Rain Commuting

[Tri Girl]

well I don't really feel like I have any advice to give. Seattle rain is certainly more penetrating and different than our rain.

I would suggest full fenders. I was skeptical at how much water they would keep off me, but I was truly amazed at how much less water from the road got on me when I installed mine. What a difference!

I'm sure there are some other Seattleites out there that can provide more relevant advice for you.
(edit: I see Biciclista beat me to it- I knew she and others would know)

And seriously- I have been reading reviews of the Brooks rain cape lately. For a 2 mile commute, that might be a GREAT option, rather than rain jacket and pants. You can wear your normal clothes underneath and the cape covers everything. For a short commute (like yours) I would guess it would really be worth it (and you could wear your backpack underneath).
Granted, it's $290, but when you think about the cost of a really good rain jacket (Shower's Pass is around $150-230 for a good one), it's not a bad option. I saw it for $260 on Amazon.
I always say that one really expensive good piece that will last for years and years is worth more than many cheaper options that will have to be replaced more often.

http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/jo...ord-rain-cape/
http://bikereviews.com/2010/10/brook...-up-rain-cape/

[KnottedYet]

Take a look at what the rest of us are wearing - lots of ideas. Plus as you are watching the bike commuters for gear tips, you also get to oogle their bikes!

Some folks just ride in their normal bike clothes on rain days, some go all out with rain pants and rain jacket and booties.

Full fenders are crucial! And they give you "street cred" here!
(which causes me much amusement when I see comments from other places worrying that fenders will make them look silly - in Seattle serious riders, commuters and racers, have fenders. Club rides require them, too.)

I sweat too much to wear rain gear. On dry rain days I just wear wool and let it dry on me at work. Wet rain days I will put on a light running jacket http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodBR_220214.html and a pair of rain chaps http://www.rainlegs.com/en/home The jacket and chaps do a good job of keeping my work clothes dry without getting sweaty.

If you have panniers you can tuck the jacket and chaps into the pannier so you always have them with you. Then it doesn't matter what you are wearing, you are ready for rain. They don't take up much space and are quite light.

Any shoes you'd be willing to wear to walk 2 miles in the rain will be just fine on the bike for 2 miles.

As far as motivation to ride in the rain, I dunno what to tell you there. I grew up here, and love to ride and run in the rain.