Does riding in heavy rain affect average speed?

jeremybarker

I'm very new to cycling, now just done my fourth run after some 18 years or more since last riding a bike

I wanted to push myself today which i definately did as to me it was a very hilly run over the south downs and covered a route of 46 miles with an average speed of just 12mph. Plus to add to the hills I got heavy rain for the whole run!!

I ran a 40 mile route with an average speed of just under 17mph last week but the run was pretty flat to be fair but today my legs at the end had just about had enough in fact most of me felt pretty tortured. Disappointingly I had to walk up one of the really steep climbs towards the end, my legs just felt shot to bits. Still pleased with myself overall but just felt a bit disappointed that i couldn't do the last big hill, GPS recorded an asscent of 1400m and descent also of about 1400m for the record. As it was heavy rain would this have made the ride more difficult reducing my average speed regardless, I've felt dryer in a wetsuit diving than i did during todays ride.

I did give it a good go down Duncton hill and managed a top speed of 48 mph which felt pretty good, apart from not initially having any brakes at the bottom till the water cleared off the rim not clever when it turns sharp left at the bottom, thought i might have to take the escape road instead.

DLH1985

I think you highlighted the answer in your original post. Going downhill etc in the rain requires slower speeds to stay upright, your exit speeds out of corners will be significantly slower in torrential rain compared to a dry day. Also, factor in a colder body temperature due to wind & rain...

Lossie Loon

I think rain and wet roads do adversely affect average speed for a few reasons: e.g. greater caution for speed when cornering, and the general psychological impact of being wet and miserable. I spent a fair bit of today's ride considering how much animal c**p I was spraying myself with in the country lanes as it was wet, the tarmac seemed paved with an extra brown layer and I don't have mudguards.

I did the same route both yesterday and today, and the only weather difference was that today had wet roads - and I came in with an average speed that was 0.7mph slower.

DavidJB

Lossie Loon wrote:

I think rain and wet roads do adversely affect average speed for a few reasons: e.g. greater caution for speed when cornering, and the general psychological impact of being wet and miserable. I spent a fair bit of today's ride considering how much animal c**p I was spraying myself with in the country lanes as it was wet, the tarmac seemed paved with an extra brown layer and I don't have mudguards.

I did the same route both yesterday and today, and the only weather difference was that today had wet roads - and I came in with an average speed that was 0.7mph slower.

Nothing like some manure in your mouth to build up the old immune system.

ShutUpLegs

jeremybarker wrote:

I did give it a good go down Duncton hill and managed a top speed of 48 mph which felt pretty good, apart from not initially having any brakes at the bottom till the water cleared off the rim not clever when it turns sharp left at the bottom, thought i might have to take the escape road instead.

I wouldn't recommend anyone goes downhill at 48mph in heavy rain. Just an accident waiting to happen. You should always ride to the conditions, and expect a nice bit of gravel or oil in the road.

cougie

Good speed there - that must be some hill !

High speeds downhill are fine I reckon - so long as theres no sharp corners or junctions for stuff to pull out on you - fast speed in a straight line is good.

And I find that racing in heavy rain is fast up to a point. I've done some very fast 10's in rain, but after that distance it seems to sap your strength a bit.

okgo

Until you have to stop quick, then you realise how woeful road bike brakes are. If you're going down a steep hill and you NEED to stop its worrying how long it takes.

Omar Little

I descend much more cautiously but often find my average speed to be slightly faster when the rain is properly heavy. Presumably due to upping the pace on the flat / going up hills so i get home quicker!