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Focus On Safety: Top Tips For Riding In The Rain

By 23 August 2018Uncategorised

As Australia continues to endure heartbreaking drought conditions, parts of the east-coast of the nation are looking at finally receiving at least a small amount of rain over this weekend and in coming weeks as well.

We all need to keep riding, and with this in mind we’ve compiled a list of top tips to help you stay safe when out there pushing pedals in the rain.

Be Seen And Stay Dry

While visibility is far more more critical than comfort, the two can go together with top quality gear. Look for highly-visible, waterproof, jackets. Breathable fabric and ventilated design is also very important! You want to be as comfortable as possible while riding in the rain.

Lower Tyre Pressure

When riding in wet weather we recommend running either slightly wider tyres (28mm are great!) and slightly lower tyre pressures to account for conditions. Experienced cyclists often lower tyre pressure by 10 to 15psi to assist with a wider coverage area and more grip on the road.

Stay Warm

Wet rides often mean cooler temperatures. The last thing you want or need is to catch a cold. Dress appropriately, layer according to how you’ll feel 20 minutes or half an hour into your ride, and wear garments that will wick or at least repel any water that may get through.

Keep Your Lights On

Front and particularly rear lights are highly recommended while cycling in the rain. Keep them on, keep them flashing, and do your best to be seen. Make sure your lights are on charge the night before so they’re 100% ready in the morning.

Slippery When Wet

Road surfaces are often slipperiest just after the rain has begun. Slow down and ride to conditions!

Car’s & trucks can leave oil and residue on the road and there’s no way of knowing or seeing oil on the road ahead. Sure you might be lucky enough to see a rainbow hugh on the bitumen ahead, but it’s the oil you dont see that could lead to a wipeout.

Wet roads mean more work cleaning your bike upon return. Image: Nat Bromhead.
Wet roads mean more work cleaning your bike upon return. Image: Nat Bromhead.

Watch The White Lines

As many riders already know, road markings can be slippery in the dry. Add rain to the equation and they can be like an ice rink. Watch the white lines, avoid them if possible, and take particular care when riding over zebra crossings.

Potholes & Debris

While many of us know every bump and bend of our local roads, surfaces change after days of rain. Keep a close eye on the road ahead for potholes, pooling water or debris that may have been washed onto the road.

Wet roads can hold far more tube-piercing debris than dry roads. Take an extra tube, just in case.

Take care on wet roads and pay particular attention to white lines in times of even the lightest of rain. Image: Nat Bromhead.
Take care on wet roads and pay particular attention to white lines in times of even the lightest of rain. Image: Nat Bromhead.

Brake Early

Grit, grime and water will reduce your braking efficiency, particularly when the rain is falling. Brake earlier than normal and take it easy, particularly when slowing into the corners. Check your rims & pads before and after the ride as they’ll wear faster in poor conditions.

Protect Your Eyes

Your darkest lenses probably won’t be appropriate for these dull days. Many cycling eyewear makers provide clear, amber or yellow lenses for low-light situations. These are highly-recommended when riding in wet or inclement conditions.
A low-worn cycling cap can also help shield some or the rain (or spray) from hitting your glasses.

Wet weather means grit and grime ... Spend time to clean and check your bike following a ride in the rain. Image: Nat Bromhead.
Wet weather means grit and grime … Spend time to clean and check your bike following a ride in the rain. Image: Nat Bromhead.

Phone & Electronics

While GPS bike computers are increasingly waterproof (to the point of being submersible), phones generally are not. Pack your phone, and anything else you want to keep dry, in a waterproof case, zip-lock bag or ride wallet.

 

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