It's raining, not pouring, would you ride?

[Canyon]

It's been on and off raining for the past few days. On and off could mean the oil has been washed off the roads. It's still spitting / misting out and it's forecast for scattered rain all day in all directions.

If you've been caught in rain a few times, do you take this opportunity to go out and hone your wet weather skills? Do you completely stay away from even thinking about riding? Or is it just another day for you and decide to gear up appropriately?

Fact is, if you ride you stand the chance of one day getting caught in the elements. Unless of course you are one of those that spends the prior evening and this morning scouring the weather channel and "opt out" with the slightest hint of precip.

I know of one rider, who shall remain nameless unless he chooses to call himself out, that was terrified of rain and did what was mentioned above. The bike never saw rain, never. This rider was out of the normal routine so didn't get the chance to get the weather before the ride. Granted not the way to learn how to deal with the rain and there were at least 2 good scares I know of, but now there's "no fear" of riding in the rain.

Do you use a day like today to capitalize on gaining some skills? Or do you "opt out"? Even a seasoned rider needs to keep his skills up.... right?

[catfish1978]

if i get caught in it fine but not going to go for a ride when its raining got no rain gear

[JBourquin]

Got rain gear so its just another day. A little more white knuckled on the thru-way but still gotta get to work. I used to avoid any type of sprinkle like the plague, once you get used to it, it can really be kinda enjoyable.

[Sully_PA]

Originally Posted by catfish1978

if i get caught in it fine but not going to go for a ride when its raining got no rain gear

Originally Posted by Big B

Not a chance. if I get caught out in it, that's a different story. But O won't intentionally ride in it.

+1 ....

[old dad]

I daily commuted for 5 yrs on the bike, rain pfttt,,,now snow I don't see that often, I'd pass leaving home in the snow, but if caught in it, I'd still have to get to my destination so I'd do snow too.

I've left work and it'd be pouring,,suit up, splash out to the bike in the parking lot, crank it up and head home, sometimes arriving dripping (the rain suit not me), and sometimes all dried off.

just ride.

[Big B]

Not a chance. if I get caught out in it, that's a different story. But O won't intentionally ride in it.

[Steve750]

Originally Posted by Big B

Not a chance. if I get caught out in it, that's a different story. But O won't intentionally ride in it.

Same here if I'm caught in it while going to or from work I will

[Canyon]

Originally Posted by Big B

Not a chance. if I get caught out in it, that's a different story. But O won't intentionally ride in it.

Why?
Down pour I understand for obvious reasons, who wants to get wet and be uncomfortable? But if the day calls for light rain or chance fo rain, does that put your riding on hold? Why? Is it a comfort thing? Or is it because the bike will get dirty?

Not directed at you Big B, but so far this seems to be consensus and I want to know why no one will intentionally ride in rain. I mean ANY wetness or just the down pour and steady rain you stay away from.

Ed-du-ma-cate me.

[CrazyDave]

Originally Posted by Canyon

Why?
Down pour I understand for obvious reasons, who wants to get wet and be uncomfortable? But if the day calls for light rain or chance fo rain, does that put your riding on hold? Why? Is it a comfort thing? Or is it because the bike will get dirty?

Not directed at you Big B, but so far this seems to be consensus and I want to know why no one will intentionally ride in rain. I mean ANY wetness or just the down pour and steady rain you stay away from.

Ed-du-ma-cate me.

Rain is wet, rain is yucky..when it is raining I want to get from A to B warm and dry.. rain affords no opportunity to walk around, enjoy the sun and scenery that I am in .. rain is not conducive to why I ride, I ride to explore, to see things.. rain on the road is one of the chances I take, but no I do not willingly ride in it

[BrightRedVLX]

Originally Posted by catfish1978

if i get caught in it fine but not going to go for a ride when its raining got no rain gear

Originally Posted by Big B

Not a chance. if I get caught out in it, that's a different story. But O won't intentionally ride in it.

Originally Posted by Sully_PA

+1 ....

+2

As for why, one of the worst days in my life was a 2 hour ride that turned into 5 hours of pure misery.......when a light shower persisited and got heavier AND the temperature dropped 15 degrees from 70 down to about 55.

I had no rain gear and those small spots that get a little damp when riding in a mist migrate until they cover your whole body.......and being wet at 55 degrees feels like about 20 degrees.

And then there are the semi's. I ended my trip on a 2-lane and stopped at every car wash and gas station I saw with a roof to try to dry off and warm up a bit.

Riding a bike is a BITCH when you are shivering.