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Riding The September Storms
Blog Date - 26 September 2012
Blimey Charlie! It's been wet, very wet, these last 3 days. According to the weatherman on the BBC the deluge is in fact a storm. I know the winds have been much stronger up in Scotland but it hasn't felt like a storm here, just very wet. I, being the brave little soldier that I am, have of course been riding my bike in all the rain. And, being the muppet that I am, I've rather enjoyed it!
What can make riding a bike in the pouring rain in the least bit enjoyable? 2 things. First you need waterproof gear that is in fact waterproof. I presently am in the luxurious position of having such items. I've all but given up on waterproof bike boots now, so I've been wearing my wellies, my waterproof pants are still quite new so they're still keeping my nuts dry and I've been wearing 2 waterproof jackets just to absolutely certain. I may look like the Michelin Man (Bibendum) but I know underneath I'm warm and dry.
My rubber wellies and one of my waterproof jackets. Staying dry...it's the future!
Secondly you need the right attitude. I love to ride on a warm dry sunny afternoon, like any sensible rider would, but I also enjoy the challenge of a grim, wet and grey day. Any fool can ride on dry sticky roads, it takes a special kind of fool to slither and slide on cold wet roads. If you're prepared both physically with the right waterproof riding gear and mentally with the attitude of taking on a challenge rather than looking for a race, then riding in the rain is fun!
I'm on a new (to me) CBF 125 at present and I'm still learning and exploring how it rides. In the rain on any bike you must carefully and gingerly take each corner and listen intently to what the bike is trying to tell you. Can you feel the bike slipping a little? How does it feel on rough or smooth tarmac? I used to think I could have taken each and every corner faster so I'd try harder....then fall off. I have to force myself to accept in the rain I'm going to be a lot lot slower than the cars through the bends. I repeat to myself "It's not a race...it's not a race...it's not a race...". The definition of a good ride in the rain is getting to your destination safe and sound.
According to the BBC weather website the rain should abate today. It will of course be replaced with common or garden Autumnal showers so lets hope this allows the flooding to subside.
Reader's Comments
John Almond said :-
I have no gripe with the rain really, just one thing alone annoys the feck out of me and thats visor mist, had a go at all sorts to prevent it, but the only thing that seems to work is the pin lock visor insert. Ive not had the pinlock type as such, but did once manage to get a sticky on one off ebay a couple of years ago but cant seem to find any sticky on ones any more.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
I'll ride in pretty much all weathers and like you, I get a strange pleasure out of it. Just this weekend I was sat on the bike in PI$$ING down rain, with a grin on my face because it felt so good to be able to continue to ride thanks to good waterproof clothing and footwear. It's kinda weird to be riding in such adverse conditions whilst feeling all snug and dry.
As for the steamy-visor issue, I either wear one of my helmets with a Pinlock or (more usually) I apply a coat of Anti-Fog to my visor and glasses. Both work superbly.
Having said that, the sopping wet leather gloves (but still waterproof) really bug me. I put the heated grips on pretty high during heavy rain to maintain a decent hand temperature.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
John Almond said :-
AHH. Tom, you wear glasses as well eh, pain in the butt init. Regarding a sticky on visor thingy, it was a fog city that I had and I have found a similar one.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/140795544803?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Not sure if links work in here.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
John Almond said :-
140795544803
copy and paste into ebay search.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
John Almond said :-
"Clear View" ANTI FOG VISOR INSERT An anti mist coated ultra high clarity optical grade propionate lens which is highly resistant to chemicals like solvents and petrol and oils, unlike inferior polycarbonate ones, it also has an anti mist coating which is the best we have ever come across, we have been a manufacturer of visors for over 30 years and have literally manufactured many tonnes of visors over the years. This visor used to be manufactured for "coolvision" under the brand name of "fog-off" (30 years ago this was our own brand of chemical treatment .... however an insert is much more permanent way of dealing with misting) NO MORE MISTING VISORS. Easy Fit Instructions Included Self Adhesive boarder Permanent Anti Fog Excellent for bike users and car & go-cart racing Stops your visor misting internally. If you have tear-off posts / pinlock system on your visor and they are more than 280 mm the inserts will fit. Equally if you have used the fog tech, fog city, fog demon, or the ultra clear system this product should fit just fine, and in our experiance will out perform any of the spray on solutions we have tested Insert is 97mm high & 280mm in length. We have tried and tested them. These visors seal them selves so there is no chance the humidity will enter the gap between the visor and the insert .... the insert is treated both sides .... but your visor isn't ! This way of fixing avoids the failed double glazed unit effect of moisture between the panes ! Prior to application ensure your visor ( even if new) is thoroughly clean The visor needs to be thoroughly washed in warm soapy water your fingers are excellent for this ! They are most suitable on visors which are vertically flat (not fishbowl shaped ).
Not bad at £7.99 with free postage.
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
Looks interesting that John. I might give one a go. Thanks!
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
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