konman795

Today I experienced my first ride getting caught in a torrential downpour. When I left, it was sunny. Radar showed no rain and 2 hour forecast had zero signs of rain. Then in a 3 mile stretch of no shelter, heavy rain started coming down. I just kept riding but much slower. I had to stop and walk for about 10 minutes because I couldn't see. I was wondering what tips or things I can do when stuff like that happens. I put my front and rear lights on as well as threw my phone into a ziplock bag. I eventually made it home but I was completely drenched. Are there other things I can pack in my saddle bag or would you guys have done something differently. I felt so bad seeing all these other people getting killed in the rain. They were even worse off than me I imagine.

I-Like-To-Bike

Huh? Who, Where, When? What are you talking about?

howsteepisit

Well you can carry rain gear in a saddle or handlebar bag for starters, or if you do not like that, keep an eye on the sky and seek shelter if it gets too dark and threatening. I have taken shelter in may places over the years, including parked rail cars, under overpasses, bridges, and under the covered driveway of closed businesses. Its not that big of deal to ride wet either, unless its cold too, then hypothermia becomes a real threat and possibly life threatening. When thats happened to me I just rode harder to try and keep warm.

achoo

It's rain. AKA water.

You don't apparently melt in it, so what's the problem? You already figured out that you need to slow down when it's raining hard enough to limit your vision, and you turned on your lights.

You got wet.

You'll dry off.

Chris516

I got stuck in a torrential downpour once. It came on suddenly, and my only shelter was inside an elementary school. They definitely didn't appreciate my being there, and couldn't wait for me to leave.

So, My dumb advice is, don't get stuck in it. You never know who won't care about your situation.

FBinNY 

I've ridden thousands of miles in rain, including torrential downpours where you were soaked to the skin before you could even get off the bike (think fire hose). It's no big deal, you get wet, you get grit in your eyes, dishpan hands and feet, and diaper rash. Then you get inside and dry off and it's all good again pretty fast, except maybe the diaper rash which is the worst of it.

Every once in a while I see a feral cat that got caught out in the rain and I can sympathize, been there, done that.

ItsJustMe

I just always have lighting that I'm comfortable makes me visible in the heaviest rain, and just keep riding.

findude

Get off the road. If your visibility is compromised so much that you can't see, motorists can't see you either. The motorist who can't see well generally does two things: slow down and move closer to the side of the road. Since you're on the side of the road and they can't see you, get off the road.

spivonious

I always keep a plastic bag or two in my panniers. If it starts raining, I can protect my wallet, phone, and anything else that shouldn't get wet (like my work clothes).

Other than that, you did it right. Turn on lights and be extra careful. This time of year, it's too warm to wear rain gear. If you ride in the cooler months, you may want to invest in a breathable raincoat, rain pants, and waterproof shoe covers.

RR3

I put my two rear blinker lights on and put the front light to strobe. I slow down. Might put reflective ankle bands or a reflective vest but the blinking lights are key as is slowing down.

Looigi

Yeah. The only thing that concerns me riding in the rain is the reduced visibility in the grey of the rain through smeary wet windshields. Bright hi-vis apparel and good lights are the antidote.

konman795

Looks like I just need to get use to being rained on. I did get a cycling cap, hopefully that can help block some of the rain from accumulating on my shades. It was just raining so hard and it was my first time getting caught in it. It sure takes a lot of energy out of you.

Leebo

Free bike wash, yeah! I keep a rolled up 30 gal trash bag in the pannier. Or seek shelter. Bank ATMs work great.

bluegoatwoods

The one big trouble with rain is when it's pounding down so hard that cars might not see you even with reflective clothing and blinkys. That's when I simply don't ride. If it hits when work is finished and it's time to go home, then I chill out and wait until it has eased up a bit. I've bicycled virtually everyday to work for years and years and years. This has happened to me a couple of times. It's just not all that common.

I've never been late to work because of such heavy rain when I need to head for work. But my attendance is perfect. If I ever have to be late for this reason, then it just won't be a big deal.

As far as personal comfort is concerned you're likely to find that most rain is really pretty pleasant. It can be heavy enough, of course, that you'd like some protection. I carry a rain-gear 'wetsuit'. At all times. Except maybe in the height of summer.

You might want a couple of different wetsuits for different seasons. One could be cut-off pants to allow some cooling on your lower legs. The same get-up would have a rain jacket with cut-off arms just below the shoulders. Make sure to open the armpits up. If you dress lightly under this and ride slow, you can ride in temps as high as 70 deg or so without suffering too badly. If the temp is higher, then you might want to just allow your clothes to get wet. That's how I do it, anyway.

Have another wetsuit that covers you more for colder weather and carry that one when fall comes.

Also carry a couple of garbage sacks (preferably white) to carry your duffel bag, backpack, etc. Put these in your backpack and keep them there. You never know when you'll be surprised by rain. And it's a lot better than having to dry out all your accessories before morning.

EvilWeasel

Move to Florida. You can go from dry to soaked, and back to dry 16 times in a 4 hour span.

rebel1916

Rain is annoying, not particularly dangerous.
If I or any of the civil service/building trades/fathers in my neighborhood were visiting our children at school when a strange man insisted on taking shelter therein, it would have been a VERY short wait.

JameB

If I was in city or developed area, I'd keep riding. If I was out in the country areas, I'd probably stop if I didn't have a rear light.

That is if it was raining so hard that people couldn't see...