It never rains in soutnern california
12-23-08, 08:03 PM
#1
Flat Ire
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It never rains in soutnern california
About a year ago I bought a set of rain gear for riding. So, finally yesterday I got around to doing my first significant ride in the rain, that being from Torrance, through South Bay, Santa Monica, and on into the Santa Monica Mountains. From that experience I can give some tips for anyone who has yet to do their first rain ride. I'm sure there are others who have stuff to share in this vein.
Just to keep myself from thinking I'm some sort of "trooper" for going out for a day in wet weather, I read this post in the Western Canada section"
- Stay away from the beach bike path! The tires will kick up sand and it will get into EVERYTHING, all over the drivetrain, between brake pads and the rim, all over you including inside your shorts, onto your cliff bar (enhances mineral intake), and into your waterproof light housings.
- Cinch up your shorts, or water will drip from the back of your rainjacket, down the inside of your shorts, ending you up with the condition known to medical science as "wetass".
- Micro-climates are more intense during wet weather. Be prepared for colder-than-you-think weather and have room to stow layers when it gets "balmy".
- Forget goggles or clear glasses. The raindrops on the outside make them unusable.
- Water will get where you won't expect. Note the wetass comment above. I wore my backpack under my rainjacket, but water kicked up by the rear wheel sprayed it from below. I had a trash bag over my handlebar bag, but water found its way to soak the bag anyway. Baggies work well to waterproof inidvidual items. Have waterproof gloves? Too bad. You take off your gloves to do something that requires the dexterity of an ungloved hand. Then when you go to put your gloves back on, your hands are WET; and you have nothing to dry them off.
- As usual, be prepared for flat tires. And other forms of breakdown.
Just to keep myself from thinking I'm some sort of "trooper" for going out for a day in wet weather, I read this post in the Western Canada section"
As a year-round commuter, I thought that I've had it pretty lucky here over the last five years. Ya, we get the odd skiff of snow, and the temperatures drop below zero from time to time. I thought last Sunday's commute was a little dodgy, but today's beat that hands down.
I fell once, and I wouldn't even call that a wipeout, as I was trying to pedal through about a foot of snow. The bike came to an abrupt stop, I couldn't unclip, and then just fell over.
I love the fact that the sidewalk on the Burrard Street Bridge was plowed this morning (5:30 am), and it looked like it was plowed quite recently on my my home too (around 3 pm) - but for the love of god...plow an entrance to the frickin' street, don't just stop. My re-entry to traffic was marked with about a foot and a half dump of snow.
Anyways, I walk through that, remount and startup again. I'm back on a relatively clean lane, but the bike is starting to follow some small ruts and snow packs. The front wheel skids a little, but I'm still able to remain upright. However my correction has put me into a thirty degree change of course to my right. Thank god there were no parked parks, but an intersecting street instead. Whew! The rest of Cornwall (left lane only) was fine.
Overall, I thought the streets weren't that slippery, and the drivers were pretty patient because...I was taking the lane.
Thank god I have the next two days off. I bought enough groceries on the way home, so that hopefully I won't have to leave until work on the 24th.
How about the rest of you guys? Anyone making different plans for tomorrow?
I fell once, and I wouldn't even call that a wipeout, as I was trying to pedal through about a foot of snow. The bike came to an abrupt stop, I couldn't unclip, and then just fell over.
I love the fact that the sidewalk on the Burrard Street Bridge was plowed this morning (5:30 am), and it looked like it was plowed quite recently on my my home too (around 3 pm) - but for the love of god...plow an entrance to the frickin' street, don't just stop. My re-entry to traffic was marked with about a foot and a half dump of snow.
Anyways, I walk through that, remount and startup again. I'm back on a relatively clean lane, but the bike is starting to follow some small ruts and snow packs. The front wheel skids a little, but I'm still able to remain upright. However my correction has put me into a thirty degree change of course to my right. Thank god there were no parked parks, but an intersecting street instead. Whew! The rest of Cornwall (left lane only) was fine.
Overall, I thought the streets weren't that slippery, and the drivers were pretty patient because...I was taking the lane.
Thank god I have the next two days off. I bought enough groceries on the way home, so that hopefully I won't have to leave until work on the 24th.
How about the rest of you guys? Anyone making different plans for tomorrow?
