Originally Posted by
Maelochs
Why? I have been riding in the rain for decades, and I am not a pro ... and I don't see many safety issues which common sense and careful riding cannot overcome.
Really Maelochs? I already gave you several examples that have nothing to do with common sense. In fact, it that philosophy were applied to its conclusion, you wouldn't go riding in the rain.
Yesterday I got caught in one of the thunder-downpours with high winds (28 mph) where the raindrops come in horizontally with eyeball-bruising force. I was fine except for the very worst gusts, where slick pavement and gusty winds had me weaving a little---so i downshifted and rode on the grass until the road curved a little and i was not head-on into the gusts. Otherwise, it was just riding .... I coped easily with rain, wind, traffic, ... and enjoyed the whole thing immensely.
My point about pros is that they ride in the rain .... even in the snow if it comes mid-course .... and they don't just keel over and die.
Anyone who feels s/he is not competent to ride in given conditions should pull ove rand park, or stay home. I agree. I however, though not a pro or even a particularly good rider, have proven able to navigate near hurricanes, tremendous downpours, bitter cold, blazing heat (both with and without humidity) and I am just some fat old guy. I don't understand why just anybody could not manage riding iin the rain.
Not saying anyone Should ... but people who are afraid need to separate their fears, which are irrational and internal and totally personal, from the conditions under which those fears arrise.
Look, some people are afraid of the dark.That doesn't mean I cannot ride at night---safely.
It was never a question of competence (although a prudent person might follow that course). Rather, the point was a decrease in the margin of safety, and increased likelihood of the occurrence of an accident or injury. In that, the issue is unquestionably greater. If anyone can't see that then they're irrational and no amount of proof or data will convince them.