I did my first ride in the rain today
12-31-05, 08:21 PM
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Woo-hoo, I had to put in the last 30 miles for '05 to make 1,300 miles this year. 
It just so happened that it was raining the entire afternoon here in L.A so I did my first wet-weather ride. I learned a few things today: I'm really glad I put fenders on my bike a few months ago during the dry summer; leather gloves + water makes them very, very slipper and then they fall apart leaving black dye all over your hands; sunglasses get splashed with water then fog up making them practically useless; cotton socks absorb the really cold water and keep your toes numb.
My only real problem were my toes. How do I keep my feet dry and warm in the winter rain? Everytime I rode through 4+" of water, it would splash to the sides of my fenders and drench my feet. My toes were numb and clammy by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.
I was funny watching the reaction of other motorists as I rode by or waited at a stop light. They looked at me like I was nuts as the rain poured down. Then I realized I was riding around with big grin on my face as it rained. Some people will never understand the exhilarting feeling of fresh air and being one with nature.
It just so happened that it was raining the entire afternoon here in L.A so I did my first wet-weather ride. I learned a few things today: I'm really glad I put fenders on my bike a few months ago during the dry summer; leather gloves + water makes them very, very slipper and then they fall apart leaving black dye all over your hands; sunglasses get splashed with water then fog up making them practically useless; cotton socks absorb the really cold water and keep your toes numb.My only real problem were my toes. How do I keep my feet dry and warm in the winter rain? Everytime I rode through 4+" of water, it would splash to the sides of my fenders and drench my feet. My toes were numb and clammy by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.
I was funny watching the reaction of other motorists as I rode by or waited at a stop light. They looked at me like I was nuts as the rain poured down. Then I realized I was riding around with big grin on my face as it rained. Some people will never understand the exhilarting feeling of fresh air and being one with nature.
12-31-05, 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by mac
My only real problem were my toes. How do I keep my feet dry and warm in the winter rain? Everytime I rode through 4+" of water, it would splash to the sides of my fenders and drench my feet. My toes were numb and clammy by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.
Adding a long mud flap to your front fender will help keep the water off you too.
You might also want to look at a rain cape.
https://www.bicycleclothing.com/Rain-Capes.html
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
12-31-05, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mac
I was funny watching the reaction of other motorists as I rode by or waited at a stop light. They looked at me like I was nuts as the rain poured down. Then I realized I was riding around with big grin on my face as it rained. Some people will never understand the exhilarting feeling of fresh air and being one with nature.
12-31-05, 09:15 PM
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There are lots of tips for riding in the rain if you live in PDX. Y'all down in LAX usually got it good, when it comes to the weather, so stop kvetching! 
12-31-05, 11:25 PM
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Sounds great Mac! I rode in the rain last year when it was pouring. You're right, it was exhilarating! 42 miles of rooster tailing in the fresh clean air! Nobodyout there but you and the water! I cheated though, I used the mtb!
01-01-06, 12:10 AM
#6
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In four inches of water I don't think anything will keep your feet dry. Chip is probably right 
that wool socks will keep them the warmest. But I don't think you need to worry about your toes turning black and falling off or anything. It's just a matter of comfort, not health.
that wool socks will keep them the warmest. But I don't think you need to worry about your toes turning black and falling off or anything. It's just a matter of comfort, not health.
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01-01-06, 04:51 AM
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You are crazy, I didnt want to be out at all today in this. Fun watching cars smack a puddle and stall though.
01-01-06, 09:08 AM
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You can call yourself a serious cyclist if you leave the house when it's already raining.
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
01-01-06, 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by EventServices
You can call yourself a serious cyclist if you leave the house when it's already raining.
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
) and the road is not that slippery. That's when I went out and I got up to 38+ mph going downhill on the mainstreet. 
Originally Posted by EricDJ
You are crazy, I didnt want to be out at all today in this. Fun watching cars smack a puddle and stall though.
01-01-06, 07:40 PM
#11
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If you guys think rain is fun I bet you never did snow!
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01-01-06, 07:46 PM
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Lake MXZ301 winter boots ROCK!!!!
Admittedly I haven't tried them in heavy rain yet but they claim to be (and appear to be) waterproof and they have neoprene liners which are nice and toasty warm.
Admittedly I haven't tried them in heavy rain yet but they claim to be (and appear to be) waterproof and they have neoprene liners which are nice and toasty warm.
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But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
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But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...
01-01-06, 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Roody
If you guys think rain is fun I bet you never did snow!
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
01-01-06, 11:04 PM
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It's great "laughing at the elements", another aspect that makes cycling so much fun.
I second the neoprene booties . . . they are perfect for the winter. Even better for rain are the completely waterproof shoe-covers; they don't breathe at all, but in the pouring rain they will keep you dry.
I second the neoprene booties . . . they are perfect for the winter. Even better for rain are the completely waterproof shoe-covers; they don't breathe at all, but in the pouring rain they will keep you dry.
Last edited by WheelsOnFire; 01-01-06 at 11:05 PM. Reason: sp
01-02-06, 10:40 PM
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ARGH!!!! My chain rusted and now I'm got browish goo on both of my gears. How the hell did it rust after only a couple of days? I was going to clean it this afternoon when I noticed it. Can I still use it or do I need to get a brand new chain?
How the hell did it rust after only a couple of days? I was going to clean it this afternoon when I noticed it. Can I still use it or do I need to get a brand new chain?
01-04-06, 04:13 AM
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Originally Posted by mac
ARGH!!!! My chain rusted and now I'm got browish goo on both of my gears. How the hell did it rust after only a couple of days? I was going to clean it this afternoon when I noticed it. Can I still use it or do I need to get a brand new chain?
How the hell did it rust after only a couple of days? I was going to clean it this afternoon when I noticed it. Can I still use it or do I need to get a brand new chain?sd
01-04-06, 11:22 AM
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What about wearing plastic baggies over or under your socks?
01-04-06, 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by chipcom
Rain is nice when it's warm, but this time of year, I'd rather have snow!
01-04-06, 02:28 PM
#19
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Originally Posted by EventServices
You can call yourself a serious cyclist if you leave the house when it's already raining.
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
It's one thing to get caught in the rain when you're already riding.
Even then, many riders will run for cover.
But start when it's raining....
