BobbyG

When there's a possibility of moderate to heavy rain in the forecast I will cover my commute pack with a trash bag and keep my rain cape/poncho strapped under my seat for quick access. I did neither of those things for Tuesday's ride home. I got caught at a long light just 200 yards from the covered bike rack at grocery store where I was headed when the sky opened up. I thought the former automotive garage had prominent overhangs over the bays but...no. And the wind was blowing into them anyway. I should have doubled back to the covered bank drive through across the street.

I managed to pull out the cover for the bag and my wind breaker before realizing I needed the poncho, which I at least was carrying in the bag. The poncho/rain-cape can keep me mostly dry in rain such as this, even my shoes, unless there's a splash too big for the fenders.

Although I was soaked, the poncho kept me comfortable for the final mile ride home. The bag, a smaller, lighter, less capable bag than the carry-it-all bag I used for decades was not quite at waterproof and my pants and shirt each had a damp spot. But my wallet, socks and underwear stayed dry, although since I was heading home the clothing wasn't an issue. (I do keep fresh socks, underwear and shirts at the office, perhaps I need to stash some pants there as well.

All-in-all, still less stressful than driving in rush hour traffic.

Colorado Kid

Yea, I hated it too. That's why I putting on some fenders on next week.