Australia is continuing to be battered by drought conditions that are breaking the hearts of so many. Still, some stretches along the eastern coast are finally starting to get some token rain, hopefully with some this weekend and more in future weeks.
Everyone needs to keep riding. Given this, we have put together a list of great tips you can use to be safe when you decide to go pedaling out in the rain.
Be Visible And Stay Dry
While visibility is a lot more crucial than physical comfort, both can go hand in hand with high-caliber gear and equipment. Look over the market for jackets that are both waterproof and high in visibility. Narrow down your selections based on breathable fabrics and ventilated designs. You need to be as physically comfortable as you can when you ride in the rain.
Lower Your Tire Pressure
We suggest that if you ride in wet weather that you go with either slightly lower tire pressures or slightly wider tires, such as 28mm. Either will help you account for the conditions. Veteran cyclists frequently lower their tire pressure from 10 to even 15psi in order to get a wider area of coverage so they have more grip on the surface of the road.
Fog and rain didn't stop this gathering of riding mates from enjoying their morning trip around some of the Southern Highlands.
Keep Warm When Out There
Wet rides usually mean the temperatures are cooler. The last thing that you want to happen is catching a cold. Dress properly. Layer based on how you expect to feel 30 minutes into your ride. Choose garments that wick and repel water that might get through.
Keep The Lights On
This is common sense, or at least it should be. Far too many riders are out there doing their cycling without their lights on, if they even have them. Lights, both front and rear, are very advisable when you cycle out in the rain. Keep them on, and keep them flashing. Do everything you can to be seen. Do you intend to ride the very next day? Be sure the lights charge overnight so they are totally ready to go for you in the morning.
Wet Roads Are Slippery Roads
Road surfaces are usually the slippiest right after the rain started. Slow down so you can ride properly based on the conditions.
Passenger vehicles and trucks alike leave residue on the road, such as oil. You never know that ahead of time because you just can't see it. Most of the time, anyway. You might remember times you've seen the rainbow hugh ahead on the bitumen, but for those moments, there are dozens of other spots of oil you don't see. Those are the ones that can wipe you out in a heartbeat, or less.
Wet roads involve cleaning your bike more when you get back. Here are some good tips on riding in the rain from Green Electric Scooters
Watch Those White Lines
As many riders know all too well, road markings can be very slippery even when dry. Sprinkle some rain into things, and they turn into an ice skating rink. Watch those white lines. If possible, just avoid them. Be especially careful when you ride over any zebra crossings.
Debris & Potholes
While most of us have gotten to know every bend and bump in our local roads, rain can change surfaces in just days. Watch out along the road ahead for potholes, debris, and pooling water that might have washed out onto the road.
Wet roads have a lot more debris that can pierce tubes than dry roads. You might want to pack an extra tube just in case.
Be careful on wet roads, and be mindful of white lines even when it's barely raining.
Brake Early
Water, grim, and grit all lower your braking efficiency, especially if the rain is currently falling. Brake earlier than you normal would. Also, brake easy, especially if you're slowing into a corner. Check your pad and rims before the ride, and then check them again after since they'll wear down faster when the conditions are poor.
Eye Protection Matters
The darkest lenses you have aren't going to be good ideas on a dull day. Most makers or cycling eyewear have yellow, clear, or amber lenses for situations with low levels of light. We highly recommend these for wet riding in inclement conditions. Use a low-worn cycling cap to keep some moisture from even hitting your glasses.
