The minimal clearance on most carbon wonders has kept me on my old steel steeds all these years. Now that other people are riding gravel roads and such, there are at least some bikes being made that can accept wider tires. I expect even more to appear now that it has been shown that wider tires reduce rolling resistance (while increasing comfort).

Back on topic, if I didn't set out on rides when it was raining, I wouldn't get very many rides in. In normal years, it starts raining here in early October and stops in mid-June, with an obligatory week of sunny weather in February and again in April. However, who knows if we'll ever see "normal" weather hereabouts again.

Lots of wool layers with a light rain jacket can go a long way in terms of making rainy day rides enjoyable. I also have some neoprene gloves that are awesome on rainy mornings.