Hello All.
After getting caught in the rain this weekend, I thought this would be a good time for an update on wet weather riding. It probably would have been better BEFORE we got caught in the rain, since Jessie and I weren’t prepared… so, as your new safety officer, this falls into the category of “do what I say, not as I do”. For most of you, this is a review, and much of this is covered in earlier posts on this board, but a little refresher won’t hurt. There are a lot of articles out there that cover the topic fairly well, I’ve linked one here. I’ve also added a few summary tips.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/wet_riding_conditions/index.htmlRiding in the rain safely is a matter of dressing properly, understanding traction, making sure you can see, and making sure that you are seen. With a little basic knowledge of road surfaces and features in wet conditions, traction will take care of itself. So work on solving the other two issues, proper dress and visibility.
? Dress appropriately. We didn’t and my socks were still wet 7 hours later. But more importantly, staying dry, warm and comfortable allows you to focus your concentration where it belongs – on the road.
? Be sure to consider visibility, both your own, and your visibility to others on the road. Reflective gear and light colors will help with the latter. For example, Frog Toggs makes rain gear in hi-vis yellow. For your own visibility, there are a lot of anti-fog products on the market, but in a pinch, a light film of hand or dish soap rubbed on your face shield (or glasses, if you get caught without a helmet) will help to keep the water sheeting off instead of beading up.
? The first few minutes after the rain starts can be the most dangerous time to ride. The water mixes with the oil, dirt and road debris creating a slick surface. Stop and wait it out if you can
? While traction is reduced, modern tire technology will still supply up to 80 percent of the grip of dry weather riding. Most of us don’t get close to the limits of traction even on dry days, so doing what you normally do, but slower and with a heaping load of extra caution will get you through most wet conditions.
? Having said that; certain roadway features like railroad tracks, bridge gratings, metal manhole covers and painted lines and markings will be very slippery. As has been mentioned in earlier posts, be particularly careful if you ride across one of those fast-lane diamonds. If you start to slide at the point of that diamond, the angle of the painted line could cause you to continue sliding beyond the point of recovery. Stay as upright as possible when crossing any road features or markings. And slow down. Even though most of the road will provide plenty of traction, there are slippery things out there that will be made worse by the rain, and if I have to start fishtailing, I’d rather it happens at 30 mph than 60 mph. No rain gear will keep you dry if you pee on yourself!
? Be smooth - avoid sudden acceleration or braking especially in a curve where traction is already limited. And leave extra time and space so you don't have to take any sudden actions.
Be safe and enjoy the ride
