Well it was bound to happen.
Even though we have been at drought levels all summer rain is bound to
happen. Natually it is bound to happen during a commute on the bike.
As the radar was showing more not less rain on the way and as I have
got caught out several times this summer I decided to work with rather
than aginst it... So I dressed for the rain instead of dressing for the hope
it wouldn't rain. Well OK it helped that it was in fact raining.
Just knowing that I was dressed to stay dry helped my attitude 100%.
Riding in the rain is kind of important.
First off if you ride in the rain on purpose you will be less likely
to be freaked out if you get caught out. Second, you will have to smooth
up your riding, easier braking, more thoughtfull turns and less pushing lights.
Third and perhapes most important is that you will learn that 75% of your
street riding is under the potential of your tires/brakes. This should mean
that you learn to trust your bike better.
A few tips.
*Rain X on your face shield. Just turning your head will blow off any drops.
*Add at least a car length. As you speed up and as you brake.
This extra room will keep you braking and accelerating "lazier".
So you start braking 75 ft before the stop rather than 50.
(or 30 feet rather than 5!! )
*touch the brakes if you haven't used them or touch them
if you expect to use them. This will sweep the water off before you need the brakes.
Other wise the first bit of braking is used up here.
*Your tires are cold! Just keep this in your head.
No matter how long you have been on the road your tires are cold.
*Mind your feet! Put both feet down and firmly. The road my not
seem slick but; Intersections are where cars will drip more oil, gas and anti freeze. Slick stuff.
Also your boots may not have as much grip as your tires.
Even though we have been at drought levels all summer rain is bound to
happen. Natually it is bound to happen during a commute on the bike.
As the radar was showing more not less rain on the way and as I have
got caught out several times this summer I decided to work with rather
than aginst it... So I dressed for the rain instead of dressing for the hope
it wouldn't rain. Well OK it helped that it was in fact raining.
Just knowing that I was dressed to stay dry helped my attitude 100%.
Riding in the rain is kind of important.
First off if you ride in the rain on purpose you will be less likely
to be freaked out if you get caught out. Second, you will have to smooth
up your riding, easier braking, more thoughtfull turns and less pushing lights.
Third and perhapes most important is that you will learn that 75% of your
street riding is under the potential of your tires/brakes. This should mean
that you learn to trust your bike better.
A few tips.
*Rain X on your face shield. Just turning your head will blow off any drops.
*Add at least a car length. As you speed up and as you brake.
This extra room will keep you braking and accelerating "lazier".
So you start braking 75 ft before the stop rather than 50.
(or 30 feet rather than 5!! )
*touch the brakes if you haven't used them or touch them
if you expect to use them. This will sweep the water off before you need the brakes.
Other wise the first bit of braking is used up here.
*Your tires are cold! Just keep this in your head.
No matter how long you have been on the road your tires are cold.
*Mind your feet! Put both feet down and firmly. The road my not
seem slick but; Intersections are where cars will drip more oil, gas and anti freeze. Slick stuff.
Also your boots may not have as much grip as your tires.
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