Ideally, we’d get to ride in 65-degree weather with some sunshine and a cool breeze (but not too cool and not too breezy) every day. But alas, the real world presents a grayer and wetter reality sometimes that means we need to go biking in the rain—even if we’re not prepared for the surprise storm that hits us midride.
Kate Veronneau—a former guide with Thomson Bike Tours—used to tell everyone who signed up for one of her trips to amazing destinations to go out and ride in the rain in prep for those days you get caught in it. “It’s important to know how your bike handles and how to handle your bike in the rain, as well as how to dress to be confident and comfortable in those conditions,” she says.
Plus, biking in the rain comes with its own unique set of rewards and a skillset that will take your cycling to the next level. Because once you embrace the weather others eschew, you’ll blossom as a cyclist like a flower in May, rife with strengths that spill into the rest of your life. Before you know it, you might even fall in love with biking in the rain—or at least tolerate it.
Here, why you should gear up and get riding, even when it’s wet outside.
8 Reasons to Go Biking in the Rain
1. You get better at bike handling
Biking in the rain is more dangerous than riding in dry conditions for an obvious reason: slippery when wet.
The road itself is slicker, and so are trail obstacles. Painted surfaces and metal road features are like ice. It takes longer to stop and it’s easier to slide out, so you need to brake earlier and lighter, especially on wet descents.
Tires also lose purchase more easily in turns, so you need to keep your body more upright through corners. Slowly and carefully, you can approach these scenarios and learn to navigate them safely—straight line, no sudden moves, dismounting when prudent. Every time you bike in the rain, the easier it will become.
2. You get to know good gear
You know that rain jacket you thought was waterproof? You’ll learn whether that’s really true about 40 minutes into a rainy ride. You’ll soon find a rain jacket that actually meets your needs, and you’ll master the art of layering to let your body breathe while keeping the rain out. You’ll grow to appreciate fenders for reducing the spray on your back and rain caps for blocking the drops from your eyes. You’ll understand the traction benefits of dropping your tire pressure by 10 or 15 psi. ‘Blinkies’ and ‘hi-vis’ will enter your vocabulary. Before you know it, you’ll barely notice a little rain.
3. You’ll stay more consistent
Unless you live where the sun always shines, rainy days or spells (or seasons...) can put huge dents in your saddle time. Salvage those ride streaks by shreddin’ rain or shine. Maybe you used the rain as an excuse to ditch your ride in the past, but think of biking in the rain as a way to hone your skills and consistency.
4. You earn hero points
Seeing onlookers gape as you blast through conditions they don’t even like driving in never gets old. Family and friends will call you crazy, but you’ll know that deep inside, they’re wishing they had just an ounce of your chutzpah. Biking in the rain will earn you bravery rights.
5. It boosts confidence
All the skills gained and wisdom earned will give you more confidence when faced with rainy days, both on and off the bike. Because let’s face it, if you can ride through a stormy downpour with your body and mind intact, you’re ready for pretty much whatever.
6. You’ll feel like a kid
Biking in the rain and splashing through puddles is fun. Everyone knows it as a kid; they forget it as adults. Riding in the rain allows you to recapture those gems from your childhood.
7. You get some solitude
People tend to stay inside when it’s raining. That means you have the road, path, or trail to yourself. You’ll notice beauty where you may have previously just passed it by. Colors pop against the gray backdrop. You’ll wonder why you don’t ride solo in the rain more often.
8. You gain greater appreciation for comfort
When the thrill wears off and you get a little chilled and weary of the wet, there’s always the warmth of home to return to after your ride. Hot soup and a La-Z-Boy never feel so luxurious as they do after you’ve peeled off drenched cycling clothes, pulled on some fleece PJs, and settled in with the satisfaction of having braved the elements.
Oh, and those sunny days? They’ll be simply glorious.
4 Rainy Ride Essentials
SealSkinz Waterproof All Weather Cycle Cap
Keep your head warm and dry with this waterproof cycling cap.
Showers Pass Lightweight Waterproof Socks
Ditch your shoe covers for these hi-vis, waterproof socks.
Waterproof, windproof, plus they're reflective.
Nikwax Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On
Refresh your favorite rain gear with this spray.
