A little rain? No problem!
April showers bring May flowers . . .
But don't let a few wet days stop your riding.
Article by Steve Hargis - Ridden in hundreds of miles in the rain - Sunshine Bike webmaster.
The weather service is calling for a 50% chance of rain and you would hate to be 8 or 10 miles out and get caught? Perfectly understandable, but go prepared and you can ride anyway, plus you'll have the confidence that you're covered.
Clothing - You have choices: You can just go and hope for the best and if it does rain, you'll get wet. I can remember times being absolutely miserable on rides in a cotton t-shirt with my body heat wicking away so quickly in 70 degree air I was stunned and shivering cold to boot!
Stay away from cotton. At least the cycling jerseys of today don't hold the moisture and it helps you stay warm. But you should really consider a light-weight rain cover (jacket, pant, gloves). Today's materials are amazing in their ability to help you stay dry and breathability is found in most higher-end garments.
If you just need a quick cover consider something like this jacket available at Sunshine Bike Shop. It doesn't breathe, so in real warm weather you'll probably leave it off, or at the very least open in front, but if it's cool and real wet, this could save your day. This is extremely lightweight and packs away into a very small bag.
From there your choices go up in quality, but also price, however with rain gear you absolutely get what you pay for. While a full suit of the latest Gore-tex product is expensive, it's a pleasure to wear. You might even like to ride in the rain! Just as important, find clothing that will vent; under the arms, slits in the back, etc., these allow your clothing to vent the hot, humid air away from your skin and your zipper can control the venting somewhat like a thermostat.
One place you'll lose a ton of heat; your shoes! They're right down in that spray from the front tire and the wind and water will have your whole foot cold in no time. Remember, cotton. is bad - synthetics or even wool is better. You can also get Gore-tex socks - these help. Finally, consider a shoe cover - it will make a huge difference on a long ride in the rain.
Cover your head - multiple vents are good on a helmet in the sun, but in rain, you might want to cover the helmet with a rain cover. Hey, go cheap if you want, pull a piece of plastic around your helment with a few rubber bands.
If you think you'll be riding in the rain often consider these options for your bicycle:
- Fenders - they might look a little goofy - but they are amazing and will keep you and your bicycle cleaner. They are a must if you plan on commuting in the rain.
- A slightly wider tire with a tread designed for water. A better bite into the pavement will help prevent hydroplaning and handle better all around.
- Remember to use a chain lube designed for wet environments - there even special formulas that are heavy and will stick even in all-day rainy rides. This will not only protect your components from wear, but it shouldn't squeak - which could get annoying quickly.
Riding in the rain is like driving in the rain: There are a few road-rules to riding that might save you some skin in a nasty crash. First, slow down, take it easier, and you'll do fine. Make sure you have the right tire pressure and remember somewhat obvious things like avoid cornering like Mario Andretti. Consider these tips:
- When it first starts raining, road oils and water cause a slippery ooze to form on the roadway making cycling tricky. Take care in these first few minutes.
- When crossing a rail road track - it's honestly best to walk the bike - just ask many MS150 riders from past wet rides about this one - the oils on the rails are ice-slick!
- Remember, most likely your brakes are going to require much more distance than usual to stop your bicycle. Water and road oils can cause your stopping distance to increase 20 times the normal rate.
- Maybe today isn't the day to set a speed record on that long hill behind the golf-course - ride a little slower.
- Don't ride through a puddle. Darn! But remember, it could be hiding a nasty pothole which would wreck you and wreck your wheels as well.
Overall - these few tips can make riding a pleasure, even when the skies open up. Personally, I love the back roads of the Ozarks when blessed by the rain - but I love it a lot more when I'm comfortable and prepared.