no motor?

while riding home on Friday. I rode in after hearing 50% chance of rain in the weather forecast, figuring the rain wasn't going to be that bad if it did rain. The sky got all black and gloomy in the afternoon (no lightning though), and I started getting the "how are you going to get home" questions. I've put on many miles on my motorcycles riding in the rain and that didn't usually bother me, and bicycling in the rain wasn't much different before but coming home Friday night was more peaceful than usual. Maybe it was because I was just cruising along, or maybe it was because there were fewer people out, the extra Oxygen in the air or something else; but the end result was pretty relaxing and enjoyable.

imi

yeah, riding in the rain is beautiful... as long as you have a change of clothes or somewhere to dry them when you get there FWIW I have a pair of goretex sox, not so into wet and cold feet...

cyclefreaksix

I too love riding in the rain. Just doesn't seem to happen too often around here.

I have been known to cruise through automatic sprinklers to cool off when I can find them.

jpdesjar

I don't mind rain as long as it doesn't impair my vision too badly and doesn't hide all the potholes.

opel70

Yeah, I would much rather ride in the rain than a high humidity day. There have been a few days this summer where I just wished it would rain and get it over with.

schu777

Riding in rain is okay as long lighting isn't around - then I don't like it. I really need to get some fenders as I don't like the water spraying up and SOAKING my shoes...

imi

If I'm just riding to work that day an' it's raining I'll wear thin rain gear and wellington boots.
Usually 'though, come afternoon the sun has come out, and I get an unexpected invitation somewhere... and only have my wellies with me

p.s +1 for fenders in the rain

DanBraden

Wow, you guys are hardcore... Or just plain ole nuts. Rain and I don't mix well. I like rain as a concept, but while on my bike I like it to either have just rained, or about to rain. Actually raining? No thanks...

destikon

I love riding in the rain too. I should say when it's sprinkling. Hardcore rain isn't as enjoyable. It was sprinkling this morning and it was an amazing ride. Glad I had my fenders.

baldsue

+1 to rain. I love it as long as the wind isn't blowing. I don't mind snow, either, as long as the wind isn't blowing. I don't like wind but I suppose you've guessed that by now.

canyoneagle

I love riding in the rain, especially when it is 55-75 degrees out. Heavy rain too. Lightning - LOVE it.

Fenders R good.

luke_p_1982

It rains most days in Manchester so I've gotten used to being soaked through and now I really enjoy it, especially riding through puddles

no motor?

This started out as a gentle rain that stopped by the time I got home, and the wind that had been a nice tailwind had faded to next to nothing by the time I got home.

mikewille

Rain rides are awesome! I'll put on clear safety glasses and a baseball cap with the visor pulled low to keep droplets out of my eyes. Field and stream breathable rainsuit, redwing waterproof boots, and ski gloves get added when its in the 40's and 30's. Thunderstorms are the best, and it's the cleanest my bike ever gets.
Wind makes it more interesting for me.

ItsJustMe

It doesn't qualify as hard core if we like it. I'd rather ride in the rain if it's warm out. When it's cold, not so much. I still don't mind it but riding in freezing rain is a little less than ideal.

What I would happily give up is riding when there's deep snow on the ground, especially if it's been rutted then refrozen. That stinks.

Caleab

I have to agree.
I don't ride in the rain much, but a few months ago, I was at work and the bottom dropped out. It passed over but was moving along the same path I'd take on the way home.
Just before I left, the bottom dropped out again, pouring it's rear off. It had eased up some when I took off. The bad part was I was on the Trek 2.1 and had no fenders, etc. However, I didn't give a crap. I had probably one of the best rides I'd ever had. That day going home was intense, but awesome. I hope to do the same on my Portland some day =)

srmatte

I always keep a baseball hat in my panniers in case it rains. I wear it under my helmet, keeps the rain of my glasses. It's the only rain gear I use in the summer months. The humidity has been so bad this past week I've been begging for rain. I've been carrying and extra water bottle just to dump over my head during the ride.

starla

Cool, I thought I was just weird I like it, and I don't like a lot of rain gear, either. As long as I'm not wearing a white shirt, I am happy as a clam riding in the rain.

canyoneagle

Same here. None at all, if it's not too chilly. I don't care how "breathable" rain gear is marketed to be, I would far prefer to let the rain run on my skin than bake in my own sweat inside a gore tex parka.

rnorris

+1. Not bad at these temps, but riding in cold rain is an entirely different experience.

bikegeek57

+1 here too. looks like a general consensus. riding in the rain is fun.

edit: however the last two days of torrential downpours and thunderstorms have been a bit much to deal with. am way too soggy...

modernjess

Indeed.

Temperature does not affect my enjoyment, as long as I'm properly dressed (for the cold that is).

DanBraden

You guys are ALL crazy!!! I'm sorry to be the SINGLE voice of dissent but its a major hassle to get soaked. I go through extraordinary pains to keep myself and my bike dry, I guess commuting takes all types.

wirehead

The trick is not getting soaked to the skin such that you are cold and uncomfortable.

Had I but known that biking in the rain was both easy and fun....

Brian T.

I did alright till a car went through a puddle and soaked me. The wave of water could not be avoided.