Things I learned while riding in the rain

[Toecutter]

Rode home from work (26 miles) this morning in the season's first storm. The cages have really been heeding the advice from the Highway Patrol to slow down in the wet, but they still don't notice those "Slower Traffic Keep Right" signs. :angry03:

I have found no joy whatsoever in riding in the rain, however comfortably dressed I may be....

 

[old&slow]

Things I've learned while riding a MC in the rain,,,

Nothing is waterproof ... Water resistant maybe.. :blink:

Cold & wet MC riding = miserable ( but leaves you with a lot of memories about the ride)

Makes me smile when I think about what the cagers are thinking that you pass... :clapping:

 

[Silver Penguin]

Sometimes being a California Wimp is its own reward. :yahoo:

I'm being a real CA wimp today and leaving all the bikes in the garage. It's our first rain in many months today, so the freeway will be a skating rink as the hurried drivers proceed at normal speed, with minimal stopping distances. At least I can use my 'Dynamic Stability Control' button (aka 'Doesn't Spill Coffee). Four wheels for me, today.

 

[Big Sky]

Some things I learned back in 1983 (when I was an ***** youth) about riding in the rain over Lolo Pass in the fourth week of September: riding in the rain may become riding in the snow, which is worse than riding in the rain. Snow on the pavement is very slippery and slippery is bad; snow on your face shield causes a loss of clear vision and fogging inside, which also causes a loss of vision; clear vision is essential. Snow is colder than rain but will melt and turn to very cold water that will find the same microscopic gaps rain will. Cheap rain suits and inadequate underclothing plus leaks and sub 30-degree air temperatures will bring about hypothermia. Hypothermia makes your brain work poorly, which ill effects are compounded by losing sensation in your hands and feet.

Basic lesson: If it's raining, stay away from high mountain passes during the fourth week of September.

Funny how sometimes in our youthful ignorance and stupidity we need to face pure crisis to learn lessons that truly stick. 36 years later and I've never been caught in dangerous snow again.

One other good lesson I learned after that 1983 episode: Warm wool slippers, hot stew and a shot of brandy are heavenly.

 

[fjrrider]

Walmart sells cheap rain suits that are a great addition to the 'stitch roadcrafter when riding for 14+ hours in non-stop rain.


BTW, this trip was my first time in AR. I must return. It was beautiful.

The Roadcrafter, she will dump in your lap if it rains hard enough, and I agree 100%, no suit is gonna keep you completely dry in heavy rain. I always wear some kind of polyoly stuff underneath to minimize absorbing moisture.

As WheatonFJR stated, your gonna miss the best ride to be had in Arkansas at the "Arkansas All Day", and for a 1/2 marathon, I dunno dude!

Not to worry, there will be more. If you dont mind a little coolishness and wet!

 

[Big Sky]

I noticed years ago when I still used cheapo rain suits, there is a spot right in the crotch where four seams come together. This is also a high stress point and is inevitably prone to failure. So rain striking your frontal area runs down and collects right there where the crotch meets the seat and forms a nice little pool. Icy cold water on the boys is highly unpleasant, and I imagine the sensation is similar for our female counterparts.

 

[krashdragon]

riding in the rain can be scary.... most cagers haven't a clue.

things I've learned about riding in the rain and cold. riding in the warm raid is usually quite nice.

I wear a SILK scarf over my month and nose. keeps the fogging down, also is warmer. Only pure silk.

Although if you're riding in really cold weather, one of those neoprene masks work well.

My Harley rainsuit doesn't leak. Some water does work it's way down my neck, tho. A fleece scarf is a great windblocker and stays warm.

Harley leather gloves with fleece linings. Gloves got totally soaked, but fingers were warm. I was also wearing my Warm N Safe heated jacket liner.

One trip was in the 30-40's F, with light to med rain all day, I stayed dry.

Another all day ride was a Texas frog soaker. I must learn to put on my rainpants before my jeans are soaked, hey it's a pain to take off the chaps<G>

I must also learn that thick leather jackets are nice, but NOT waterproof. I was in th 60's and 70's, great riding weather until it strted raining...

One all day ride thru the tail end of a hurricane, wasn't hardly worth the bother of putting the Suzuki rainpants on. they leaked big time.

My Firstgeat jacket is totally waterproof. I need some Firstgear pants to go with the jacket.

However, it was one of the nicest rides I've ever had, 85F, warm breeze, riding around the North shore on the Big Island of Hawaii....plenty of rainbows, mountains and surf...

It did take about a week for my boots to dry out, .... oh, and I "lost" 20 other ladies that I was riding with....

good reason to write down directions..... rolleyes:

take care and ride safe.

mary