Riding home from work in a horrific storm.

Hey All,  

Just thought I would share my adventurous ride home from work last Friday  evening Aug 30th.

First I would of been home about 4:15-4:30 and would of missed this storm but instead I took my father-in-law grocery shopping after work.  I did this because Bob and I were leaving for a camping trip to SW, WI for the Labor Day weekend on Sat.

When we left the grocery store the sky to the north was getting pretty ugly.  I got my father-in-law home left there about 5:40.  Looking pretty dark.  I wanted to get home so I could get ready for the weekend.  What a mistake!  I should of stayed there.  It was about 7 miles from my house.  All city driving.  I got about 3 miles when the wind started.  It was gusting up to 60 mph. Dust every where.  Then the rain and hail started.  I thought OMG!  I got to get off the road. Between the wind gusts and the rain coming down sideways I was doomed.  I pulled over into a gas station behind two Harley's under the awning/island roof.  Got me out of the rain.  Stayed on the bike, was afraid it would of blown over.  Stayed there about 20 minutes till it let up.

Proceeded to make my way home through the streets of Chicago.  Downed trees, branches, power lines, flooded streets etc...  When I did get home a little over and hour later usually a 25 minute ride. We had a half of our neighbors tree in our front yard.  Thank God it did not hit the house or any cars.  

That had to be the worst weather I have ever ridden in.  But I managed to get off the road and home without incident.  I had an angel looking out for me.

Two day ride to Sturgis about 15 years ago. Rained all the way there with 2 REAL bad thunder storms. One ride in N.E. Ia. with high winds & tornado sirens. I always carry rain gear. On a ride to N. Mn. I had to stop and buy warmer clothes a couple times.