I'm only happy when it rains......

[Max]

Word! Inhaling water, freezing wet ankles, the sound of my rain gear squeeking, scoping those poor souls at the bus stops along the way, having to brake extra hard, the look the guys give me when I walk into the office, looking out for number one. Just some thoughts.

[hairygrump]

During most of the year I fully dig the rain. I get to work and hang my wet crap all over my cube so it can dry before I head home. I get smart comments from people about how I need to get a car, but it's a great opportunity to show them that I don't have one and I got to work just fine. "What do I need a car for? I've got lots of pants, and I'm happy to mobilize my entire wardrobe to keep me from having to ride in a car or a bus 6 times a week."

Winter rains at night, however, are a bit of an endurance test. Mid-October to early November has some potentially very painful and dangerous days. Snow doesn't penetrate your clothes that way, and earlier in the year you don't have to face the cold at all; you're just wet. This happened last week, where it was about 37F and raining buckets. I got home feeling almost hypothermic, dropped my wet shit in the bathtub so I could deal with it in the morning without wrecking the floor, took a huge bite out of a piece of cheeze and promptly fell fast asleep on the couch (~9PM).

I mean, I wouldn't trade these days for anything, but it is kind of dangerous when the cold and the wet team up to drain all the energy from your legs and hands. It can get hard to keep your wits about you...

Still, this is the life I chose and I wouldn't change it.

[Divscotty]

I'll be mending my rain pants with duct tape soon. Our rains usually have already started but it was 83 on the ride home today - 41 when I rode this morning.

Both are good temps really.:D

[Max]

I was talking to Jeff(the Art Guy) last night, and he has it made. When ever he's wet from riding into DR, he just puts his stuff in the dryer. Oh, to dream......................

[leapfrog]

man, im with every last one of you. i love the rain. well not necessarily LOVE it, but i have no apprehensions about riding in the rain, and maybe it's just the adrenaline of hearing the rain pound around you, but i always feel like im riding extra fast in the rain. it's so worth the extra attention and stares. i dont know, i remember always running from the rain wherever i was, and now it's just as common as the sun. well it was in portland, cause that's all there was!

scott
leapfrog bike zine

[Rotifer]

I always feel like I am riding faster in the rain as well. It's like being bathed in coolant. It also looks cool when you stop and your legs steam.

[leapfrog]

what is everyone's favorite piece of wet weather riding gear? i rode around portland for like a month with just some snow booties (worthless) before buying Burley shoe covers. those things are genius. Before i was literally sloshing in cold wet socks all day at work, and now, not a drop. easily ducktaped, fits tennis shoes, etc. etc. i would hate riding without em.

scott
leapfrog bike zine

[hairygrump]

Originally posted by leapfrog
what is everyone's favorite piece of wet weather riding gear? i rode around portland for like a month with just some snow booties (worthless) before buying Burley shoe covers.

I was contemplating getting some booties to complement my periodically replaced Nashbar rainsuit, but then I started getting the New York Times home delivered. I get 7 electric blue (w00t!), foot-sized plastic bags on my door every week and they're perfect for wearing as a second sock, plus they pack to nothing so there's a pair of them in pretty much every piece of outerwear I own. Recycle, reuse, hoo-ha.

Shoes get wet as hell, but the socks inside stay pretty dry and you can wear these bags all day until you can get to your spare pair of shoes.

I also have about 20 other things I use these bags for and they still stack up faster than I can tear holes in them. I'm thinking about writing a book.

[wooglin-at-home]

Originally posted by leapfrog
what is everyone's favorite piece of wet weather riding gear?

Wool socks. I don't mind wet feet but I hate cold feet and wool will dry without even taking it off.

[Divscotty]

Smart Wool sox, Merlino wool. They are super.

I also have a micro fleece Tutle Fur Bakclava (however that is spelled) It fits under the helmet real nice and is nearly wind, water proof.

[leapfrog]

haha..actually its balaclava...not bakclava. bakclava is actually a greek dessert. i dont think that would feel too good underneath your helmet, although it may be wind proof...i'll have to conduct more testing as results are inconclusive right now.

scott
leapfrog bike zine

[Divscotty]

Gadfry I have nearly been wearing desert under my helmet. :p

[steevee]

do what i do. just ride naked, carry your clothes in a bag and get dressed at the office.

benefits include: second shower
that just aired out fresh scent (beats cologne)
no traffic (everyone will pull over aghast) ;)


steevee

[leapfrog]

genius!!

scott
leapfrog bike zine

[dopey27]

Originally posted by steevee
do what i do. just ride naked, carry your clothes in a bag and get dressed at the office.

benefits include: second shower
that just aired out fresh scent (beats cologne)
no traffic (everyone will pull over aghast) ;)


steevee

I'd be pretty cold if I did that, it get's cold where I live...like real cold

[Paolo]

I gotta admit, riding naked seems a bit like trouble. I love riding in the rain, and now I have me a rainproof overall and those rubber boots that my shoe slides right into. I think riding in the rain is great. The traffic is usually not nearly as bad, and all those poor souls have to get jampacked into a bus just to get around. I cant stand waiting around for a bus and then having to squeeze in....YUCK!

[Ken Braatz]

I needed to pick up a new tail light today at the lbs. I decided that I would ride. It's only about 5 miles one way but it was 45 degrees and pouring. (there's a NorEaster in the Philly area today).

Needless to say, it was the most fun I've had on that particular ride, ever. On the way home I decided to take the scenic route.

[Divscotty]

I broke down after a chilly ride today and bought some pearl izzami arm and leg warmers. Another rider had them today and he was much more comfortable than I. That will make me part with hard earned cash.

Divscotty