Rain, rain . . .

A summer thundershower just past through and it reminded me that I should post another entry, this time on rain gear. Now, when I talk "rain gear", I typically mean rain jacket and, possibly, rain pants, but I'm going to expand my definition a bit to include other rain related equipment as well as some opinions on the subject.


What to wear

This isn't as easy as it may seem because when you're riding, you are also generating heat (and lots of it) and sweat (and lots of it). The most obvious choice would be to go with a Gore-Tex© jacket. However, you are riding in the summer during a thundershower, the Gore-Tex© may not allow the perspiration to evaporate fast enough to keep you cool and dry (which is the whole point of wearing Gore-Tex© in the first place). Secondly, most thundershowers happen suddenly and pass quickly, so by the time you've stopped to put on your Gore-Tex© jacket, the thundershower may already have passed (or will shortly), leaving you just as wet. Under circumstances like that, with the heat and rain, I would just not bother with the jacket and let the rain cool me off right then and allow my clothes to dry naturally after the rain stopped, keeping me cool in the process.

Now, if it's a storm or prolonged shower (typically those associated with a warm front ), wearing rain gear makes sense because it may be hours (even days) before the rain passes. But is Gore-Tex© really necessary? Probably not. Face it; if it's raining, you're going to get wet. Period. Just get over the notion of staying completely dry and accept the fact you will get wet no matter how hard you try. If the weather is warm (70°F or higher), a rain jacket is probably not necessary. For cooler weather, rain gear will keep you moderately dry, but, more importantly, warmer. Yes, it is possible to get hypothermia in the summer (if the conditions are right) as well as hyperthermia, so be aware of the symptoms. A lightweight, water-resistant jacket, pants, and gloves will help keep you warm when cold rain comes, as will a pair of booties (I personally like the neoprene kind myself).

When selecting a jacket, think ventilation over waterproof. A good rain jacket will provide vents (often in the form of zippered, ventilated "pits" and a ventilated back with a flap to hold off the rain. Rain pants should be able to be put on while wearing shoes, so look for zippered legs. And, as always, make sure there is some reflective material; if not, buy an inexpensive reflective safety vest to wear over your jacket. Rain often means limited visibility and when it comes to bicycling, being seen is being safe.

One last item of interest that you may find helpful is a cycling cap. Cycling caps are inexpensive and yet very handy items. They can keep sweat from rolling into your eyes; the visor can keep the sun out, as well as the rain; and they fit nicely under a helmet.

What about the bike

As I said, I am expanding my definition of "rain gear" to include the bike as well as the rider. The very best thing to have on your bike for the rain is a set of fenders (also called mud guards). I have a set of SKS fenders which have the advantage of an aluminum core versus all plastic fenders, which makes them stronger. I also added a pair of Brooks mud flaps, to give a more polished finish and additional coverage.

Now, if you own a leather saddle, like I do, you will want to protect that as well. First, treating the saddle with Proofide, or other leather treatment, will not only prolong the life of your saddle, but offer water resistance as well. Unless you bring your bike inside or keep it in a bike locker, you will want to cover the saddle. You can purchase a saddle cover, but you also wrap a plastic shopping bag or even a shower cap over the saddle to keep the rain off.

And if you find yourself caught in a severe thunderstorm, my advice is to stop by the closest bar and have a couple drinks to wait out the storm.