Rain Thread
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
Rain Thread
I'm 67 but still work 60 hours a week so when I got Friday off before Memorial Day I looked forward to 4 consecutive days off. The problem is there is rain in the forecast for all of those days here in New Hampshire. I ride 40 miles a day on the same route that has every kind of terrain you could ask for except dirt roads. I usually take rainy days off but what are you going to do if it rains every day? I embarked today under cloudy skies and hoped for the best. I got nine miles in before the cold soaking rain appeared. The temperature was 57 degrees and I was glad I wore my bright lime green jacket, tights, ski socks and over boots. I thought I would be too warm but my attire was just right. I was surprised at how well the over boots kept my feet warm and dry for about 28 miles before the water soaked from my tights into the socks and then to my feet. I know the course well and there are some killer potholes or craters would be a better word. The holes cannot be seen in heavy rain because they fill with water and just look like puddles. I know right where they are and went around them. I don't like riding in the rain but I have lost fifteen pounds since March and I want to keep burning off fat. I have lights on my helmet and my frame that make me visible to motorists. Do you ride in the rain?
#2
L-I-V-I-N
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Stafford, OR
Posts: 4,796
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Not a lot of choice in the PacNW. Fenders really help.
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
#4
Full Member
Thread Starter
#5
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,845
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12775 Post(s)
Liked 7,693 Times
in
4,082 Posts
The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.
#6
Full Member
Thread Starter
#7
Super Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Hurst, Illinois
Posts: 93
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll ride in the rain as long as there is no lightning or heavy downpours. I chase storms as a hobby, I know what lightning can do lol. But being a storm chaser is a plus... I forecast when the rain will hit so that I plan my ride perfectly... It usually rains on me a few miles before home but hey, the weatherman is allowed to be wrong
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Northern Ontario
Posts: 3,659
Bikes: Colnago Master XL, Bianchi Via Nirone 7, Marinoni Fango
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'll ride unless there's lighting in the forecast. I set up my cross bike with full fenders, lights and wider tougher tires. I spent the money and purchased good rain wear, shoe covers and jacket. Best thing I found is a good merino wool base layer. Keeps temperature consistent and clamminess of the rain wear at bay.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Go Ducks!
Posts: 1,549
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's rare that I'll embark in the rain. That's just.... nuts. But I've embarked many times knowing I might well get rained on. Fenders are key for me; I can't stand getting wet from my tires. Also, a windproof jacket. That's more important than waterproof for me.
My rain bike next winter will have fenders and 28's. There's a lot of tree debris and gravel (if it's snowed yet that winter) on the road and I think the step up from 25's, which I used this winter, be be safer and more stable in that stuff.
My rain bike next winter will have fenders and 28's. There's a lot of tree debris and gravel (if it's snowed yet that winter) on the road and I think the step up from 25's, which I used this winter, be be safer and more stable in that stuff.
#10
LET'S ROLL
All the time; just got caught on my way home tonight from work.
It's the same with riding in the cold or heat; do it often enough
and you just get used to it. Also after awhile; you figure out what
works for you - gloves, fenders, lights, jacket, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheU...IoDLA&index=52
It's the same with riding in the cold or heat; do it often enough
and you just get used to it. Also after awhile; you figure out what
works for you - gloves, fenders, lights, jacket, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheU...IoDLA&index=52
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#11
Full Member
Thread Starter
All the time; just got caught on my way home tonight from work.
It's the same with riding in the cold or heat; do it often enough
and you just get used to it. Also after awhile; you figure out what
works for you - gloves, fenders, lights, jacket, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheU...IoDLA&index=52
It's the same with riding in the cold or heat; do it often enough
and you just get used to it. Also after awhile; you figure out what
works for you - gloves, fenders, lights, jacket, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheU...IoDLA&index=52
#12
LET'S ROLL
I've ridden in other cities(southern California, Rockbridge co. Virginia, etc.) and
I understand how you feel. But just like biking in the rain; I just got used to
cycling in heavy traffic. I don't think the NYC area is any different than other big
cities like Boston or Philly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jf...6zPoymgKaIoDLA
I understand how you feel. But just like biking in the rain; I just got used to
cycling in heavy traffic. I don't think the NYC area is any different than other big
cities like Boston or Philly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jf...6zPoymgKaIoDLA
__________________
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
One day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=20X43026ukY&list=UUHyRS8bRu6zPoymgKaIoDLA&index=1
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Barnegat, NJ
Posts: 320
Bikes: 2009 Fuji roubaix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Don't mind the rain too much, really depends on temp. I love to run in the rain, so if the weather is crappy for a few days, I will get some good runs in.
