Joe Bikerider

Here in Northern California we are having a lot of rain. Some of it is being exaggerated by the media, some is real enough. But I’ve been riding anyway. I’ve picked my times, like this morning I looked at the weather radar and had a very nice ride. What I have noticed however is how happy and friendly every one is. One cyclist said “we are crazy” with a big smile on his face as we passed during a pretty heavy pour on Wednesday. I got a bunch of similar comments through the week. Even dog walkers smiled back. On the occasion I remarked about her totally soaked beast looking like a dish rag. She responded “oh, she just loves it”. I am usually hesitant to go if it’s already raining but if it looks a bit clear I’ll go and then deal with whatever happens. Now mind you these storms have been pretty warm, like in the mid 50’s, but it’s been bringing a smile to my face. Good fenders help too.

Polaris OBark

Come to the Santa Cruz "mountains" and we can go for a little ride ...

Joe Bikerider

I prefer a ride that starts at my front door. I’ve got plenty of rain and happy riding here. Do you stay home when it’s raining? Do you have fenders on your bike?

veganbikes

All I can say is that my life is pretty plain. I like watching the puddles gather rain.

I remember a ride years ago on my old Langster and it was absolutely pouring and I was having such a good time I think it was warm enough out and I was in full kit so I wasn't wearing normal clothes I hate getting wet. I don't normally love the rain but I always think back to that night of a rain enjoyment time.

Polaris OBark

When it is raining here lately, power lines and trees are falling on the roads, rocks and mudslides block the roads, and there is localized flooding and they wash out entirely in some places. It would take a wee bit more than fenders ... which I do have on one bike.

Chuck Naill

You all take care.

Joe Bikerider

And keep riding. Love. Joe.

Random11

One thing I really dislike about riding in the rain is that it takes several days for my shoes to dry.

retswerb

Thanks for the earworm

Polaris OBark

For years, I thought that was Jane's Addiction.

veganbikes

What no, Blind Melon, Shannon Hoon, RIP. Though I love Jane's Addiction. Ritual de lo Habitual and Nothings Shocking are the jam could blast those a lot. ...Creado y Regado en Los Angeles, Juana's Addicción...HERE WE GO! such a great album intro

Polaris OBark

I've only gotten out once for a 12 mile road ride this year, and with nothing but generator power until 2 days ago, I haven't even cranked out any indoor miles. The odd part is I lost a little bit of weight, and probably a little more sanity.

But the folks downhill from me are dealing with serious flooding and major damage, so I got off easy.

veganbikes

Here is a secret trick, try using some balled up newspaper inside it will help dry them out more quickly. On an annual ride I used to do before the endemic I would always carry plenty of extra newspaper to hand out at the end of the day (it was SAG'd so I kept it in my camping gear in the van) it really helped, my shoes might not have been totally dry but were barely damp the next day.

terrymorse 

I hang my wet shoes on hooks inside our water heater closet. Just enough warm, dry air to dry them out overnight.

Ghazmh

Rain makes me wet.

1989Pre

Been caught stealing through the rain...

1989Pre

My best rides have been in (or what turned into) a warm rain. To me, that's 70F and above. Our club got hit with about 15 minutes of it one evening, and I launched into a rousing rendition of Sunshine On My Shoulders. I think water generally get's people to flex and relax a bit.

terrymorse 

I'd be content with a little less of the rain we're getting this month in the Bay Area.

Or at least a couple of days between storms. That would be nice.

CrimsonEclipse

rsbob 

What he said.

After commuting for years in the Seattle area in the rain, with all the appropriate gear, I can still say I do not have an affinity for it. The best rain ride was during the summer when it was humid and there was a sudden cloud burst, and the cooling effect was marvelous. Then the sun came out and life was grand.

Still occasionally ride in it, but am lazy and hate bike cleaning, so instead I Zwift.

wolfchild

Spring rains make my bikes happy, it washes all the road salt and de-icing chemicals out.

CrimsonEclipse

Now try that in the tropics.
Before cloud burst: 90F and 80% humidity
After cloud burst: 95F and 120% humidity

Imaginos

It rains at least 100” a year where I live and I live here by choice. 40f and rain is common weather six months out of the year. Pretty much the only thing that keeps me in is high winds with the rain. I’ve been riding in the rain all this week.I might add that I had a career working outdoors(logging) in this climate.

SkinGriz

I used to clean muddy work boots in the shower.
Put them in front of a space heater to dry.
In the morning (when they’re dry) apply gear oil to the leather.

So I think a space heater drys shoes pretty well.

SkinGriz

I was listening to a podcast interview of people attempting to farm there.

One of the issues was they could never get uprooted weeds to die because the roots would never dry out.