Riding in the rain - by choice
12-02-12, 07:33 PM
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Riding in the rain - by choice
Very new to road cycling but already quite addicted--if I don't ride now at least every other day, even just a few miles, I start going into withdrawals
We don't get much rain her in SoCal, but in the winter we can have weeks where it rains quite consistently for days on end. So I'm curious, do many folks ride (for fitness and enjoyment) in the rain on a regular basis? I've gotten stuck in rain after starting out with dry skies, but haven't set out for a ride when it was ALREADY raining
I know commuters gotta ride no matter what the weather, but I'm talking about fitness/recreation. I see some guys out there in the rain, but who knows if they're trying to get from point A to B out of necessity or out there simply for a fun albeit wet ride!
We don't get much rain her in SoCal, but in the winter we can have weeks where it rains quite consistently for days on end. So I'm curious, do many folks ride (for fitness and enjoyment) in the rain on a regular basis? I've gotten stuck in rain after starting out with dry skies, but haven't set out for a ride when it was ALREADY raining
I know commuters gotta ride no matter what the weather, but I'm talking about fitness/recreation. I see some guys out there in the rain, but who knows if they're trying to get from point A to B out of necessity or out there simply for a fun albeit wet ride!
12-02-12, 07:38 PM
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depending on wind and temp. it can be quite enjoyable, and for many of us, there is no choice but to ride in it
12-02-12, 07:41 PM
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I the heat of summer i love to ride in lite rain. Just slow down and watch the turns, but in the winter I would never do it. I cannot stand to be cold guess it is good I live in the south.
12-02-12, 07:50 PM
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honestly, i normally could care less if its cold, wet, snowy, hot, warm, ect. I just like riding my bike, and after 10 mnutes im comfortable (i've gone out on 10 degree days, *****ing and complaining only to be 10 minutes in and be like yes i love this).
12-02-12, 07:50 PM
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Yes, all the time. I hate the trainer, so I'd usually rather ride in the rain if possible. Three things will make your ride much more enjoyable: 1) fenders (proper ones, not raceblades); 2) a cycling cap or visor; 3) booties.
12-02-12, 07:54 PM
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Riding in the rain builds character.
From a couple of weeks ago...
From today's ride. It started out overcast but dry, then the skies opened up and I got a good soaking. Made me feel like a kid again.
Just be sure that you get something to keep your feet dry. I hate riding with wet feet.
From a couple of weeks ago...
From today's ride. It started out overcast but dry, then the skies opened up and I got a good soaking. Made me feel like a kid again.
Just be sure that you get something to keep your feet dry. I hate riding with wet feet.
12-02-12, 07:56 PM
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Caloso, did you ride today? I heard that it has been raining so hard in Sacramento that animals have been seen walking around in pairs, looking for a guy named Noah.
12-02-12, 08:01 PM
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Actually, no. We went out to cheer my father-in-law who was running the CIM. He said the rain was absolutely brutal for the first half of the race.
12-02-12, 08:03 PM
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LET'S ROLL
I already get soaked commuting to work during the week,
I rather not ride in the rain on the weekend when I'm trying
to have fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jfcWEkSrI&list=UL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheUc-zlfiM
I rather not ride in the rain on the weekend when I'm trying
to have fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7jfcWEkSrI&list=UL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hheUc-zlfiM
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12-02-12, 08:10 PM
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I'm quite partial to riding in the rain, it's the post ride cleanup that I hate.
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12-02-12, 08:33 PM
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Riding in the rain in So Cal can be dangerous depending on where you ride. It is harder to see cyclist in heavy rain and some people just don't pay enough attention anyway. If it looks like it might rain, I ride; if it starts raining during the ride, I finish the ride; but, if it is raining before I leave the house, I wait until it clears up and then ride. Also, I think rain is probably not good for my leather.
12-02-12, 08:43 PM
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New to cycling? Time to introduce you to The Rules. Pay close attention to #9. 
