew the rain was coming.   It was grey, gloomy and windy and I road less than 3 miles before turning around and heading in.  The wind gusts were nuts.

Later in the day, on my return trip from Chattanooga, I made what I expected to be a quick stop at the shopping mall.  While I was inside, the worst of the storm hit.  Hearing some frightening reports from a few salespeople in side, I decided to just hang out inside until the whole mess blew over.  When I finally decided to leave, I was pretty shocked to see the damage – several big light poles had toppled, a couple of glass doors had been shattered by wind gusts.

wind-shattered door at Hamilton Place

toppled light pole, mall parking lot

One of the toppled light poles landed on top of four parked cars and did considerable damage.  Fortunately, not on top of mine.  Recent news reports have stated that there were 2 tornado touch-downs in the greater Chattanooga area, and while I don’t think the mall was officially hit, it may have been close.

Since then, the weather has been stunning – sunny and warm, still a little gusty but nothing like Monday.  While I’m enjoying the balmy days, I must confess that I am giddy over the prospect of being in snow again and doing some skiing in the mountains for a few days .  🙂

So until I return, here are a few less-snowy pics from recent days of springtime.

And for the record, today marks Day 307 of #330daysofbiking, 28 days remain.

Elisabetta

a line-ment

bars and barbed wire

today's greening fields (... and my knee) {-P

not cycling shoes ... (LensBaby)