Riding in the Rain...Why Not?
By Jennifer Klein
Lots of folks keep a close eye on the radar and cancel riding plans if they’re even worried about a downpour. I’m not advocating heading out in thunderstorms, but if you broaden your idea of acceptable outdoor riding weather you suddenly have a lot more days you can ride outside!
I will ride in almost any weather, which is not always a good thing... my perception of appropriate riding weather got skewed traversing the country in Race Across America. It rained day and night pretty much from Indiana through Pennsylvania through the Appalachians on to the finish in Annapolis. In fact we had to ferry our bikes through Gettysburg Park since it was flooded and impassable. And night riding in the Appalachians in thunderstorms is no joke. So a little rain on a Buckhead or Stone Mountain loop should be no problem.
Here’s some considerations and tips:
Imminent weather: Open your mind next time your app shows 70% chance of rain.. drill down and figure out where it’s not raining and where and what time the drier ‘windows’ might be.
Don’t head out in a thunderstorm (duh..). Maybe do a loop closer to home or head in a different direction. Just keep riding if it starts; it usually will let up as you move even a mile or two away. Take cover at a store or covered walk if you can’t see or get spooked.
Rain can bring out beautiful scenery.
Your bike: If you’re expecting some rain, run a little lower pressure in your tires for extra grip. If you’ve got a gravel bike, grab that... it’s a perfect rain bike, especially dealing with post storm debris on the roads. Keep away from the white lines..they can be slick! The roads are most slippery during that first light rain, then get much better as they’re cleaned off. You won’t have a problem, just pay attention. Feather your brakes going downhill and brake gradually -- you will stop fine, with rim or disc brakes. Run front and rear blinky lights and make sure they’re charged up. (And remember to clean your bike when you get home.)
Companions: Ideally ride with folks who you know ride well and are predictable. Last weekend I got caught out both days and was relieved the peloton was considerate and slowed on curves and kept to their own lines, and we had no problem at all. Leave extra space on downhills and behind one another. On a big group ride you can pretty quickly figure out who to avoid.
Attire: If you think it might rain, go ahead and stick that rain jacket or at least a water resistant vest in your pocket even if it’s 70 degrees. The temp can drop and the jacket can keep you warm too. A good pro tip is wear a cycling cap under your helmet -- it deflects that stinging rain in your eyes that can creep in even with good Tifosi glasses. AND re: sunglasses, wear either amber or clear lenses or Fototec... rain is no time for dark lenses. In Fall weather knee and arm warmers can take the chill and sting of the rain away. And always have a hankie handy to wipe your face and glasses.
Nutrition: It’s easy to forget to eat and drink if you’re worried about the weather, so don’t neglect your nutrition. You don’t want to add bonking to your list of problems! Just be more careful when grabbing your bottle or food out of your pocket.
Riding in the rain if often a matter of proper preparation.
Mood: There’s something kinda fun about getting caught in the rain w/friends, especially toward the end of the ride. Keep an open mind and enjoy the fun. Just strip all your wet gear off in the garage and straight to the wash for you and your clothes. And you’ll be gloating all afternoon when others are riding inside and you’re all cleaned up from a great ride outdoors.