Riding a bike in the rain
The good, the bad, and the soggy...
It's that time of year in Northern California. After six months without a drop of rain, we're now swimming in a sea of bomb cyclones and atmospheric rivers.
It may sound hyperbolic, but the daily routines of life change immensely once mother nature opens up the rain window in California. Everything that we take for granted with the pleasant weather gets turned upside down.
My short walk to the backyard shed office turns into a slippery sprint that requires a thorough wiping of the feet and shaking off moisture like a dog. Speaking of dogs, my (at least) twice daily canine rucking sessions take a backseat when fido refuses to set foot in the deluge. Even when I'm willing to suit up and brave the elements, you just can't force a stubborn pooch with an amazingly resolute bladder.
But maybe the most disorienting part of the rainy season is the shift in my primary mode of transportation. I've written about how much I prefer to walk and cycle for 99% of my daily needs. It's great that I live in an area where that is possible, but it obviously becomes much more challenging when the weather doesn't cooperate.
So I thought it was worth taking a moment to talk about the complicated relationship between rainy days and bikes.
Before we even get into it, I know there are plenty of hardcore cyclists who don't let the rain stop them at all. I've been one of these people in the past. I still think I'm one of those people on some occasions. And if your bike is honestly the only means you have to get from point A to point B then you'll do whatever it takes. But for those of us who prefer the bike but do have other options, what's the best way to navigate the wet streets?
There can be something very liberating about running or cycling in a downpour. It's almost like you're breaking an unwritten rule or something. Society has mostly convinced us that cycling is only an option on fair weather days. So to be out in the rain is like an act of rebellion. It makes people look. It makes them question your sanity. It makes them possibly feel sorry for you even if you're having a great time.
No matter what you do, there will be a slight sense of discomfort when you're on a bike in the rain. Sure, you can (and should!) wear the proper gear and take proper safety precautions before getting out in the elements. But what exactly does that look like? Here's what it is for me.
The Tern HSD cargo e-bike is still my primary means of getting around town when transporting a child. And when it comes to performing in the rain, I find it to be excellent. It has all the important components to feel safe when riding in a storm. The hydraulic disc brakes are fantastic even on slippery days. It comes equipped with fenders to keep water from spraying up all over you. Its low center of gravity make it stable even if you plow through a formidable puddle. And maybe most importantly for my setup, it has the ingenious storm box and storm shield on the back to keep your passenger fully enclosed. Yes, my daughter can be sheltered from rain, wind, and even sun on nice days. The elements are only experienced by the person navigating the machine, not the passenger.
So until we can figure out a viable fully-enclosed cycling solution, I as the pilot of the bicycle need to figure out how to protect myself from the elements. As safety always come first, I rely on the visibility of my Lumos Ultra e-bike helmet. It's blinking lights make sure that cars can see me even on the grayest of days. It even comes with a face shield that can offer up some protection from rain in your eyes. It's better than nothing but can also be prone to fogging up and making visibility more of a challenge.
Obviously it's important to wear a proper rain jacket when you're getting pummeled by mother nature on two wheels. I have a stable of offerings from Arc'teryx, Mission Workshop, and Outdoor Research. Most rain jackets will do the trick but a wide hood with brim is always preferable to me. I am very interested in testing out a proper rain cape/hood like the ones made by Cleverhood. It essentially acts as a tent over your handlebars rather than having to rely on a jacket and rain pants.
I'll take a second to address rain paints. I know there are plenty of options out there but I've never been totally pleased with a pair of rain pants. They either look too baggy and unflattering to be worn in public, or they don't live up to the objective of keeping you dry. I typically will just wear some form of water resistant soft shell pants that are comfortable if not fully waterproof. I think the Cleverhood would negate the need for actual rain pants which makes it even more desirable.
Waterproof shoes are obviously a good call here as well. There are plenty of good boots out there for cycling. I particularly like my waterproof Boulder Boots from Lems footwear. I also have a great pair of Danner waterproof hiking boots that get more use on colder days. Any waterproof solution will work, but may I also be so bold to recommend waterproof socks? It may sound like overkill, but I've loved my waterproof socks from Showers Pass. They offer up a wetsuit-like bladder that is between two layers of merino wool that keep your feet extra warm and dry even if you're wearing waterproof shoes.
So even if you have all the gear, there is still that lingering feeling you get when you're the only one riding your bike that day. It's that feeling like maybe you made the wrong choice, maybe you should have stayed home or been behind the wheel of a car instead. Maybe people in cars are judging you as they whiz by. It's a fair question to ask. There is no sense in risking your life on especially treacherous days. Don't let this be a story about making dangerous decisions. It's rather an ode to that feeling of excitement when you see that it's raining but decide to ride your bike anyway.
As the wet season sets in here in California, I'll surely have plenty of days over the coming months where I'm making that decision to ride or not ride. Honestly, more often than not, I'm going to choose to ride. That may not always be the wisest decision, but it's fun to have some wet and wild two-wheeled adventures during the relatively short rainy season. I'll be sure to share more in the coming weeks if I come across any other game-changing pieces of rainy cycling gear.
Anyone else have any pieces of winter gear that they can't live without?
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