Did a NH, VT, ME loop last year. " Tropical downpours" was the term. Lightning is a different matter safety wise. Short sleeve wool shirts are awesome when it's 75-80 and pouring. Like harder than thunderstorm rain. A dry bag with the nights clothes in helps. Handle? I get a big cup of HTFU and beer in the side bag. Going from St Johnsbury VT up to Kingdom trails last year, it rained so hard the pickups were throwing waves of water and my sandals were going under water at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Good times. Free bike and clothes wash that day. Rolled up to Mikes tiki bar at Kingdom Trails ( its outside) and ordered an IPA. Even the mt bikers were looking at me, drenched and covered with this fine grey road slime. Had zero plans for that night. The one campsite was closed, hit up a cottage in West Burke, great suggestion from the bartender. Dry roof, hot shower, place to dry my clothes. Good choice there.