First wet/windy ride

cabbage1875

Had my first soaking wet /windy ride today,

Leasons learned.

Waterproof gloves are a must
Waterproof overshoes are a must

Any other tips for wet weather riding?

Take the corners nice and easy and your sorted.

Am new tro cycling. done my longest trip of 30 miles. done it in ! hour 52. would have kept going if i could have felt my fingers and toes.

rick_chasey

None really.

If you don't like it, don't do it, since it's only a hobby.


It's easy to forget to drink and eat when you're cold and wet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xT8UUu1wTU @1.39...

Even the top pros can do that!

ilm_zero7

Wind I can cope with - wet - stay at home.... its no fun, increases the danger factor - I work on the basis if I have an accident, especially in the wet my desire to get back on the bike (if indeed I still can) will be greatly reduced. getting caught out in the wet is one thing, intentionally increasing the risk is not for me

CiB

Au contraire Felt.

Cycling in the wet is like cycling in the dry, only it's wet. Being wet is a boolean value - you either are or you aren't wet. And being wet is nothing to be bothered about.

Being caught out in monsoon style downpours is one of the most enjoyable things that happens to me on a bike, more so if it's warm summer rain. Being wet is just being wet though. Nothing to bother with, apart from the fact that you might not stop as quickly as you might want, and you can't chuck it at corners as much. Minor issues though. Enjoy it.

Give your bike a good clean & lube afterwards though. That helps.

dombo6

Agree with Felt. It's other road users that I worry about more in the wet.

ilm_zero7

CiB
each to his own I think,..... I don’t have webbed feet, and love the chance of sunshine cycling (one of the reasons this Yorkshire man moved to Kent! Never going back, that’s for sure)....but I cycle for pleasure, not as a penance, and I want to continue to enjoy my cycling for as long as possible not recall the day I fell off


true there are some who go out in all weathers, and if they enjoy it, or shrug it off fine, but after 20+ years road running my joints are shot, and cold and wet is just a misery for me during and for hours afterwards..... in contrast cycling out here early in the morning at one of the few traffic free spots has to be experienced. The post cycle lie down in a bath of cool water is a real pleasure

mattward1979

honestly, I would rather wet than windy.... I dont feel THAT much of a change in the handling or speed of my bike for it to irritate me that much, other that a wet bum and the need to wipe down my beauty after its soaking,

WInd is evil. Its satans bowel gas... My commute to either work or Uni is a 5 mile jaunt, and the wind can make it a 13 min TT attempt, or 20 minutes of hell that makes me want to whack people and ditch my bike in the nearest hedge...

Less wind would make this world a far better place!

SteveR_100Milers

cabbage1875 wrote:

Had my first soaking wet /windy ride today,

Leasons learned.

Waterproof gloves are a must
Waterproof overshoes are a must

Any other tips for wet weather riding?

Take the corners nice and easy and your sorted.

Am new tro cycling. done my longest trip of 30 miles. done it in ! hour 52. would have kept going if i could have felt my fingers and toes.

I dislike the wet too, but the desire to be compoetitive at racing means I dont have muhc choice but to go out in it. Good overshoes are a must, eventually your feet will get wet, but at least they will stay warm. Tyr using waterproof socks, I haven't but I know several that swear by them.
You didn't mention a waterproof jacket - I assume you have one; this topic is worthy of its own thread it is that subjective. If you have a wet days / winter training bike then a set oif mudguards or at least race blades are a must as these keep you from getting soaked bottom up.
Lastly, smash yourself when you're in the rain - firstly it keeps you warmer and therefore obvlivious to that insidious creeping unpleasantness dampness from taking over your mind. Secondly it gets your ride over and done with quicker

guilliano

I love riding in the wet, but I hate the wind! I've nearly been blown under cars at speed in crosswinds, but once I'm out in the wet I don't enjoy it any less than a dry ride.

Having said that, I do REALLY enjoy riding in the heat. Was 30 something degrees last year at Ride to the Horns and I loved every second

philrw

Make sure you have a change of clothes and a hot shower or bath at the end of it.

Wear contact lenses if you normally wear glasses.

Wear a gilet rather than full waterproof top else you'll overheat.

Get a dedicated waterproof pair of shoes if you will be commuting through the winter.

Ski gloves are perfect if cycling in the wet during winter.

Accept that your ride may take longer if windy. In the wet you tend to keep pedalling and do some of your best times.

Have a rear led on the bike and turn it on if dull due to rain / cloud - cars will be able to see you on the roads.

waterproof shorts or 3/4 length are great if you intend to ride regularly in the mud and wet weather