Whether you’re an avid bicyclist or you simply love biking for fun, chances are you’ll get caught in the rain while bicycling at some point or another. While biking in the rain is often not someone’s first choice of riding conditions, sometimes it can actually be quite fun and make for a refreshing experience!
Biking in the rain can also make for an added challenge, which can be a pro or con to riding depending on how you look at it. If you’re training for a race or any other kind of physical activity, biking in the rain will push you to new limits and challenge you in different ways. However, if riding your bike is your way of commuting to work, it is not the most ideal!
We’re going to cover
10 tips for biking in the rain so that you can stay safe and make the most out of your ride, so keep reading and take note if you’re planning a ride on a rainy day!
1. Don’t ride on the first wet day (if you can help it).
If it hasn’t rained in a while but then suddenly downpours, this can sometimes result in more slippery conditions than usual. That’s why it’s recommended that you don’t bike in the rain on the first wet day after a long dry spell.
2. Don’t ride through standing water.
Some puddles are harmless, but it’s always safe to avoid them when you can. Besides the fact that they will splash water all over you (and you will likely end up soaking wet), you won’t know how deep a puddle is until you’re riding through it. Plus, you won’t know what’s underneath the water. There could be a pothole, something sharp, or other object that causes your wheel to catch or slip, resulting in you falling and or damaging your bike.
3. Check your tires before and after you ride.
This is an important thing to do both before you get on your bike and after you park it! Check to make sure that your tires are free of any debris. Also, you may want to consider biking in the rain with a slightly lower tire pressure. This provides your tire with more surface area on the road, giving it a better grip and reducing your chances of slipping.
4. Weatherproof your bike.
You don’t want any parts of your bike to get rusted or damaged from biking in the rain! A few things you can do to weatherproof your bike if you’re planning on biking in wet conditions fairly often are using a heavier lube on your
bike chain as well as getting
fenders to prevent water and mud from splashing on you.
It’s always a good idea to have bike lights on hand for riding at night, but when it’s cloudy and rainy, be sure you make use of them so that you can be sure you’re seen by any vehicles or other riders on the road!
This is a must for if you’re training out in the rain. However, if you’re commuting in rainy weather, it’s a good idea to wear something waterproof over your regular clothing, such as a
Gore-Tex cycling jacket so that you can stay dry underneath.
In addition to waterproof clothing, waterproof biking gloves are a good option. These will prevent your hands and fingers from getting cold, as well as keep them dry and prevent them from slipping as you ride.
8. Also wear the proper bike shoes.
Regardless of the weather, having
the right pair of bike shoes is important to your ride, but this is especially important when biking in the rain! You may also want to consider getting some water-resistant overshoes to keep your feet dry.
9. Wear a brimmed cap.
Whether or not you’re wearing glasses or goggles, you’re likely to get water in your eyes or on your lenses, which can affect your vision as you bike. Wearing a brimmed
helmet or a brimmed biking hat under your helmet can help keep the rain out of your face.
10. Cover the seat when leaving your bike in the rain.
Last but not least, it’s a good idea to cover your bike seat while you’re leaving your bike parked out in the rain! Not only will it prevent you from getting your backside wet when you sit down, but it’ll also prevent you from slipping. Using a plastic grocery bag and rubber band is an easy way to cover your bike seat while you leave it outside.
Biking in the rain can be a great way to still enjoy some exercise even when the weather isn’t the greatest! Take some of these tips into consideration before you head out for a bike ride in the rain.
