Bike Week 2003: Rain Rain Go Away. If Not, We'll Ride Anyway

Wear The Right Gear

Even in temps that started out in the high 70s it got pretty cold once the rains came. On one ride the temperature dropped about 15 degrees in a matter of 2 minutes. Apparel designed to keep the wet out while allowing proper ventilation will make your ride much more enjoyable. Without rain pants my jeans felt like they weighed 40lbs when wet.

A full face helmet will keep you dry. The rain can really sting against your chin so an open face might not be the best choice. You can open the face shield a bit if your full face fogs. There are also some excellent after market accessories like the Fog City Fog Shield that help with this problem.

But if you are caught with an open face helmet you can use a bandana around your mouth and chin to stop the painful pelting of the rain.

You might be tempted to tie some plastic trash bags around your boots. They will work until they start to melt against hot engine parts and pipes.

Inspect Your Bike

Just like every other ride, the pre-ride inspection is important. Pay particular attention to the tires. Worn or improperly inflated tires can not channel water away as well as designed. Make sure there is no exposed electrical wiring. And the clutch and throttle should operate smoothly.

Practice Riding In The Rain

Don't wait until you have to ride in the rain. Pick a day and a practice area. Test your braking, acceleration, lean, vision, and be smooth. For the most part you should use the same techniques you do when it's dry. Just ride a little slower, lean a little less, and allow a little more room.

Accelerating:

Everything should be as smooth as your skills permit. You don't have to crawl off the line. Just be smooth and maintain a consistent acceleration. Don't play games like trying to fishtail from a traffic light. You could end up facing rear and really looking silly.

Turning:

Assume you will have between 70% and 80% of your normal traction. You can lean the bike without any fear. Again the secret is to remain smooth. Reduce your normal entrance speeds. This will allow you to turn with a little less lean. Don't forget to get off the brakes before you start to lean. While turning continue to add throttle in a smooth and controlled manner. Never brake while leaned over in a wet turn. Before you increase to exit speed make sure the bike is no longer in a lean.

Braking:

Allow extra room for stopping. Visibility will be poor and there might be some loss of traction. Braking should also be a smooth gradual increase of pressure. Be alert at lower speeds. Brakes can get a little grabby when wet. Engine compression will slow you and prevent wheel lock up when the speeds and gears are matched properly. Just be aware of the traffic behind you. They won't see brake lights and might get a little too close for comfort before they realize you are slowing.

General Advise

1. Don't ride in conditions you are not comfortable with.
2. Stay in the car tire tracks ahead of you. They will push a significant amount of water out of your path.
3. Roads are designed with a slope to allow water to run off. At times the water collects at the edges of the road. Avoid the outer edges of the road. Hitting some puddles can cause you to lose control. It can also force more water up your pants leg then a fire hose. I know this feeling first hand.
4. Get off the road for the first 15 minutes of any rain. Water pushes oil up from the pores of the road. You should wait for the rain to then wash the oil away before proceeding.
5. If you notice a change in the sound of the tires slow down without braking. This could be an indication of hydroplaning. The change in sound could be caused by the tire's inability to maintain contact with the road.

Rain should not be feared. However, it deserves a large helping of respect. No matter how well you plan you will get rained on some day. Once you have developed confidence in the rain you might find yourself praying for it on a few summer days.

Here's looking forward to spring's riding season and the showers that go along with it. Ride Safe!