My internet service has been going in and out all night, which is what happens when the cable company insists on stringing overhead wires in wind prone areas.
And the power’s not looking much better at the moment, so let’s make this quick.
If you’re in the LA area, and thinking about riding your bike in these winds, don’t.
The National Weather Service has described these winds as life-threatening, and they’re not kidding.
We’re seeing hurricane force winds throughout the LA area, particularly near mountains and canyons, which can easily blow large objects through the air, and knock down branches and power lines.
I’ve also had sudden gusts of winds knock me off my bike, and blow me across multiple lanes of traffic.
And trust me, that ain’t fun.
Then there’s the multiple fires spreading across the area, which can erupt suddenly and spread a lot faster than you can ride away.
In addition, the smoke from these fires is highly toxic, and poses a significantly greater risk if you’re exercising and breathing deeply. So if you can smell smoke, don’t ride.
Period.
There’s also the problem of multiple road closures, including PCH and the hills in Pacific Palisades, as well as around Eaton Canyon and Sun Valley. Which means that even if you do decide to chance it, you may find your usual route shut down.
Not to mention your escape route, if you need one.
On the other hand, if you have to evacuate, your bike makes a much better choice in an emergency than a motor vehicle, as hundreds of drivers trying to escape the Palisades fire learned the hard way yesterday.
Particularly after authorities had to use a bulldozer to clear a path for emergency vehicles through all the cars abandoned by drivers who couldn’t get out. (Thanks to Larry Kawalec for the link.)
The good news it, this is predicted to let up by Wednesday night, and be over by Thursday night.
So stay home, stay safe, and I’ll see you tomorrow to catch up on anything we missed.
Photo by Cole Keister from Pexels.
