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Riding the Storm OutSeptember, 2006by David Meek, CBC President 2006This summer the weather lords have been kind to cyclists and for that matter anyone who enjoys out door activities. We active cyclists will turn a blind eye to our dying lawn, higher produce prices and all the critters out there in the wild wondering around thirstier than you were after that labor day ride. We will gladly trade rain for sunshine on our precious outings no matter how severe the drought may be. No one likes to get rain on there parade (ride) but warm weather is the best time of year for dealing with the wet stuff and a rain shower can actually be refreshing at times as long as it does not wear out its welcome. I have always tried to keep a positive outlook as far as the weather and the challenges of the changing seasons. I am often encouraging others to get out there and ride, run or whatever there passion may be, just do it. Do not let the weather control your activities. If we succumb to this mindset our training, fitness and quality of life will suffer. We are limiting our window of opportunity to enjoy life when the weather is to hot, to cold, to wet or we have the chance of getting wet. We all know friends and acquaintances that are still waiting for the weather to break before they get out there and do their thing. Grab the bull by the horns and enjoy the ride while you can. Don’t get me wrong, I watch the weather channel as much as anyone. We as cyclist could most likely pass the national meteorologist certification exams just from our own home studies. Watching the radar screen is a good thing, it gives us the information we need to be prepared for our outings. Do I blindly go out in bad weather know matter the conditions? No, rain, especially heavy rain does add considerable accident rick to our already dangerous sport and riding in cold wet weather can get plain miserable and overshadow the joy of riding. > We do at times choose to ride in adverse conditions such as organized events or races that we have anxiously awaited, traveled to get to and already committed our green backs. And then there is the all too often thunder storm that just seems to come out of thin air like the rabbit in the hat trick. Actually as self taught meteorologists we know why these storms just happen so I won’t bore you with the details. Because rain does just happen we must be prepared for it, hone our riding skills and have the knowledge to ride out the storm. Below are a few tips to make wet weather riding as safe and tolerable as possible.1. Keep your brakes in good working order at all times. Marginal brakes in dry weather equal disaster in heavy rain. 2. Apply brakes well in advance when possible. It takes a number of wheel revolutions with brakes applied to dry them enough to become effective. This delay varies with conditions so test them often as you ride. 3. Braking hand pressure must be increased to overcome the lost friction caused by water. The amount of hand pressure will vary as brakes dry during application so be prepared to decrease pressure to prevent skidding. 4. Avoid skidding the front tire at all costs. Front brakes offer the most stopping power due to weight transfer but close attention is needed to safely use them in wet weather. Most riders can recover from a rear wheel skid but skidding the front wheel most often results in an accident. 5. Invest in quality tires. Premium tires with soft rubber may not wear as well as cheaper harder tires but when you are relying on about one square inch of contact area per tire with the road you should not compromise on tires. Michelin pro race tires have saved my #%$&?# on more than one occasion. Consult with your local bike shop for advice before your tire purchases. 6. Stay off the painted lines on the road when turning and braking. They are very slippery. 7. Exercise extreme caution at railroad crossing especially when they are angled. Try to cross the track at a 90 degree angle if possible. Also the rubber matting before, between and after the rails on newer crossing are slippery as well. 8. Be visible, during rain and heavy overcast skies. Turn on your tail light to help rear approaching traffic see you. Always keep a tail light on your bike even if you are not concerned with your own personal safety, the safety of other riders in a group depends on the caboose rider being visible to rear approaching traffic. Be aware of reduced visibility on the part of oncoming traffic that could turn across in front of you and traffic pulling out from the roadsides. 9. Wear bright colored clothing while riding in threatening weather. 10. A cycling cap worn under your helmet or can help shield your eyes from rain while riding. 11. You will become completely wet. Even with rain gear you will eventually become drenched from the rain or in the case of rain gear from rain and sweat. In cool weather most riders elect to wear quality high tech clothing that will keep you warm while wet. Fleece lined arm and leg warmers are great to keep in your jersey pockets for extra warmth when the weather is questionable. 12. Slow down and back off of other riders when riding in wet conditions, paceline riding during heavy rains is extremely hazardous and requires the highest level of skill and concentration. 13. Have the sense to out of the rain. We are not professional bike racers. If the conditions are such that your personal safety is at risk then stop and ride out the storm in a safe place.
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