How to Bike in the Rain

Hello fair-weather cyclists. Are you hiding indoors any time you see a rain cloud hovering? With a little planning and discipline you can keep riding regardless of the weather.

Instructions

1. Buy a rain jacket made especially for cycling. These jackets are waist-length in the front and longer in the back to accommodate your riding position. Most of them have vents down the side and back, easy Velcro closure on the front and longer sleeves to cover your extended arms.

2. To keep your feet a little drier (don't expect to be completely waterproof) wear shoe covers. Shoe covers come in ankle or booty style, as well as various thicknesses for different temperatures.

3. Wear a pair of clear sunglasses. This will keep the rain from pelting your eyes without the tint of normal sunglasses. To keep your lenses from fogging up, apply Rain-X to your glasses before riding.

4. If the weather is 70 degrees or higher, you can probably leave the jacket and shoe covers at home and just grab your sunglasses. Yes, you will get wet--try to channel your inner 5-year-old.

5. Keep your workout to about an hour. If you are soaking wet for much longer, you could run into some chafing issues.

6. If the sky is overcast, attach a blinking light to your bike and/or your jacket so traffic can see you.

7. Road bike tires are surprisingly stable even in the rain. You will find yourself very steady as long as you are riding in a straight line. The turns are where it gets tricky. Slow down more than normal for any turns.

8. Look out for smooth, oil-slicked roads (intersections are the worst) and avoid large puddles, which could be hiding potholes.

9. When you need to stop, leave extra time to brake. First apply your brakes softly to clear the water off your rims. Then squeeze normally.

Tips & Warnings

• To get yourself out the door, remember how satisfied you always feel after a great workout.

• Stay away from low-water crossings.

• If it's lightning, take your workout indoors.