#16
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,845
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12775 Post(s)
Liked 7,693 Times
in
4,082 Posts
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 9,201
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1186 Post(s)
Liked 289 Times
in
177 Posts
2nd rainy commute in the past 4 weeks this morning which is pretty good for the pacific NW. 14C (57F) which felt warm with bibs a jersey and a flappy rain jacket. No way to stay dry on days like this morning but clothes were mostly dry by the end of the day in time for a warm sunny ride home.
I actually delayed my departure in the morning for an hour hoping the rain would stop but it just got heavier. Once I'm out in the rain it doesn't bother me. I was warm and had a nice tailwind.
I actually delayed my departure in the morning for an hour hoping the rain would stop but it just got heavier. Once I'm out in the rain it doesn't bother me. I was warm and had a nice tailwind.
#18
Redefining Lazy
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: North Metro, MN
Posts: 1,923
Bikes: 2013 Cannondale Synapse 5 105, 2013 Giant Escape 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 13 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's been a nice winter here for riding, but the rainy season is coming here in Florida, so I'll be buying a trainer this year.
These items are worn by the pros:
Castelli | An Unfair Advantage - Products
I came from PDX, so I know rain, and it really does suck.
I've also promised myself to start cross-training at the gym on rain days, but I so miss the bike...
S
These items are worn by the pros:
Castelli | An Unfair Advantage - Products
I came from PDX, so I know rain, and it really does suck.
I've also promised myself to start cross-training at the gym on rain days, but I so miss the bike...
S
#20
Coffin Dodger
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,138
Bikes: Motobecane Vent Noir, Lynskey R345, Serotta Nova Special X
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 794 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
143 Posts
Be truthful, riding in the rain sucks. Between tire spray from the bike, and passing cars, and slick roads I just can't enjoy it. Maybe I just need to HTFU. Getting rained on 30% of the time when the weather(person) just said 10% chance of a passing shower.
I will not start a ride in the rain, but I bring my jacket if there is a threat.
Pirk
I will not start a ride in the rain, but I bring my jacket if there is a threat.
Pirk
#21
Full Member
Thread Starter
In this area in the springtime there is a constant steady wind averaging 13mph blowing from west to east. My regular 40 mile course takes me directly into that wind for 12 miles. But yesterday when it rained there was no wind anywhere and I told myself to count that blessing while I was spitting out road grit. My trip goes by a golf course and I noticed the parking lot and clubhouse were full. I'm sure they were all imbibing to the legal limit. Toward the end of the golf course I saw one group of chaps trying to golf in the rain and thought they are crazier than I am. I think the main reason I don't like rain rides is that it craps up my bike. I gave an old Cannondale to my son a few years ago that he never rides and I think I'm going to ask for it back so I can make it into a beater bike for rainy days.
#22
Coffin Dodger
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: New Hampshire
Posts: 2,138
Bikes: Motobecane Vent Noir, Lynskey R345, Serotta Nova Special X
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 794 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
143 Posts
I use an old Shogun Selctra as my "rain bike"
I forgot about the cleaning and relube suck part of riding in the rain
Pirk
I forgot about the cleaning and relube suck part of riding in the rain
Pirk
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Everett, Washington
Posts: 595
Bikes: 2013 Focus Izalco Pro, Soma Grand Randonneur
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#24
Senior Member
It would be a very difficult choice between hiking on Franconia Ridge and riding. One of my favorite stretches is riding from the notch to Twin Mountain on Rte. 3; slight downhill, big chainring the whole way. But the view from Lafayette is pretty nice too! https://eastmanwoodworking.com/panos/lafayette.html
#25
well hello there
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Point Loma, CA
Posts: 15,430
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 503 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
206 Posts
I rode all winter, approximately four days per week, and got caught in the rain maybe three or four times at most. So yeah, I ride in the rain.
__________________
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
.
.
Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.