Riding in Wet Weather

[Love2Ride]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. Just discovered this site. Looks like there's a lot of great information and support here.

I'm new to biking, started last Spring. I'm definitely addicted. Don't know what took me so long to discover the joys of riding! Went to the Cape in September and rented a place near the Cape Cod Rail Trail. One of our best vacations ever!

I live in the Central NY area, and harsh weather is surely on its way. In the meantime, I'm trying to get as much riding in as I can.

Any special precautions or tips for riding when the road is wet? I have a hybrid Specialized. I go at a slower speed, but I'm not sure if it's really necessary to change how I'm riding.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from this forum.

[Zen]

This is really off the wall but...
Very recently a wrench told me that after riding in wet weather you should mark the height of your seatpost (so's you can put your seat back on at the right height), remove your saddle, and turn your bike upside down to let any moisture drain from the bottom bracket.

I'm just the messenger

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey welcome to the forums!

I live in central NY too! I was vacationing in Cape Cod in Sept too, in Wellfleet! I rode some of the rail trail there- maybe we passed each other!

As to riding in wet weather....
If it's raining hard, you'll want to go very slow and test your brakes often- if they get too wet you will lose some braking power and you don't want to find that out when you are stopping at a busy intersection.

Usually if it's raining lightly or just wet:
Sure, slow down a bit, do test your brakes every few minutes just to be sure.
Make sure your tires are in good shape- not going bald or cracked and old.
Might want to inflate your tires just a bit less than usual to get more gripping surface on the road.
Obviously, wear clothes for the occasion. Aside from waterproof outer jackets- consider merino wool clothing and wool socks to keep you from feeling too cold and soggy.

Also, invest in some lights for your bike in rainy weather. Either permanent head and tail lights, or else a couple of clip on battery run "blinkies" both front and rear, so that cars can see you from far away.
Remember that puddles can hide some nasty potholes, rocks, or other debris- try to avoid going through puddles when you can. Also avoid riding through piles of wet leaves- they are slippery.
Fenders are great to have if you commute to work and ride through rainy weather regularly.

[Love2Ride]

Thanks Lisa and ZenCentury for the helpful tips. I certainly have noticed with all the fallen leaves on the ground that you never know what lurks beneath.

Lisa, I have been to the Cape many, many times prior to my new addiction. I have to say, that this September trip was the best ever. The CCRT is fantastic! Fall is a great time to go, with fewer tourists around clogging the trails! The road hugging the ocean between Truro and Wellfleet provided breathtaking views.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, I have been to the Cape many, many times prior to my new addiction. I have to say, that this September trip was the best ever. The CCRT is fantastic! Fall is a great time to go, with fewer tourists around clogging the trails! The road hugging the ocean between Truro and Wellfleet provided breathtaking views.

Yes, we rode right along there, on the road by the dunes- so beautiful.
I can't imagine going in mid-season though- it was crowded enough as it was in late Sept!
I sure had some good LOBSTER though.

[bruiser]

This will be my third (or maybe it's the fourth...) season riding in the Pacific NW rain. One thing I have learned is that you don't always want a hardshell rain jacket. I rode all of last winter with one and found that I ended up being almost as damp on the inside as I was on the out. And this was the kind that is supposed to be "breathable" So this I week I went and bought a softshell from SportHill (a local company, but you can get them from REI and probably some other running/outdoor stores). It's a dream, and it keeps me warm and dry! I do plan on using my rain jacket when it dumps, though, as my new coat is technically only water resistant.

I would caution cars on the road. Besides spitting a bunch of road gunk on you as they pass, it seems they notice you even less when its mucky out. Give them pleeeeenty of room. I've almost been hit (or hit them, as is the case when they cut me off ) too many times. Try to anticipate their moves even more than you would in nicer weather. Use lots of reflective bands and lights, lights, lights! Constantly do brake-checks to keep your pads and rims dry, too.

After a few days, you'll be a pro!
~V

[Aggie_Ama]

Other than the other things said here.... Be mindful of the paint on the road. The stripes/lines are VERY slippery when wet. It can easily make you lose control if you turn wrong on it; similar to turning with gravel in the way. Unfortunately, I saw this happen at an organized ride this year and it was a nasty fall for the rider.