This winter has made me wonder if we have magically been transported to the Pacific Northwest or if we do still, in fact, live in Tucson.
Don’t get me wrong, I am really glad we are getting the rain. Now that I have some wet-weather riding gear, I actually enjoy riding in the rain.
Although, according to the photo, not many people at the University of Arizona enjoy it. (The bike on the right is mine, and yes, I did pick up the bike which had fallen into the mud.)
I’ll take a photo tomorrow morning to compare how many people seemed to take the rainy day off.
I’m wondering what you all think about riding in the rain? Do you have any tips or tricks to share?
Here are the things I’ve learned about riding in the rain:
- The proper gear makes a big difference. Rain proof jackets and pants really help. I also like my Buff head cover to keep the rain off my head.
- Fenders would probably help a lot, but I’ve yet to buy and install them.
- Bring an extra pair of socks to change into.
- Waterproof panniers would be nice, but you can wrap your stuff in plastic bags and put them in your panniers to get by.
- I hate the sand that gets everywhere when it rains. I have no idea how to prevent that.
- Riding in the rain makes me feel hardcore.
What about you? What tips or observations can you share?
Love riding in the rain, but I don’t like taking my road bike out in it. I’ve got a “new bike” itch right now and have a line on a mid-level 80’s Steel road bike. Looks like I might have a dedicated commuter bike soon. đ
Love riding in the rain, but I don’t like taking my road bike out in it. I’ve got a “new bike” itch right now and have a line on a mid-level 80’s Steel road bike. Looks like I might have a dedicated commuter bike soon. đ
Yes, go to BICAS and get yourself a dedicated rain bike.
Paint it yellow so it stands out on the dark, overcast days.
Yes, go to BICAS and get yourself a dedicated rain bike.
Paint it yellow so it stands out on the dark, overcast days.
I don’t mind rain as long as it’s not cold rain.
How far South do I have to move to finally be warm – Ecuador?
I don’t mind rain as long as it’s not cold rain.
How far South do I have to move to finally be warm – Ecuador?
I like the idea of a dedicated rain bike, but that is mostly because I agree with the equation about how many bike one should own.
The equation, if you aren’t familiar is N+1= # of bike you should own. Where N is equal to the number of bikes you currently own.
I like the idea of a dedicated rain bike, but that is mostly because I agree with the equation about how many bike one should own.
The equation, if you aren’t familiar is N+1= # of bike you should own. Where N is equal to the number of bikes you currently own.
Fenders are probably the best equipment for keeping dry, since it keeps the water from kicking up and giving you the skunk stripe!
Fenders are probably the best equipment for keeping dry, since it keeps the water from kicking up and giving you the skunk stripe!
I use my old d’back mt bike for commuting, so I don’t mind the rain. I save my road bike for sunny weather on weekends. Good rain jacket is a must. I used plastic bags (like the ones for veggies at the groc store) over my socks and under my shoes to keep my toes dry this morning–worked great. Glad I have a blow dryer and dry clothes at work, but I didn’t need the dryer after all. I have rack and bag on the back that keeps the water from kicking up. It was a good ride in today:) We’ll be wishing for this weather in June!!
I use my old d’back mt bike for commuting, so I don’t mind the rain. I save my road bike for sunny weather on weekends. Good rain jacket is a must. I used plastic bags (like the ones for veggies at the groc store) over my socks and under my shoes to keep my toes dry this morning–worked great. Glad I have a blow dryer and dry clothes at work, but I didn’t need the dryer after all. I have rack and bag on the back that keeps the water from kicking up. It was a good ride in today:) We’ll be wishing for this weather in June!!
Having racks front-n-rear with a solid center panel is better than nothing. I have not yet found fenders that don’t rattle. I’d rather deal with the splash the few days a year that it rains here than have to listen to the constant rattling all the time.
Having racks front-n-rear with a solid center panel is better than nothing. I have not yet found fenders that don’t rattle. I’d rather deal with the splash the few days a year that it rains here than have to listen to the constant rattling all the time.
You can forgo a front fender. I wear sandals, rain pants and smart wool socks. I can last until right around 35F.
Often times I have to ride through puddles 2 feet deep. So I back up everything. Socks, gloves, hat, and etc in a plastic bag.
I use walmart work gloves 5 bucks. Liners if it gets to cold.
You can forgo a front fender. I wear sandals, rain pants and smart wool socks. I can last until right around 35F.
Often times I have to ride through puddles 2 feet deep. So I back up everything. Socks, gloves, hat, and etc in a plastic bag.
I use walmart work gloves 5 bucks. Liners if it gets to cold.