Originally Posted by
Tundra_Man
I enjoy riding in the rain too. My wife doesn't understand it, but she hates walking 15 feet from the driveway to the door in a light sprinkle.
A few things I've found make it much more enjoyable:
Fenders - The rain coming down is clean and refreshing. The muck coming up is nasty and serenity-sucking.
Waterproof Bags - Riding in the rain is fun, but sitting in the office in wet work clothes is not so much.
Temp - Riding in the rain is a lot more enjoyable above 40 degrees. From about 39 down to 32 if it's raining hard it can turn into a hypothermia risk. I'll still ride, but I have to be aware and make appropriate preparations.
Agree with all of these, though I haven't ridden in below-40 rain yet.
I carry my work clothes in a waterproof pannier or waterproof backpack depending on the bike. Both bikes have fenders.
I've learned the hard way to beware of slick road surfaces. You never know when some random oil spot on the road can cause your bike to wipe out under you - in dry weather, they're no problem but when they're wet from rain you might as well be riding on ice.