As I was commuting this dark, torrential rain-swept, and leaf-strewn ride this morning, I recalled this rule for your consideration:
“If you cannot directly see the Road surface (due to a reflecting puddle, a pile of leaves, or whatever), a pothole may lurk.”
I learned this rule from two misfortunes, one personal, and one vicarious but fatal. It’s a specific corollary to Jim’s Law of the Road, Commutinati Rule
#3a, and another argument to use a rearview mirror.
Another wet weather aphorism is
“Watch out for wet painted Road markings,” perhaps not worthy of a Rule, but a good admonition IMO.
PS: Re Rule
#1 :
Originally Posted by
WorldPax
We are the Commutinati and these are the Rules.
Rule
#1 - Velominati
If you are out riding in bad weather, it means you are a
badass. Period.
Fair-weather riding is a luxury reserved for Sunday afternoons and wide boulevards. Those who ride in foul weather be it cold, wet, or inordinately hot are members of a special club of riders who, on the morning of a big ride, pull back the curtain to check the weather and, upon seeing rain falling from the skies, allow a wry smile to spread across their face. This is a rider who loves the work.
The last time I rode in such a drenching rain, about two years ago, I got so wet that I developed a presumed blister and subsequent abscess, “down there,” and was off the bike for two weeks. So if you ride in bad weather you may be a
badass in more ways than one.
