First Hail Storm
I stepped out of the office and hopped on my bike (which I store in the loading dock of my office building) at about 6:10. The day was hot for the most part, but there was a dark cloud growing and the wind was kicking in.
A maintenance guy was loading up his cart, and I mentioned to him that I was going to get slammed with rain.
I rode off with a sensation of anticipation. I was not going to take the long route home (1 hour), but instead, decided it would be best to take the shorter route (30 mins). This meant more traffic, but more options for ducking for cover in case the skies opened up on me.
About ten minutes into the ride, the wind was going very fast (the wrong way). A strong headwind can be demoralizing when you fear a thunderstorm. Then it rained. Then it poured. Then I started getting socked with tiny bits of hail. Those bits of hail grew larger. Here I was, riding against the wind, getting smacked with largish pebble sized pieces of hail. One smacked me in my eye.
I took cover under a corporate parking garage while the storm let loose. And as quickly as that storm came, it disappeared. Well, the clouds were still present, but the hail stopped.
So, there you have it. My first time getting caught in a hail storm.
Metal Bike Commuter 
on June 11, 2011 on 1:21 pm
I think the initial shock of getting wet is not pleasant but once your soaked, that disapears(at least in warm summer weather) It’s nice to have dry clothes to change into or even better, a shower. As for hail, well I’m sure that can’t be too pleasant any time of year.
I actually rode home a little earlier than you and it was on the warm side, especially climing the Greystone area. I think a little rain would have felt great.
on June 13, 2011 on 7:15 pm
Yeah, I couldn’t get out of the office earlier. I skipped the ride today, I think I’m coming down with a cold/flu or something. Maybe the ride would have helped to clear my head, because this day is just dragging.