Unpredictable (II)

Having written about the unpredictable nature of Parkinson’s only yesterday (Unpredictable I), it was reassuring today to be reminded that there are many other things in life that are unpredictable too.

My Motivation

I was determined to get up and go out cycling this morning, having spent some time the evening before planning a route. By 12pm, I was feeling a little disappointed with myself for allowing the morning to pass me by without so much as looking at my bike, so I resolved to get out within the hour. With no progress made by 2.30pm, I knew if I didn’t go soon, I would have missed an opportunity for some exercise and according to the weather forecast I would have missed some glorious sunshine`. Finally, at 3pm, I set out heading for ‘somewhere’!

My Route Planning

There is usually plenty of unpredictability in respect of my route. Even when I know where I want to go, I can all too easily get lost. Today, I had a loose ‘heading vaguely towards Pershore’ plan but the rain, the wind and my stamina influenced a change and upon reaching Elmley Castle, I decided it was time to head home.

The Rain

The weather forecast was for a little cloud cover for most of the day, with spells of sunshine. With only a 1-2% chance of rain, I set out confidently without a waterproof jacket. Twice, I got absolutely drenched in the most torrential downpours.

The Wind

The weather forecast was also for wind speeds of around 6-8mph when in fact they were strong enough to almost blow me off my bike at times. The wind direction was also completely unpredictable.

Drivers

I’m a driver too and many drivers are patient and considerate of cyclists but there are some who are not, passing too fast and too close. It is not always easy to predict which kind of driver is heading towards you or about to overtake you. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been forced off the road. Inevitably I found myself muttering under my breath at a number of drivers who passed me too close and too fast for comfort today.

Unpredictability

Perhaps the only predictable thing in life is that life is unpredictable. I’m learning to embrace it.

Images Source: ClipArt Library