Wet weather challenge

[Okeydokey]

It started raining heavy this morning and having never been out in the rain I thought I would conduct a controlled experiment, out I went about 10 miles round trip.
Normal waterproof jacket, shorts, tights and trainers, weird thing is I really enjoyed it, felt like a kid being allowed to play in the puddles. I know the route well and the pot holes which was useful, they were full. Front light dimmed very fast then failed completely, water logged. Rear light went dull but carried on working... just.
I don't have cycling shoes yet but I now get the overshoe thing, if I can find a cheap pair that work with trainers, job jobbed. Normal waterproof jacked Regatta, budget affair kept my core bone dry which I was very pleased with. I could see perfectly well, being a glasses wearer thought this might prove an issue, no problem, just my helmet with no peak and somehow although wet my vision was not impaired at all.
So glad a tried it when and how I did, could easily have been a disaster if I had been caught out at a distance. I find it a bit like the hill climbing thing, once you understand something of the challenge easy peasy to prep for.
I'm definitely not a fair weather cyclist, see what happens when it gets colder

 

[classic33]

It started raining heavy this morning and having never been out in the rain I thought I would conduct a controlled experiment, out I went about 10 miles round trip.
Normal waterproof jacket, shorts, tights and trainers, weird thing is I really enjoyed it, felt like a kid being allowed to play in the puddles. I know the route well and the pot holes which was useful, they were full. Front light dimmed very fast then failed completely, water logged. Rear light went dull but carried on working... just.
I don't have cycling shoes yet but I now get the overshoe thing, if I can find a cheap pair that work with trainers, job jobbed. Normal waterproof jacked Regatta, budget affair kept my core bone dry which I was very pleased with. I could see perfectly well, being a glasses wearer thought this might prove an issue, no problem, just my helmet with no peak and somehow although wet my vision was not impaired at all.
So glad a tried it when and how I did, could easily have been a disaster if I had been caught out at a distance. I find it a bit like the hill climbing thing, once you understand something of the challenge easy peasy to prep for.
I'm definitely not a fair weather cyclist, see what happens when it gets colder

You mean the end of this week?

I take it you dried the front light out, without the batteries in it.

 

[mjr]

Rainlegs are a good addition to keep the thighs dry and working well, while dynamo lighting doesn't get waterlogged so easily. I prefer a raincoat with hood.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Summer, come sooner!!!

About 60 years or so if the last mini ice age was anything to go by.

@Okeydokey the cree T6 lights are pretty good weather wise, bright too, though you need to be careful to direct the beam away from other road users.

 

[snorri]

It started raining heavy this morning .and having never been out in the rain I thought ........................ waterproof jacket, shorts, tights and trainers, weird thing is I really enjoyed it,

Kink Police, Kink Police, calling CC Kink Police.

 

[cyberknight]

I have some aldi commuter overshoes tht i can get over normal shoes , a bit like this although i guess you would need to size up to allow for normal shoe dimensions
https://www.amazon.co.uk/VAUDE-Bike...TF8&qid=1464267666&sr=8-14&keywords=overshoes

 

[MichaelW2]

You really need full length mudguards to commute happily in the rain.
Summer waterproofs need to be well vented, underarms and even back.
Footwear is always an issue. My latest acquisition are some lightweight, waterproof mid-height trainers by regatta, from Go Outdoors, no overshoes needed.
Cycling lights should not be affected by rain and you need them in heavier downpours.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I have some aldi commuter overshoes tht i can get over normal shoes , a bit like this although i guess you would need to size up to allow for normal shoe dimensions
https://www.amazon.co.uk/VAUDE-Bike...TF8&qid=1464267666&sr=8-14&keywords=overshoes

I carry a pair all the time they are light weight and keep all but the heaviest rain out.

 

[Dave7]

I openly and proudly confess to being a fair weather cyclist.
As a lad I used to enjoy cycling in the rain wearing my oilskin cape and S'wester (anyone else??). But not now.
Last week....15 miles out I got caught in the 'hurricane from hell' with just a lightweight rain jacket for protection. Fortunately it was not too cold.
Part way through I found myself openly laughing at myself.

 

[Spinney]

I don't mind being wet as long as I'm not cold as well.

 

[Crackle]

I enjoy riding in the rain. As Spinney says, you need to stay warm but it can be quite exhilarating. You'll also be one of the few riders out as well.

 

[Ihatehills]

@Okeydokey, as a fellow glasses wearer, rain really affects my Vision as it collects on my glasses, a peaked cap helps but doesn't completely cure in some conditions misty drizzle is probably the worst, annoying as the getting wet part doesn't really bother me

 

[Sbudge]

I don't mind the rain at all but with two caveats:-

1. It's pretty rotten if you get a puncture

2. You're more likely to get a puncture!

Such is life :-)

 

[Tiny01]

I like riding in the wind & rain , it makes you appreciate the warm summer windless days even more

 

[Goofball]

Regatta waterproof coat and trousers, over shoe covers (fitted over my size 10 work shoes) and I was bone dry and warm after cycling to the train station.
Also when it was freezing cold, kept you warm.

Got my shoe cover off ebay from china.

This is the type I got.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reusable-...hash=item3f60056286:m:mFnyqgguLNytaFMm9wAXcQg

Just seen these and they look like they might be bigger sized.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unisex-Wa...hash=item25b596758f:m:mCOKmz0yEQdyjiY7Zi1xUaQ