It was raining when I stepped out of my front door with my helmet securely fastened and bike in hand. I cursed and went back inside to remove said safety apparatus and grab my car keys. Now it's beautiful outside and I, once again, am cursing myself for being so weak.
How does one convince themself that riding their bike in the rain to work is a good idea?
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Hm, I just do it because I'm used to cycle in the rain. But it depends how heavy the rain is. Light rain is truly a lot of fun, because your clothes don't really get wet and sometimes it even stops raining after a few minutes. Heavy rain is also interesting, because you can train your techniques (braking and such is more difficult in the rain). And that's fun too. But for such occasions some rain gear is needed (at least fenders and a poncho). I'm very proud of my new light and small one-way poncho that I just carry around all the time and don't have to worry about weather at all :-).
ReplyDeletearg! I did the same thing this morning. I can't wait until my fenders come in so that I can ride anyway without arriving muddy and gross. I was just about to post exactly the same post!
ReplyDeleteFenders and a change of clothes for the morning commute. Layers that are light enough you can dry them off before you have to head home.
ReplyDeleteAs far as convincing myself to ride, I gave up my bus pass so I haven't left myself the option to not ride in.
also, don't beat yourself up too much about it! you'll get on when yr ready :)
ReplyDeletechange of clothes
ReplyDeletechange of clothes
change of clothes
First of all, I lose my car keys. As in, put them somewhere and then forget where they are (intentionally).
ReplyDeleteIn addition, gear is important. Fenders are a must, and clothing should be utilitarian, (as mentioned above) with a change of "better" clothes for when you arrive. I have a rain-repellent wind-breaker and rain-repellent pants (go on over other pants). Quick-dry socks and rain-repellent shoes (or just "water shoes" like you wear to the beach/pool) can be helpful too.
When you're (essentially) immune to the water, riding in the rain is an amazing experience. Plus, there's no better time to ride if you're trying to convince all of those silly motorists that you really are crazy! =P
Fenders are good, but when you don't have them, you stop trying to stay dry early on and get into being drenched, and then the puddle stompin' is pretty fun.
ReplyDeleteThe best motivation for me though is that the Red Line in DC is only slightly less painful than driving, and on the mornings I thought about not riding (34 degrees and raining hard, f'rinstance), I'd just ask myself if the ride will be any worse than the other options. It's been over a year and I haven't surrendered to it yet. Thanks, Red Line!
1. Campmor rain cape. (see below)
ReplyDelete2. A Veltop for those rainy days.
http://www.pbbt.org/2009/01/14/the-veltop-bike-rain-sun-shield-sounds-neat/
(For the humor-deprived. Item 2 is tongue in cheek. I was surprised at how many folks thought I was really suggesting going out and buying one of these things.)
I have a personal heater at work and tell everyone to stay away until I dry myself.
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked me if I rode in the rain to work today. I responded by asking him if he drove in the rain to work.
I LIKE riding in the rain. And I always change clothes when I get in to work (riding in work pants is uncomfortable and I have a tendency to sweat when climbing hills in hot weather--weird, I know).
ReplyDeleteHaving a change of clothes is a big thing. That way it doesn't mater how wet you get, and it takes less planning and cost than buying rain gear. What is it about the rain that bothers you so much? Wet feeling, getting cold, safety? It is hard for me to relate, because I come from somewhere where it rains non-stop, but then I am wilting at the thought of riding in hot weather.
ReplyDeleteWhen cycling is your only way to get to work there is no need to convince yourself to ride, no matter the weather. You just do what it takes.
ReplyDeleteMy husband commutes to work by bike rain or shine. He's got a set of rain gear he uses. And a waterproof backpack.
ReplyDeleteI however have yet to ride in rain. I did it one day during a regular leisure 30 mile ride but I didnt think it would rain. It was at least warm out then but I was soaked. It does feel awesome though. Granted only if its warm out. If its cold then maybe its a good idea to stick with cheating and using the car so you dont get sick.
Umbrellas would be impractical.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I try not to ride in the rain. I actually kind of like the feeling (but HATE the wind), but it's more dangerous with all those damn cars out there, and I do hate getting mud all over my back. I now have a brand new rear fender, so that problem has been fixed.
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog, and love it! I've added Bike Skirt as a link on my own blog. (Mine's called eat.sing.ride, and is about--you guessed it--food, music and cycling. It's at http://eatsingride.blogspot.com/ if you want to check it out.)
I was going to give you a long version of my opinion on the subject, but thought it best that a fellow bike blogger summed it up here recently:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chicagobikeblog.com/2009/03/biking-for-wimps.html
read to the end of her post.
"I would rather have a million wimps rejoicing in biking one mile, than feeling guilty about not biking at all."
This is my rain gear:
ReplyDeletehttp://tinyurl.com/cmhpeb
http://tinyurl.com/c5del4
Both these things make me look forwad to rainy days
1. Fenders
ReplyDelete2. Change of clothes
3. Rain jacket
4. Flashing lights, forward and rear
5. A big grin on your face that shows everyone how much fun you're having
Cycling in the rain can be fun, or very scary and lots more in between. It depends on the amount that comes down and whether or not its vertical or horitontal.
ReplyDeleteHoritontal rain is the scary type and is often accompanied by parts of buildings and small trees as well as the occasional farm animal.
Here it rains 1 in every 2 days so I have to get used to cycling in the rain! I use rain gear in Winter, and sometimes just change of clothes in Summer as it can get a little warm! Cycling in rain is actually a lot of fun, my least fave weather to cycle in has got to be into the wind, pedalling furiously, barely moving, argh!!!! ps, great blog :) and also, as someone already mentioned, over time you'll find yourself choosing bike over car more and more, even in poor weather.
ReplyDeleteI have the reverse problem in a way. I work in a pool, getting wet going isn't such a issue, but coming home and getting wet: bla. I've just spent 1-3 hours wet. Being dry, staying dry sure feels good by then.
ReplyDelete