Quote Originally Posted by trickytiger
My question is, how safe is riding wet pavement? There's a lot of leaves/metal plates/big road paint stripes to contend with as well, and I'm just a hair nervous. I also don't have a whole bunch of time or space to clean my bike after every ride- do I need to do more maintanence during wet weather?
Well, I no longer live in Puget Sound, but I grew up over there in Tacoma, and there is where I got my first few bikes, and really got into cycling. I've also done a very soggy trip in Ireland.

All of the advice that the other ladies have provided is good, including getting yourself a back fender (unless you want a stripe of mud up your back). Remember to pump your brakes to slow down or stop.

If you bought your Cannondale there in/near Seattle, I'd be surprised if they sold you tires that handled poorly in rain. But then, I've never ever raced or otherwise been interested in particularly skinny or bare tires, so perhaps my perspective is flawed in that respect. If your chain gets gooky with grit, wipe it clean with a rag, then apply a little lubricant (but be sure to give the bike a good thorough cleaning every once in awhile).

Have fun! I'm jealous of your balmy winter weather!