Asa I was typing an email to the team this morning since Mother Nature refuses to play nice for our regular weekly rides, I was giving out some friendly foul weather reminders... Take look!
1) Bring a rain jacket! There is nothing worse that starting a ride in cold wet lycra. Many of the newest rain coats weigh almost nothing and can be balled up and stuffed in a jersey pocket if the rain stops. If you don't have one, I would recommend visiting some of our sponsors, because with the right gear, a ride in the rain can be quite enjoyable. I ride in weather proof shorts and jacket that are made by Endura, top notch affordable clothing, available at Salem Cycle!
2) Fenders... If you have a fender, it's a great idea to put it on. Not only will it help keep your butt dry, it will make those people drafting off of you, much happier. There are lots of "quick attach" style fenders available. Feel free to visit Salem Cycle or Marblehead Cycle, to check them out!
3) Cycling cap... When it's raining, one of the best ways to keep water out of your eyes, especially once you can't see out of your glasses is a cycling cap. Not to mention they also add an extra layer of insulation on those raw wet mornings.
4) Gloves and socks... If you have wool socks, wear them! Even when wool is wet, it retains many of it's natural warming properties. Shoes covers are also helpful. As far as gloves, the more water proof the better, but bring an extra pair and keep them in either a dry pouch or under your rain coat. It will give you the chance to change to dry gloves part way through the ride to warm up your hands.
5) Riding tips...Braking - When riding in the rain, leave just a little bit of extra distance between you and the rider in front of you. Braking distances are further in the rain, so plan for it. Which brings me to the next tip, which is braking. When braking, lightly feather the brakes to clear water from the rim as you are slowing. It will create a much more consistent braking feel, while slowing in wet weather.
6) Riding tips...Tire pressure - Drop your tire pressure a few pounds, maybe 5, to help increase traction.
7) Riding Tips... Avoid the paint! (and manhole covers, metal grates, etc.) Everything is slipperier when wet (Yes, that's a Bon Jovi reference, or Steve Miller). Avoid making sudden moves, turning or braking while you are on paint or metal surfaces. The best practice is to avoid them when it's wet.
8) For many full carbon wheels, the stopping qualities of carbon in the rain suffer greatly and it takes significantly longer to stop. Many of the "carbon" wheels out there are merely a carbon fairing bonded to an alloy rim. This is great for aerodynamics, but it provides a pocket for water to wick down the spokes into carbon fairing. And there is nothing worse than a rim full of water!
9) Lights... While it may not be dark out, the lighting and visibility can be decreased for everyone. Consider using at least a rear flashing red light to grab driver's attention.
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