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