Author Topic: Getting wet...... (Read 4136 times)

injundave · « **on:** December 31, 2016, 04:30:26 PM »

I have been wondering recently about riding in the rain and getting wet. I have been riding for 53 years but this situation has only just come to mind and I am interested to see what others think.

Hypothetical situation:

You are out on your bike. There is no shelter available of any kind and you have no wet weather gear. It starts to rain, not really hard, just raining. You have three options:

1. Stop until the rain stops.
2. Continue riding at the same speed until the rain stops.
3. Go faster to get out of the rain sooner.

The question is which of these keeps you drier? I have yet to come up with an answer that makes any real sense. Comments please. Oh, and a very happy new year to you all, wherever you may be.

Lannis · « **Reply #1 on:** December 31, 2016, 04:45:50 PM »

Quote from: injundave on December 31, 2016, 04:30:26 PM

I have been wondering recently about riding in the rain and getting wet. I have been riding for 53 years but this situation has only just come to mind and I am interested to see what others think.

Hypothetical situation:

You are out on your bike. There is no shelter available of any kind and you have no wet weather gear. It starts to rain, not really hard, just raining. You have three options:

1. Stop until the rain stops.
2. Continue riding at the same speed until the rain stops.
3. Go faster to get out of the rain sooner.

The question is which of these keeps you drier? I have yet to come up with an answer that makes any real sense. Comments please. Oh, and a very happy new year to you all, wherever you may be.

It Depends.

1) How far do I have to go? You can get hypothermia riding in the rain with no wet gear. Short distance, no problem. Long distance can knock you out.

2) What's the visibility like? I don't worry much about getting wet - I can always dry off. But I won't get dry if someone hits me because they couldn't see me or my bike in the spray from the truck tires and road splash and fog.

Warm rain, on my way home, I'll just soldier on if I can see.

Cold rain, headed to a camp ... I better think about that!

Lannis

Murray · « **Reply #2 on:** December 31, 2016, 06:03:14 PM »

Also depends what the sky is doing your knowledge of local weather conditions, even with wet weather gear if its a passing shower you may get wetter stopping to put it on rather than keep going and getting out of it.

injundave · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2016, 06:07:04 PM »

Let us refine the parameters - no traffic, warm rain and raining in all directions you can see. Local knowledge not important, this is just hypothetical!

oldbike54 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2016, 06:14:27 PM »

Three of us were leaving on a multi day road trip a few years back . Two of us are minimalists , the third guy is a gear and gee gaw freak . The gear freak was asking about our GPS systems (?) , emergency contact numbers (911

) , different gloves (yeah right) and rain gear . The other minimalist stated , after being asked about a lack of wet weather gear and what would happen if it started raining , "Well damn Frank , guess I'll just get wet"

Dusty

giusto · « **Reply #5 on:** December 31, 2016, 07:22:33 PM »

Dusty,

To me the difference between a minimalist and a gear geek is the minimalist has the essentials for safe travel while the gear geek has every piece of high tech gear imaginable. I always have rain gear in my panier...spare helmet and a few select tools. In northern Michigan weather can change dramatically in 15 minutes...Eagle Scout...Be Prepared.
"I do not entertain hypotheticals, the world itself is vexing enough" what movie?

twowings · « **Reply #6 on:** December 31, 2016, 07:25:42 PM »

1. Find shelter.
2. Burn one.
3. Contemplate the handiwork of the universe until the storm subsides.
4. Ride on refreshed.

oldbike54 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 31, 2016, 07:27:16 PM »

Giusto , no idea what movie , but trust me , the weather in Oklahoma can change completely in 30 seconds . Good to bad and back to good again faster than you can stop and put on rain gear

Dusty

kingoffleece · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2016, 07:27:48 PM »

I'd wager some of the answer depends on where you live/ride.

