Here's what to do before, during, and after a rainy ride
Although more than three-fourths of Americans drive to work every day, alternate modes of transportation are becoming more popular—sales of e-bikes, for example, have increased dramatically since the epidemic. And, after two decades of modest increase in the number of people riding to work instead of driving, our recent experience with apocalyptic petrol prices has spurred more people to cycle to work across the country. That's great news, because riding is better for your health, better for the environment, and a lot more enjoyable than waiting in traffic and gazing at someone else's brake lights. But there is one major drawback to sticking to the bike lifestyle: the weather.
Biking to work (or anyplace) on a warm, bright day is always preferable than a stressful vehicle commute. However, bicycling in the rain is unquestionably more risky than biking in the sun—the surfaces are slicker, visibility is reduced, and bikes are far more prone to flood conditions. That doesn't imply bicycling in the rain has to be impossible; all it takes is a little planning ahead of time.
How to Dress for a Bike Ride in the Rain
The obvious disadvantage of biking in wet weather is the wet portion. If you've ever been caught in a thunderstorm while riding, you know how quickly you become saturated. With the addition of frigid weather, it's a horrible experience. The key to bicycling in the rain is to be well dressed:
- Jackets and pants for rain. Begin with a rain jacket and rain pants. Aside from waterproofing, the most important features to look for are breathable fabric (so you don't sweat to death inside your waterproof cocoon) and reflective striping to improve visibility in bad weather.
- Overshoes and gloves are required. Soggy shoes are the worst, so invest in a decent pair of overshoes to keep your feet dry.
- A bag that is waterproof. If you're commuting, chances are you're carrying work materials—or, despite your waterproof gear, you'd like to pack a dry change of clothing. Whatever you're carrying, a waterproof backpack or pannier is a must-have. This manner, even if you arrive drenched to the skin, your work will not be ruined.
How to Prepare and Maintain Your Bike for Rain
Bicycles work OK in rainy conditions, but they do require some additional care to avoid rust and other damage. And if you're going out on your bike in the rain, you should absolutely invest in some safety features:
- Include a bike light. Rainy weather tends to be gloomy, with little visibility. Adding some bike lights can help vehicles (and other cyclists) see you, and attaching a rechargeable headlight to your bike's handlebars will brighten the route ahead of you while also increasing your visibility.
- Mudguards and fenders. One rainy ride teaches you an important lesson: half of the water drenching you is kicked up by your own tires. Adding fenders or mudguards to your bike can significantly minimize the quantity of water deposited straight onto your legs.
- Tires. You should also consider getting tires with puncture guards because wet weather can wash a lot of debris into your path, increasing the likelihood of a puncture. And, regardless of the vehicle, changing a flat tire in the rain is one of the most terrible experiences in life.
Aside from these modifications to your bike, you should also execute a fast post-ride maintenance regimen after every rainy ride:
- Wash the bike. Biking in the rain not only gets your bike wet, but it also gets dirty from mud and other road debris. It is critical to dry it off and clean it promptly after the ride to prevent corrosion and other damage and to keep it in good shape. Hosing off the bike is a good idea, but if that isn't possible, use a chamois or shop towel to remove the wet and grime.
- Lubricate the chain. Your chain is the most susceptible portion of your bike, and it can become clogged when riding in the rain, increasing the likelihood of a break or slide. Following a thorough cleaning, a short spray of chain lubricant will preserve it and keep it running smoothly through the gears.
- Examine the lights and the tire pressure. After each ride, check your lights to make sure they're operating properly—in some weather situations, your bike lights may be the only way cars or other riders can see you. Check your tire pressure as well—keeping your tires soft (5-10 psi below the ideal pressure) might provide extra traction on rain-slick conditions.
Biking defensively should be practiced
All that remains is to alter your riding style once you've geared up and outfitted your bike for rain. Rain alters all of the bike circumstances you're used to, therefore you'll need to modify your approach to your ride:
- Take a defensive stance. It's hardly fair, yet cars and other motorized vehicles dominate the roads—and drivers frequently ignore or are abusive towards bikers. To be honest, many drivers may believe that no reasonable person would bike in a maelstrom, so they do not believe they need to keep an eye out for you. Always presume that a driver cannot see you and ride with utmost caution.
- Take it easy. In the rain, your brakes won't function as well, and your tires, no matter how excellent they are or how well you've regulated their pressure, will slip more. By pedaling at a slower pace, you will give yourself more time to slow down and come to a complete stop.
- Stay away from puddles. Rain has a way of exposing how neglected road and path maintenance is in your neighborhood. Riding through a puddle may appear to be pleasant, especially if you're comfy inside your waterproof clothing, or you may be hesitant to modify your path just because of a large puddle. However, puddles can conceal deep ruts and dips, causing you to lose control and/or damage your bike.
Riding your bike in the rain can be just as healthful, ecologically beneficial, and enjoyable as riding it at any other time—if you take a few measures.
#Bike #BikeRide #Rain #DefensiveDriving
SOURCE: lifehacker
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