Cycling Through a Flood

I always think of this when I
I always think of this when I see flood water…

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2706663/Father-saves-daughter-as-floods-wash-her-into-storm-drain.html

There are a couple of places on my commute that flood occasionally, so I’ve checked them when dry for drains and manhole covers (also noted the camber on the road and where the highest point is). With this knowledge, I do ride through carefully when it floods.

Running water is more

Running water is more powerful than you might think. Flooded roads can be particularly dangerous. Manhole covers can be forced upwards, the road surface can be severely damaged there may be other debris under the surface. You won’t see those hazards. Floodwater is also most likely full of raw sewage and other unpleasantness.

When the emergency services are already dealing with an incident, it is sort of a bit irresponsible to put yourself at risk.

I have managed to get as deep

I have managed to get as deep as the top of my wheels on my road bike  before realising that it was getting VERY difficuly to steer (I could only just manage to turn my bars) and that I was going so slow that I was in real danger of falling over and disapearing below the water never to be seen again.  At this point I dismonted and walked the rest of the way, the water was mid thigh deep and I arrived at the far end of the flood to the amusement of a number of motorists watching my progress wondering if they could get their cars and vans throgh.  Like ktache said, once you are above ankle deep you may as well keep going.

I have ridden at least axle

I have ridden at least wheel spindle deep through on road floods.  No electrics, no exhaust and no engine air intake to block.  Rode past many stranded cars, vans and big, soft roaders.  Past old bill telling me to turn back too, but I needed to get somewhere urgent on that occasion and couldn’t make the massive detour.  MTBs, onto granny ring and push onwards.  Once your feet are soaked it stops mattering that much.  Top of the crest of the road is best, and if nothing else is moving why not.  Stay well away from the gutter and kerb.  The only real danger is missing manhole covers, if the front wheel drops then be prepared to dive to the side, I guess.  That and look for upwelling water.  A bit safer than walking though, where you might want a testing stick.

I’d have to think about fast flowing water these days, especially from the side, but there is not that much surface area to push you, and you are not going to float away like cars can.  In the past I have attempted off road river side paths, being very careful and on paths I have known very well.  Good lights do help here, and darkness.  The last time the Thames flooded I did err on the side of caution and diverted through Reading town, enjoying the carmaggedon that one bridge being out caused.  But I just didn’t want soaking wet and cold feet then, it had stopped raining.

Riding past stranded motorists who judged it wrong is wonderful, there’s one in the  video.

The cyclist riding through the flood is a tradition of flood videos as is the local canoeist.

Apparently the Rohloff doesn’t like the total immersion thing so I might have to be a bit more grown up now, but there is something of a childlike glee in going knee deep on the downstroke, big grin.