425 miles in 39 degree weather, sustained 30mph winds with higher gusts, and constant rain makes quality gear a must.
Summer time, 100 miles, well, not so much.

giusto · « **Reply #9 on:** December 31, 2016, 07:34:04 PM »

come on now...most of us have a good idea of our surroundings...you can see rain or weather coming a few miles off...warm rain can still give you hypothermia...

movie= Rooster Cogburn

redrider90 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:04:31 PM »

It's mid summer late afternoon on Friday when I see on the TV waiting room in my hospital clinic that a severe thunderstorm was headed east towards my house. I worked 20 miles east of my place and my beautiful blue Merle borders collie was in his fenced pen below a 2nd story deck. He hated thunderstorms. It was near the end of the day so I left early and jumped on the Mille headed west right towards the storm hoping to beat it home and get there to get my pup. I hit the interstate and highballed it. I got off the interstate and headed north on a back road when the sky went black and the rain came down it was hard to see. I did not have rain gear with me and was soaked in minutes.The rain got worse and then the lightening started. But it was the lightening bolts that made me pull off the road and sit under a stand of trees. . 15 minutes later I was back on the bike. I got home and my dog had managed to pull the fence apart and left a hole large enough to get out. It had white fur where he went through the fence and left.
A new house was being built in a field a hundred yards from my place. I went over and asked the the guy working there if he had seen my dog. He said ya he tried to get under the house with me as I was working on the plumbing but I ran him off. That was Friday. I spent the next 2 days looking all over the northern county for him. Sunday morning I left flyers on all the country churches parking lots and then I put flyers in mailboxes until I ran out. Sunday afternoon, exhausted I drove home and my pup was sitting there waiting on me like nothing had happened. He was gone 2 days. I figured someone took him in and then when they took him outside he just headed home. I never kept him outside in that pen ever again. He got to stay in the house when I was at work. He was just 2 years old and lived with me until he died at 15.

kingoffleece · « **Reply #11 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:10:01 PM »

I realize that. Every now and again I plan(ed) poorly.
You do what you have to do.

Lannis · « **Reply #12 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:13:55 PM »

Quote from: redrider90 on December 31, 2016, 08:04:31 PM

I worked 20 miles east of my place and my beautiful blue Merle borders collie was in his fenced pen below a 2nd story deck. He hated thunderstorms.

All of our Border Collies have hated thunderstorms. Very intelligent but very sensitive to sudden light and noise.

Our last one would try to hide .... if she was outside when we were away she would get under a barn we had at the time and stay there and shiver.

Jack, our male now, ATTACKS the thunderstorm. He's scared of it but he runs at the sound, barking furiously. We don't leave him out if a storm is approaching; he either stays in the house with us where we can talk to him about it, or he's in his pen (if we're not there) that has a three-room doghouse where he can get inside. He doesn't, though, he jumps at the fence and barks. We're wise to border collies so it's too high to climb over and wired too deep to dig under.

We just try not to be away too long if storms are predicted. He's good for 6 hours in the house, has a bladder like a tanker truck ...

Lannis

Kev m · « **Reply #13 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:22:15 PM »

Back in the early 90's left Philly for Myrtle Beach on my Sportster late one afternoon.

Started to pour by DC and I didn't have a rain suit with me. Leather jacket soaked through. Sun going down and hours to ride.

Rain stopped maybe halfway through VA. Not sure I ever really dried out that night.

Was freezing by the time I hit South of the Border (NC/SC) state line, it was 1 AM, and I still had over an hour to go.

Since then I almost always make sure I'm prepared cause I'm probably too stupid or too stubborn to stop even when I'm cold or wet.

To answer the question, I'd probably keep riding assuming I'll get out of the wet sooner or just cause I'm stubborn.

leroysch · « **Reply #14 on:** December 31, 2016, 08:41:21 PM »

Quote from: injundave on December 31, 2016, 04:30:26 PM

I have been wondering recently about riding in the rain and getting wet. I have been riding for 53 years but this situation has only just come to mind and I am interested to see what others think.

Hypothetical situation:

You are out on your bike. There is no shelter available of any kind and you have no wet weather gear. It starts to rain, not really hard, just raining. You have three options:

1. Stop until the rain stops.
2. Continue riding at the same speed until the rain stops.
3. Go faster to get out of the rain sooner.

