Jerb

How come no one told me these things were so fun!!!
Well, I got off from work at 10:00, I knew It has rained but wet roads dont bother me much. However the humidity does (it was soo foggy, The air was so thick it was nasty!). I thought nothing of it and started to ride away, after about half a mile though i realized I had forgotten my cell phone at work. So I turn around and start peddling back, however when I'm in the parking lot to my work a car starts to cut me off. I slammed on my brakes, Well no one told me they didnt work when it was this humid. I had the break levers back as far as i could but i wasnt stopping. Luckily though the car stopped and I swerved out of the way.

I pulled up to work, and pulled my bike in side the lobby (no way i was leaving it outside with all its pretty lights) I ran up stairs and got my cellphone. As i walked out the door I heard a huge crack of thunder and it started to pour! At this point I basically said "Oh ****, this ride is going to suck...". I was pleasently supprised however, those 4 miles have never been so much fun.

This storm made me realize a few things however: How do you stop your mirror(s) from fogging up? I felt completely defensless without them. I need a waterproof bag! All my work clothe's were soaked when i got home(and my paycheck). I NEED Fenders, I think I'm going to go and buy these Real soon. Lastly, I NEED a headlight, The maglight I taped/Zip Tied isn't cutting it.

So my question to you, is how do you react in this situation? Do you expirience any of the problems I did (mainly the no breaks) and how do you cope with them? Do you enjoy Riding in the rain as much as I did?
I would really like to know how others handle this situation

*EDIT: Of course, I spelled somethng wrong in the thread title*

spider-man

I wonder if you are on steel rims. I have problems braking when I ride my old steel-rimmed Raleigh, but if I am on a bike with aluminum rims, braking is not much affected by water.

As a results, if I know it's going to rain, I will ride something other than the Raleigh.

I enjoy riding in the rain, and I know many others do too. It helps if I have the bike with fenders and have a waterproof bag with me, for sure. It's always cooler here when it rains, and most people really think it's strange that someone would ride anyway, so it's appealing to me for those reasons.

Rain is also very soothing. I suspect it's only in modern times that people have begun to fear being "caught" in it. I rather like being rained on, although I understand there are times when it is inappropriate.

Anyway, fenders are highly recommended. I have Planet Bike fenders on my MTB, and I plan to get some old Bluemel's on my Raleigh at some point and maybe even some Gilles Berthouds on my Gitane. If you're not racing, fenders make a lot of sense, and I like things that make sense.

Tip: If you can't yet afford or can't find a waterproof bag, trying putting your work clothes and other items in a large ziplock bag (or bags), then placing that bag in whatever bag you are using now.

Jerb

I'm really considering a chrome, its much more apealing now that i see what a water *ressistant* bag can do.

Any suggestions as far as Fenders go? I dont believe my bike (just an old roadie) has eyelets in the fork

spider-man

You don't really need eyelets, but they make the installation look more clean. If you don't have them, use rubberized P clamps. (Available at Home Despot and similar stores.)

The Planet Bike Freddy Fenders are reasonably priced, and mine have proven durable so far. They make models that work with 700c and 26'' tyres. Mine are on a Gunnar RockHound with a suspension fork (no eyelets), so I attached them with P clamps.

AndrewP

I always pack my stuff in double plastic grocery bags before I put them in my pannier bags. The bags are supposed to be watter proof, but that means any water that gets in through the zips or seems cant get back out.

For mirror I use a eye glass mounted mirror and havent had a problem in the rain. Riding in the dark with a handlebar mirror you should still be able to see car headlights even if you cant make out the model of the car.

swwhite

As part of the game, to keep my motivation up, I have equipped myself to be able to ride in pouring rain and remain dry. I especially like it when it starts raining about the time I leave work and everyone starts to take pity on me and offer me rides home.