Just let me second that advice! I commuted regularly along two main routes, often taking the second when it was rainy because there was a lot better drainage (both routes went near the Missouri River, so there's a drainage problem with saturated soil).

The second route, however, featured several sets of railroad tracks. Normally, these were no problem. But one rainy morning I was riding along as usual, came to the tracks, and found myself what FELT like three feet in the air. It was probably just nine or ten inches, but it's still not so good.

Luckily--this is almost enough to make me believe in guardian angels--I came down on the other side of the tracks, upright, as though nothing had happened. I could easily have broken my shoulder or worse.

My heart rate got a little rapid for a while! I've always wished I could have a videotape of that moment.