#2's always worked for me.
The question is which of these keeps you drier? I have yet to come up with an answer that makes any real sense. Comments please. Oh, and a very happy new year to you all, wherever you may be.

swooshdave · « **Reply #15 on:** December 31, 2016, 09:54:20 PM »

MyRadar NOAA Weather Radar, Forecasts & Storms by Aviation Data Systems, Inc
https://appsto.re/us/2Saot.i

This has prevented me from getting accidentally wet for years.

Testarossa · « **Reply #16 on:** December 31, 2016, 10:30:47 PM »

We don't get a lot of rain around here except for late-afternoon thunderstorms, which are usually brief drenchers. Most of the good riding is above 6000 feet in the mountains and if it rains there it's bloody cold, often freezing even in July. Turn on the heated grips and make yourself small behind the fairing, and get someplace warm until it blows over. That said, we wear good waterproof and windproof jackets when traveling the passes, all summer long.

Huzo · « **Reply #17 on:** December 31, 2016, 10:43:59 PM »

Quote from: injundave on December 31, 2016, 04:30:26 PM

I have been wondering recently about riding in the rain and getting wet. I have been riding for 53 years but this situation has only just come to mind and I am interested to see what others think.

Hypothetical situation:

You are out on your bike. There is no shelter available of any kind and you have no wet weather gear. It starts to rain, not really hard, just raining. You have three options:

1. Stop until the rain stops.
2. Continue riding at the same speed until the rain stops.
3. Go faster to get out of the rain sooner.

The question is which of these keeps you drier? I have yet to come up with an answer that makes any real sense. Comments please. Oh, and a very happy new year to you all, wherever you may be.

Mythbusters did one on this topic early on in the series, dunno what they found out.

rboe · « **Reply #18 on:** December 31, 2016, 11:41:24 PM »

I picked up Road Gear pants and jacket. Waterproof (and tested my me). Only thing that comes out - fleece liner. I stop to switch gloves - something that is water proof. And sometimes I have to stop to zip up the vents.

Finally got some cool leathers - they are not waterproof. sigh....... Luckily, not a problem usually in the Phoenix area.

Back in the day I used Dri Riders. Supposed to be the gold standard back then - and I still got wet. Today's gear is so much better. When I first got back into biking I got a jacket that used a zip in liner to make it water proof. It would ride up in the back sometimes and I'd get wet. I'm not a fan of liners.

So when touring I assume it will rain at some point (going to the Datil rally it seems it WILL rain) and choose gear that will let me ride in the rain and the sun with minimal fuss.

Dharma Bum · « **Reply #19 on:** January 01, 2017, 01:24:04 AM »

I left early in the morning from the Salida National (Friday morning, I think) for a surprise birthday party in Denver. Got stuck for four hours in Aspen Park due to a thunderstorm. Not the normal mountain shower described by Testarossa. Lightning strikes every forty seconds or so. Grabbed a cup and waited it out. My, tent blew over back at the rally!

v7john · « **Reply #20 on:** January 01, 2017, 05:49:12 AM »

It does rain a bit here in Wales (you can tell when the Summer's coming because the rain gets warmer).

My waterproofs don't take up much space so I've almost always got them. I'm old-fashioned and ride in leathers. Often the issue is finding somewhere to stop to get the kit on before I'm already soaked. My latest over-trousers zip open from hip to ankle and have pretty much put an end to the roadside one-leg-in-the-trouser-dance.

On the odd occasion when I've been caught out and it looks "set in" I'll just grin and bear it. I might find shelter if it doesn't look much. Even so you'll still get wet and filthy from the other traffic or the wet road surface. Going faster isn't really a choice. Grip is reduced, you get just as wet but even colder.

Of course it's not just the wet. My over-jacket is the only piece of hi-viz kit I own and I feel just a little safer in it.

Jim Rich · « **Reply #21 on:** January 01, 2017, 06:49:58 AM »

If it rains hard, slow down. If the lightening starts hitting around you, speed up.

These were extreme situations from the past that I'd rather not repeat. Let's just say I have acquired a greater respect for great plains (Oklahoma), and mountain (Colorado), thunderstorms and the power they can bring.

If no hope for shelter, I typically ride through it carefully. Before riding I usually check the weather report to see the chance of rain and carry a rain jacket and maybe pants. When I am on a long trip I wear a jacket and pants that are water resistant.