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
12-02-12, 08:45 PM
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Riding in the rain in So Cal can be dangerous depending on where you ride. It is harder to see cyclist in heavy rain and some people just don't pay enough attention anyway. If it looks like it might rain, I ride; if it starts raining during the ride, I finish the ride; but, if it is raining before I leave the house, I wait until it clears up and then ride. Also, I think rain is probably not good for my leather.
Yep, this
12-02-12, 09:28 PM
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New to cycling? Time to introduce you to The Rules. Pay close attention to #9.
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
12-02-12, 09:33 PM
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Being a hard man is not compatible with use of the word "yay". When did you last hear Chuck Norris or Steven Seagal say "yay"?
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12-02-12, 09:44 PM
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With the drilling operations going on around here, there is always a ton of mud on the shoulders so the post rain ride clean up is always a beotch. Hose down the bike then hose down myself. Put the bike on the work stand and WD-40 the chain. Remove shoes and carry them into the shower while still dressed. Rinse as much of the muck off as I can. Remove clothing. Shower. Wring out cycling gear. Haul cycling gear to the laundry room and throw into washer. Get dressed. Back to the garage and wipe down bike and chain. Relube the chain and other pivot points with with Pro Link. Log ride.
12-02-12, 09:45 PM
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New to cycling? Time to introduce you to The Rules. Pay close attention to #9.
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
https://www.velominati.com/the-rules/#58
Thanks for all the replies---I don't mind being wet, really, and many of the places I'll ride don't have heavy car traffic anyway., so even in less than optimal conditions, it's not so bad.
Yesterday I started out under gray skies and came home in the rain--it was fine! Today however, it was really coming down during the one window I had to get out there, so I passed. Next time I'll just go for it.....
12-02-12, 10:56 PM
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The entire city of Portland, and probably Seattle as well, could not possibly care less what anybody from California has to say about rain.
Last edited by DinoShepherd; 12-03-12 at 05:29 AM.
12-02-12, 11:12 PM
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I had a very pleasant rain ride here in Orange County, California today. I have always found rain riding enjoyable, if it's not too cold. I also am amused by the excuses locals make for not riding in the rain around here. Frankly, I think they just don't want to get their pristine carbon bikes and matching kit all dirty.
12-02-12, 11:13 PM
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if i want to ride and it is raining I sometimes still go out despite the rain but it i not with much gusto.
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12-02-12, 11:28 PM
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Funny, came on here to look for suggestions for rain gear for LA rain, and the first thread is a post about LA rain.
I too would like to keep riding in the rain, but there are so many gear choices not sure where to begin. Looking at the Pearl Isumi Elite Barrier (or convertible jacket) to start with.
I rode up Griffith today with a normal jersy plus a thin long sleeve and I was dripping sweat when I got to the top, then a few minutes rest and when I continued on I was FREEZING. By the time I finished up the last two miles back into Glendale it started to lightly rain and I got really cold again.
Just can't figure out if I should ge a jacket or warming sleeves or both or shoe booties?... too many options and not enough money to just try them all...
I too would like to keep riding in the rain, but there are so many gear choices not sure where to begin. Looking at the Pearl Isumi Elite Barrier (or convertible jacket) to start with.
I rode up Griffith today with a normal jersy plus a thin long sleeve and I was dripping sweat when I got to the top, then a few minutes rest and when I continued on I was FREEZING. By the time I finished up the last two miles back into Glendale it started to lightly rain and I got really cold again.
Just can't figure out if I should ge a jacket or warming sleeves or both or shoe booties?... too many options and not enough money to just try them all...
12-02-12, 11:41 PM
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I haven't found any way to stay dry in the rain. By the time a garment is water-resistant enough to keep the rain out, it's too water-resistant to breathe adequately during hard exercise. So I just look for something that keeps me warm despite being wet. I haven't yet found anything that does that as well as wool.
