once upon a stormy afternoon
- Jason Myatt
- 1 November 2020
- chef!, random
- Pink Ladies, PLR2020
- 0 Comments
As a preface, if you will, my first thoughts where; “why am I actually writing this blog?” It seems I’ve found myself in a situation where I potentially don’t trust my memory anymore; or this process of self-reflection and critical thinking, has become a rich part of my professional and personal development methodology.
With that in mind, I spent a few moments figuratively scribbling down my thoughts and contemplating a recent ‘dicey’ situation; I wanted to reflect on how the situation was handled – was there anything to be learned?
Wednesday October 28, 2020 – Day 2 of a motorcycle ride in South east Queensland. After a soaking final 5 kilometre finish to the first, Day 2 was looking great for a nearly 400 kilometre, casual ride – Caloundra to the Bunya Mountains, passing through some scenic Queensland country towns. (Kilkivan, Goomeri, Murgon, Wondai …) With 85KM to the destination, there was a pause at Wooroolin to don our wet-weather gear, as it appeared there were dark clouds ahead. Upon rolling off, there was a little light rain for the next 20KM to Kingaroy, but very manageable. “Oh look! Lightning in the distance! Those forecast storms for 1pm are looking to be right on time.”
Kingaroy to next/last fuel stop at Kumbia – 30 kilometres
Continuing to follow our Road Captain’s map on the GPS; rolling through Kingaroy with no rain – clear road and clear skies ahead – storm appears far off in distance.
Chef – Pink Ladies VP
…wrong! It was moving fast and the rain started quickly – over the next few minutes rain increased to small hail, lightning strikes on both sides of the road, reduced speed to 30km/h in an attempt to find a line in the water, huge wind gusts and generally bad riding conditions. Should we simply stop, seek shelter and wait it out? Turn around and go back? (pull over under trees or in open fields with lightning? no shelter to see! U-turning was not a good option.)
As we and the storm part ways, shelter arrives at Kumbia fuel stop.
Well, that was exhilarating. The last 35 kilometres to our destination were a little wet under-tyre, but beautiful riding!
During my professional career, I’ve learned to trouble-shoot situations quickly… “we’re onair – get it done!” Problem appears – think of potential solutions & risks – react.
Being comfortable with a hasty, but experienced decision is the key. Hindsight, or later me, can reflect and work out if it were really the best decision.
The key words from this situation – conviction to the decision.
