Rain??? Ugh!

[featuretile]

I went on a bike tour in Japan in September. The last 5 days were the edge of a typhoon (hurricane). It rained so hard and I was so wet that when a truck went by and splashed me, it made no difference at all. It was so hot out that you really could not wear rain gear because you overheated from sweating. The one saving grace was that the rain was warm. And we learned about the newspaper in the shoe trick.

Previously, I had avoided riding in the rain (and I still do when possible). In central California, it does not rain in the summer, so when it rains in the winter, it is cold rain. However, I had thought that it would feel more dangerous than it actually did. You do have to watch for slippery things like grates, and leave more time to stop. I tried to keep more distance between me and the other cyclists, and did not ride as fast. Sometimes it just seemed like such a crazy thing to do. But nobody got hurt and everyone survived. It was a really amazing trip despite the rain. I had to get some rust off my chain when I got home.

[happysurfer]

Since I'm a beginner and have never ridden in the rain, I don't have any comments to help, but I do have a question: If it rains in AZ after a long dry spell (like in Ca where I'm from) wouldn't the streets be extra slick from the oil run-off? It's my paranoia of run-off that kept me indoors last weekend after SoCal's first rain in a few months. Then again, I'm from LA where sprinkling is considered rain!

[Crankin]

OK, I'm a former Zonie, and though I live in an area where it does rain, I avoid it like the plague. The only times I've ridden in the rain is when I got caught. Would not normally start a ride in the rain, unless it's just a drizzle.
That said, I spent at least 75% of my tour this summer riding in pouring, torrential rain. It sucked. I can't see, my clear glasses get totally fogged and beaded up with rain, and when I the them off, the rain hurts my eyes.
However, you can stay warm and dry if you have the right gear. At the temperatures you are expecting, hypothermia is a real concern. I know some people here don't wear anything special to ride in the rain, but I have been very close to hypothermia after riding in conditions like you describe, to the point, that when I got back to my car, I put the heat on, stripped, wrapped myself in a beach towel that was in the car, and shivered for the 9 mile trip back to my house.
I'd wear a light weight wool base layer, with a rain jacket that has pit zips, waterproof gloves of any kind, and wool socks. If you can, get a helmet cover! It will really make a difference. Also, some toe covers for your shoes.
Yeah, and afterwards, take the innersoles out of your shoes and stuff them with newspaper. I used that trick at least 4 days on my 6 day tour in August.

Be careful. People in AZ freak out when they drive in the rain, the roads get greasy, and there's crap in the shoulder. Allow plenty of time for braking and cornering.

[AZchick]

Thanks Crankin... I really need to get a base layer anyway.. I'm gonna hit up the bike shop this week and see what I can find that will help.

[marni]

Thanks Crankin... I really need to get a base layer anyway.. I'm gonna hit up the bike shop this week and see what I can find that will help.

as always the two magic words are wool underlayers. Wool breathes very easily. I wear a wool underlayer anytime it is under 70 degrees here in Houston. Have gotten caught out in a rain storm unprepared only once- I spent three days recovering from hypothermia. The temperature was 55. Keep your core warm.

marni

[AZchick]

I really need to find some wool in the next three days.

[Crankin]

Go to REI or any other outdoor store. This does not have to be cycling specific.

[AZchick]

Yup Surfer... same thing here.. it does become slick if it hasn't rained in awhile. Luckily (?) it rained here twice this past weekend... and these are rural roads we're riding Saturday, so hopefully the surfaces should be cleaner.