12-24-08, 01:14 AM
#2
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I don't even pretend to be a trooper. I missed two days last week because of rain and our Monday club ride was cut short because it started to rain. I ride closer to the desert than you and I don't think we get as much rain but when it comes the water stays on the street. At least today I got in a few extra miles and I can only hope to get in at least 40 Wednesday. What are you using for lower rain gear?
12-25-08, 12:29 AM
#3
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I don't ride in the rain. I have no shame in titling myself as a fair weather rider. Cold...no problem. Wet...no thanks.
12-25-08, 10:33 AM
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No offense, but better rain gear will resolve most of your issues.
First off, your backpack needs to be worn over your rain jacket for it to function properly. Not to mention if your backpack fits under your rain jacket, your rain jacket is too large.
I recommend the Assos ClimaJet Breaker
I also like the Assos Climajet Vest, as it folds up much easier when not needed.
Notice both have an extra flap to cover your bum, which will solve your water issue with your shorts.. Although, I do really recommend bibs.. But that is another topic.
I recommend wearing a cycling Cap under your helmut, such as this one. It will aid in keeping some of the rain off your glasses/eyes
I use clear Oakley Radars glasses, which have a coating on the outer lenses which rain does not stick to, rather runs off.. Works like a charm.
If taking off your gloves is required, do so under some sort of shelter. Overpass, bathroom, or my favorite.. Coffee Shop
But sometimes there may not be shelter when needed, so that is what it is..
Are you also by chance using water proof booties?
Anyway, hope that helps, and stay dry
First off, your backpack needs to be worn over your rain jacket for it to function properly. Not to mention if your backpack fits under your rain jacket, your rain jacket is too large.
I recommend the Assos ClimaJet Breaker
I also like the Assos Climajet Vest, as it folds up much easier when not needed.
Notice both have an extra flap to cover your bum, which will solve your water issue with your shorts.. Although, I do really recommend bibs.. But that is another topic.
I recommend wearing a cycling Cap under your helmut, such as this one. It will aid in keeping some of the rain off your glasses/eyes
I use clear Oakley Radars glasses, which have a coating on the outer lenses which rain does not stick to, rather runs off.. Works like a charm.
If taking off your gloves is required, do so under some sort of shelter. Overpass, bathroom, or my favorite.. Coffee Shop
But sometimes there may not be shelter when needed, so that is what it is..Are you also by chance using water proof booties?
Anyway, hope that helps, and stay dry
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12-25-08, 11:25 AM
#5
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Assos Climajet Jacket - $245
Oakley Radars - $155
Assos Cycling Cap $15
Excuse to buy expensive bike schwag - Priceless
Oakley Radars - $155
Assos Cycling Cap $15
Excuse to buy expensive bike schwag - Priceless
12-25-08, 12:23 PM
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No offense, but riding on the road in the rain sucks. It sucks no matter what you're wearing. It sucks out loud.
12-25-08, 12:44 PM
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Your title reminds me of Julio Iglesias' Moonlight Lady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0StzIyL3Q4o
12-25-08, 12:56 PM
#8
Senior Member
I was considering a ride this morning, even though it's drizzling out with shots of harder rain. Thought it would somehow be some kind of 'experience". Then I started reading this thread, noticed it was raining even harder (after a 60 second period of sun!) and said to myself "What are you??? some kind of idiot?! Go hit the trainer if you want a workout and wait until Friday when the sun is out!"
Okay....I guess I don't want to do it.. and now I have to wait for the trainer as my wife is riding with Coach Troy at the moment in Maryland!
Okay....I guess I don't want to do it.. and now I have to wait for the trainer as my wife is riding with Coach Troy at the moment in Maryland!
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12-25-08, 01:10 PM
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I won't go out of my way to ride in the rain, but sometimes it is unavoidable. About twenty five years ago I wanted to prove what a serious rider I was, so I hopped on my bike and cruised the bike path down to the South Bay and back during a nice rainstorm. I ended up tearing my bike down and repacking everything on it that had bearings.
I did once ride the Riverside Century in a rainstorm, but that's another story.
I've been wussing out and taking it easy this week. I'll make up for it when the weather warms up.
I did once ride the Riverside Century in a rainstorm, but that's another story.
I've been wussing out and taking it easy this week. I'll make up for it when the weather warms up.
12-28-08, 10:37 PM
#10
Flat Ire
Thread Starter
"What are you??? some kind of idiot?!
I had to do some maintenance because of the sand, so I will definitely avoid the beach path when it rains.
