If you live anywhere near where I live, that is the UK, then you’ll be reasonably familiar with this fact already.
A rainy journey.
You ride a bike, you get wet.
However, the bike doesn’t have to stay indoors when it rains, I’ve had a look around on the web, and found a good article by Craig Hill at Newstribune.com.
He spoke to local cycling experts Carla Gramich touring captain for the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club, Chuck Ayers, executive director of Cascade Bicycle Club, Carol Davis, president of the Tacoma Wheelmen and cycling advocate Bob Myrick.
They recommend a list of essential bits of kit, for helping you survive the rainy weather, so you can get the most out of cycling, no matter what the weather is like. Here’s the list that they run through:
You can either wear a helmet to keep the rain out, and also protect your precious bonce, or you can go one step futher and wear a skullcap underneath the hemlet, for extra rainproofing.
Almost as much of a no-brainer as the helmet. In short, if you want to live, get some lights on your bike in the rain, and make sure they’re fully charged before your journey.
Visors stop the roadspray, and debris. Davis puts Rain-X on hers so the drops don’t’ stick.
Very important. They protect you from the elements. Cycling Jackets differ to standard jackets as they are longer at the back, to keep your rear-end dry.
Cycling pants ( or trousers if you’re a Brit ) are a very helpful investment. They are oodles better than standard pants, and infinitely more comfortable.
Just like your mother used to day, wear lots of layers. They are much better than a single item of clothing for wet weather, and aid proper ventilation.
Apparently putting fenders on the bike is a way of keeping you dryer, and thiose behind you won’t get spayed so much. This point is one I don’t massively agree with though, as I generally don’t fuss too much about those behind me!
Amongst those things recommended, are wool socks, and decent footwear that’s going to keep your toes dry. You can get neoprene booties for around $30, which wil prevent rain seepage. Theres nothing worse than cold wet feet. ( Well perhaps in the grand scheme of things there are one or two things, but you get the point.)
Ski gloves are good, as most gloves aren’t completely waterproof due to the seams. Also suggested are latex gloves worn beneath your normal ones. (I imagine things could get sweaty there though…)
Get a backpack or panniers. This gives you a place to throw all your wet stuff if you’re out and the sun comes out, and also you can keep some dry stuff in a plastic bag, in case the inevitable happens and the heavens open up again…
Quite obvious when you think about it, but I don’t think I would have thought about it! All these layers, bags, extra gear means your bike is going to weigh more, thus the journey may take a little longer. Just bear it in mind.
It may be an idea to stick to more main routes, as there are more people about should you ‘step in a puddle right up to your middle.’
Obvious one, really. Drivers stopping distances are worsened, and so is their visibility. This goes for the humble cyclist too, so all in all, everyone should stay awake, and read the road ahead.
When you get to where you’re going, blast off the crud with a hose, and apply some degreaser to your chain. Even your bike needs a bit of TLC sometimes.
Thanks to Carla Gramich, Chuck Ayers, Carol Davis and Bob Myrick for these great tips. The full article is available here
I’m a Brit, or Limey, or whatever you want to call us. Thanks for this, its always useful to read things like this. Bloody weather