rain stops play?

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Sandra6

Veteran
Location
Cumbria
Is anybody else more of a fair weather cyclist? Or is it just me?
I will, if I really have to, cycle to work in the rain because I can get changed when I get there, but I won't go out on a "jaunt" unless I'm fairly certain of it being dry. I got caught out yesterday in the absolute pouring down, and it wasn't too bad but I can't see me setting out on purpose in the rain.
It's raining now and I'm thinking I might walk to work later.
I really find it quite worrying cycling in the rain, my brakes never seem to work well enough and I read somewhere that motorists are even less likely to see a cyclist in the wet.
 

yello

back and brave
Location
France
I really find it quite worrying cycling in the rain

That's all the more reason to do it!

Seriously, it's something you have to do and it's much easier if you're not worried or stressed about it. Start by making it a choice. That is, next time it's pouring down get yourself togged up and head out. Decide on your route, as quiet as you like, and ride within your own comfort zone. Practice braking, stopping - whatever it is that makes you uncomfortable. By replacing the 'having to' aspect with 'deciding to' then you're removing a stress factor and in doing so getting yourself used to it.
 

Night Train

Maker of Things
I mainly cycle for fun, if it isn't fun then it has to be important.

I don't go out in the rain as I wear glasses and visibility tends to zero pretty rapidly, I'd rather walk in the rain if it wasn't too far.

If I have to ride in the rain then I get on with it and hope the peak on the helmet is enough to allow some visibility. I'd rather be riding towards a warm shower and dry clothes though.
 

Fab Foodie

hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
Location
Kirton, Devon.
Better brake blocks help a lot in the rain like Koolstop Salmons. They can make a huge difference.
I try not to let the rain affect 'play time'.
 

martint235

Dog on a bike
Location
Welling
I've missed some rides because it's raining but not many. I'll usually skip a ride if it's a ride I'm doing just for something to do, particularly if I've also been soaked a few times on the commute that week. If I've committed to a ride then I'll go in the rain. I find you only can get so wet then you forget you're wet really.
 

LosingFocus

Lost it, got it again.
Wet cycling (like wet running) is, as the youth say, the nuts. I was so unsure at first, but it really is thrilling, fun, scary and... well, you get the idea.
 

Melonfish

Evil Genius in training.
Location
Warrington, UK
cycling in the rain is fun, cycling in driving rain is EPIC!
seriously its just brilliant, when you reach saturation point, its dark, lightning and cars all think you're a nutter you can't help but laugh like a loon and push on.
pete
 

Globalti

Legendary Member
Like walking, I don't mind so much if rain starts while I'm out but I won't set out in bad weather.
 

yello

back and brave
Location
France
I remember touring in Scotland once and it was hammering down and the wind was blustery (it has yet to not rain when I've been in Scotland). I was saturated and I don't think I had any dry kit left as it'd been raining for days. It became a laugh and I started singing. On one climb, with the wind against me,I'd chant 'you will not beat me, you will NOT beat me'.... then at the top I laughed like a loon at the stupidity of it all. I think I was probably loosing it! I stayed in the youth hostel at Ullapool for a couple of nights just to dry everything out.

But, yes, you do get used to riding in the rain.
 

Dave7

Legendary Member
Location
Cheshire
cycling in the rain is fun, cycling in driving rain is EPIC!
seriously its just brilliant, when you reach saturation point, its dark, lightning and cars all think you're a nutter you can't help but laugh like a loon and push on.
pete
Please tell us your age.
Like the OP I cycle for pleasure---maybe when I was 20/30 I could get pleasure from that but at 65....no thank you!
I want mild to warm dry weather........please tell me WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET SOME!!!???
 

LosingFocus

Lost it, got it again.
Please tell us your age.
Like the OP I cycle for pleasure---maybe when I was 20/30 I could get pleasure from that but at 65....no thank you!
I want mild to warm dry weather........please tell me WHEN ARE WE GOING TO GET SOME!!!???

My Dad (65) told me on the phone the other day he had been out in the rain for the first time on his bike and loved it.
 
Heavy rain I would prefer to avoid but if your out and it happens then it does. What i totally cant stand is hail stones i got caught out earlier this year in them and if I was ever going to wear a helmet it would have been then.
 

redcard

Guru
Location
Paisley
I'll cycle to work in any weather. I've ridden 5 days a week since I got my bike in March. At weekends I probably wouldn't go out in the rain, but wouldn't call off like a sissy girl if I got caught in the rain whilst I was out :tongue:
 
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