Nic in Western NYS · « **Reply #22 on:** January 01, 2017, 06:51:14 AM »

Quote from: swooshdave on December 31, 2016, 09:54:20 PM

MyRadar NOAA Weather Radar, Forecasts & Storms by Aviation Data Systems, Inc
https://appsto.re/us/2Saot.i

This has prevented me from getting accidentally wet for years.

I used to have a Sirius device that had radar, now I use Radar Now on my droid phone. Great radar with overlays of rain versus snow and weather alerts. I think the version i have is free except for the ads.

Rain is always something to consider. Rain after a lot of dry weather can mean the oils on road surfaces may leech up making for slippery conditions. Rain can mean railroad crossings go from no problem to major problem, same for metal grates on bridges. And my favorite is not being able to tell how deep that pothole is that's filled with water. Rain - a great Beatles song but crud to ride in.

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #23 on:** January 01, 2017, 07:02:47 AM »

So many depends... As long as I can keep moving the Norge will keep me completely dry except my last two fingers on each hand and the tops of my shoulders. The T-3 with no lower protections will have my lower body wet in no time. If traveling I always have rain gear however. On hot summer afternoons running through a rain shower can feel wonderful. Being wet and cold can get dangerous quickly.
GliderJohn

giusto · « **Reply #24 on:** January 01, 2017, 07:22:07 AM »

Quote from: Huzo on December 31, 2016, 10:43:59 PM

Mythbusters did one on this topic early on in the series, dunno what they found out.

Somewhat related and interesting mythbuster related stuff. These guys are just plain fun to watch.

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/#mkcpgn=ytdsc1

http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/videos/running-in-the-rain-minimyth.htm

swooshdave · « **Reply #25 on:** January 01, 2017, 12:39:22 PM »

Of course if you want to stay dry and safe no matter what the conditions... Aerostitch it.

cappisj1 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 01, 2017, 01:09:47 PM »

I have woundered the same about cold weather riding also. Go fast and get home but be colder. Go slow and prolong the coldness. Hmm

I will say, I will re-think riding in the rain at night. An earlier post made me think back to riding with my daughter behind my at night in a downpour. I never thought until now how hard it probably was to be seen by other trafic. Probably will not do that again.

Chuck in Indiana · « **Reply #27 on:** January 01, 2017, 02:32:39 PM »

The only thing that really gets me off the road is lightening. You're a sitting goose.. other than that, I enjoy rain riding, too.. as long as it's not cold enough for hypothermia.

lti_57 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 01, 2017, 03:49:22 PM »

Quote from: twowings on December 31, 2016, 07:25:42 PM

1. Find shelter.
2. Burn one.
3. Contemplate the handiwork of the universe until the storm subsides.
4. Ride on refreshed.

^
THIS

wirespokes · « **Reply #29 on:** January 01, 2017, 11:02:19 PM »

We don't get much lightning here in the Pacific Northwest, so I never gave it much thought. Once I found out that a few riders every year are struck by lightning, I decided to be wary of those conditions when traveling. See a thunderstorm nearby - wick it up and get the hell outa there. Or find a good place to wait it out.

In the summer I prefer leathers, unless it's rainy nasty weather, in which case the water proof textiles get the nod.

In the 70s I didn't have much in the way of riding gear and got caught a few times in rain when the day started out sunny and warm. One time it was a ride along the Columbia Gorge to Hood river, up to Mt Hood and back home. Part way up the mountain it started to rain, then rained harder. We were frozen by the time we got to the other side of the mountain and a restaurant where we could warm up.

Another time the heavens opened up over the Coast Range returning from the beach. I had to be back for a meeting, so couldn't stop and wait it out. The solution was to wick it up - make the ride more exciting to take the attention off the freezing hands (and everything else), and I figured the wind chill isn't much worse with an extra 20 or 30 mph. Besides, going faster would get me home sooner.

What do you do over there in NZ when it starts raining? Has this never been a problem for you?

News:

Author Topic: Getting wet...... (Read 4136 times)

oldbike54

twowings

oldbike54