Spring, '05

Only a few clouds peppered the sky when I left for the Coast Riders Riding Club meeting. I’d never been before, and about a month ago I had hit it off with a member who said I should come check it out. The sun was a welcome change after the rain we’ve been having, so I decided to take the bike. It was only a few kilometers across the bridge, so if it did shower, I wouldn’t be in it for long.

When I arrived, I was recognized and offered a seat. They seemed like a nice bunch. My host even bought me a beer. They talked about upcoming events …pretty typical, but I found it interesting.  After the meeting, they showed pictures of their trip to Bikefest in Vegas. I might go back.

Then somebody looks out the window and notices its raining. All who rode, myself included, start to bail like rats from a burning ship.  

Now it’s black and the rain is getting heavy. Lighting lights up the dark sky. I get halfway across the Port Mann Bridge when the real problem hits.

Hail.

I have now discovered the absolute worse riding weather. One hand on the throttle, the other covering my face as marble-sized ice balls stung me into submission. I thought about my full face helmet at home in the garage. My glasses foggy and useless. The Hail is coming down faster than it can drain off the rode. I slow to a crawl. I should have taken the time to put on the rain suit.

It seems like an eternity before I can get to the other side of the bridge. Then I could pull over and let the torrent subside. I signal and start working my way to the shoulder. My main concern is to get off the freeway. At least on the side streets, I can take it easier without worrying about getting rear ended.

I slide over to the left lane of a two lane off ramp when the final insult to injury comes. A large white pick up, duallies and all, comes flying up on my right, sending a six foot wall of icy slush cascading over me. I thought the bike was going to wash right out from under me.

So now I’m pissed off, blind, cold and wet. If I could have caught up with the guy, I might have had a few choice words, but the two inches of slush forced me to let it go.

I made it home unscathed, if a little worse for wear. I dried off, lit a fire and made a hot chocolate. Another motorcycling adventure.