If you've done much riding at all, you'll have experienced riding in the rain. Here are a few tips to make your trip safer, more comfortable- and drier.
Purchase and carry high quality rain gear. Look for clothing that:
Fits properly over your other gear, without being too loose. Flapping causes premature wear, ineffective protection and it's not at all cool.
Packs down easily and takes up minimal room.
Is highly conspicuous.
Is breathable. Gortex is ideal and will help keep you warm and dry.
Fits snugly around wrists and ankles.
Has a high collar that fits under your helmet so water doesn't seep in.
Remain calm if it starts to rain. Allow extra distances for stopping and reacting. Smooth moves are more important than ever and be more attentive to making one maneuver at a time - i.e. braking, turning, leaning, shifting.
Pull off of the road if necessary and wait it out, especially if you find yourself hydroplaning or unable to see where you're going. I know it sounds logical but trust me, it doesn't always happen. It's a good idea to wait out the early part of the rain when roads are their slipperiest. If you need to pull off to put on your gear, make sure you're well out of traffic. It's a lot easier to do it ahead of time than once the roads and you are wet.
Purchase and carry high quality rain gear. Look for clothing that:
Fits properly over your other gear, without being too loose. Flapping causes premature wear, ineffective protection and it's not at all cool.
Packs down easily and takes up minimal room.
Is highly conspicuous.
Is breathable. Gortex is ideal and will help keep you warm and dry.
Fits snugly around wrists and ankles.
Has a high collar that fits under your helmet so water doesn't seep in.
Remain calm if it starts to rain. Allow extra distances for stopping and reacting. Smooth moves are more important than ever and be more attentive to making one maneuver at a time - i.e. braking, turning, leaning, shifting.
Pull off of the road if necessary and wait it out, especially if you find yourself hydroplaning or unable to see where you're going. I know it sounds logical but trust me, it doesn't always happen. It's a good idea to wait out the early part of the rain when roads are their slipperiest. If you need to pull off to put on your gear, make sure you're well out of traffic. It's a lot easier to do it ahead of time than once the roads and you are wet.
