The Forecast

Today was more a day of subtext and the undergirding weather motivation than enjoying the actual ride—which was intended to be fast and short. 

I’ve been hearing about a storm system making its way across the country since Jacksonville, FL—it was supposed to spend most of its energy by the time it got to coastal Georgia, but with massive systems one never knows.

I’d originally intended to bike the 50 miles into Savanah, GA today, but because heavy rain, thunder storms, and high winds were forecast to move in mid-morning. I decided to cut the mileage into two days, and do a very short 24-miles day to Richmond Hill, GA; and 26 miles in to Savanah, GA on Monday. Hopefully missing the worst of the weather especially the damaging winds and electrical storms forecast for 10am to 2pm.

So I got a pre-dawn start out of Townsend, GA.

 I studied the route carefully devising some “bail-out points” if the weather deteriorated quicker than forecast. I scoped out every Dollar General, convenience store, even churches (what better place for refuge than a church on a Sunday?)

I was into Riceboro, GA in 20 minutes. I was moving fast with a tailwind (yay!) for once.

And I pedaled into Midway, GA, 29 minutes after that… but that was it for sanctuary spots or bail outs.

If I had to bail out due to tornadic winds I’d have to wade into a swamp.

I was never so happy to see sprawl off an I-95 interstate exit than I was seeing the Richmond Hill, GA outskirts, just as the winds were gusting harder and the rain was starting to fall.

I can’t believe I’m done for the day at 9:15 am.

But it’s really starting to get ugly out. Gusts are up to 37 mph. 

I can’t get into my room this early—I’ve never tried to check into a hotel for the evening at 9:15am. But I’m happy to be inside as a Tornado Watch has been issued.

And one has to take these advisories seriously if they intend to bike another day…

… the weather is forecast to be fine tomorrow into Savanah, GA. But today is a different sort, and I’m not a daredevil.

While this storm is nowhere near as strong as it was yesterday — it’s still impactful storm moving east.

Day 17
Start: Townsend, GA
End: Richmond Hill, GA
Miles: 24.30

I’m safe. I’m out of the elements. My knee and saddle sores get two short days. I’m looking forward to an easy 26 miles in to Savanah, GA tomorrow.

What I’m Reading:

“It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field… The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls.”

— Jim Akers, Butler County Coroner / “At least 32 dead in massive storm after new fatalities reported in Kansas and Mississippi” / The Boston Globe