Love Cycling? What about rain? Cosy weather? want to ride bicycle in the rain?
It’s almost here. Monsoon, the season of Rain in South Asian Countries, that impact the overall lifeline of our people is here. Though rain is the source of snowfall on the large Himalayan glaciers and water flow in Indian and Asian rivers, it’s frankly a hardship for our cities. Waterlogged roads and muddy water along with all kinds of pollution spread on the road make it a curse for large cities.
It’s so no good feeling for people who love to ride on these narrow roads with high-density traffic all the time. Especially, when it rains, as a cyclist, you ride on that side of the road where water flow and logging are highest, and water splashes on you by the fast running cars and buses.
It’s a troubling experience for all of us, yet we want to ride. I thought about it and realized there are some essential safety and riding principles for all of us that can help us enjoy the ride. Let’s explore these here.
Rule-1: Always imagine, that it will rain today.
If you are not aware of the weather in South Asia, let me tell you, it may rain even if your forecast shows a clear sky during the Monsoon season. At the same time, you would find in your 10-50 km journey, that some parts of the city would be dry whereas others would be fully submerged in water. Therefore, be prepared already that it will rain on the way to your ride.
Rule-2: Carry essentials
If it rains, let’s see how prepared are you. check these accessories/apparel before your ride.
- A Rain Proof Jacket: A thin layer of jacket that can be kept in your jersey pocket is always advisable during the rainy season.
- Mobile Pouch: keep a safety pouch for your mobile, watch or any other gadget that is vulnerable to the rain. Yes, of course, it’s small in size but could save you thousands. If you don’t have one, carry transparent polythene which can help you to see the phone if needed.
- Ass saver: All those who love to ride without mudguards to save the extra grams of the bicycle. Buy it now. It saves the mud from reaching your back to the helmet. It’s so tiny that can be used for the season only. It would be within 400-600 INR in India. It gives a great look o your bike too.
- Some Cash: I always fear getting a puncture or any sort of damage during the ride which is very hard to fix during the ride. So your return plan should be ready.
- Cycling Cap: Remember, as rain falls from your head side, like the headwind, it’s impossible to maintain focus while riding. Rain Cap helps you to avoid the rain slapping on your face and gives you more protection for your eyes.
Rule-3: Check the Weather forecast
Why not see the chances of rain. If you know it’s a heavy rain day, you could surely avoid that situation.
Rule-6: Change your tires
Remember, all tires are designed to ride in different road conditions. You could upgrade your tires that are more puncture-proof and have high resistance & road grip. As I mentioned in the beginning, continuing cycling is important in all seasons so we would need specific preparations
Rule-4 Reduce Air Pressure
if you can’t upgrade your tires during monsoon seasons, you could use this method. When you are riding on wet roads or a rainy day, you probably know that you will be slower than on other days. These days, you wish to ride but with more caution. High-pressure tires have lower rolling resistance which is quite dangerous in wet conditions. You may reduce it by 10% to increase the rolling resistance which will help you to ride safe. This is too important for road cyclists with thinner tires.
Rule-5: Ride slow and Ride on the known routes
Cycling on a rainy day is cool in itself but it’s not time to explore new routes. You would not be aware of the potholes on the sides. In some cases, the drainage systems are open which could lead to accidents. Also, you would be more cautious on known dangerous points on the rainy ride day.
Rule-6: Be more visible
I always say, whether riding on wet roads or at night or even day time, you should be visible to other people on road. Rain will reduce that visibility for everyone which is dangerous for people to balance on two wheels. You must ensure, your rain jacket is of bright colours and you have the rear light on.
Rule-7: Wait for the storm to pass
I believe you could avoid a certain period of rain when it’s too heavy and wait for a while. Avoid your stoppage under a tree or any object that might fall due to heavy rain, wind or storm.
Rule-8: Don’t ride
If you are aware that today is a difficult day, don’t ride. Don’t take those unnecessary risks on a heavy rain day. You would have more than 300 more days to ride even if you skip 64 days due to rain.
I know it’s hard to say not to ride for 2 months, but it’s better to be prepared for the season before it starts hitting your riding schedule. There could be many other rules and issues about different geographics and conditions i.e. mountain biking must be completely shut down during the rainy season. You should always work as per your comfort and judgement of the conditions. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and push yourself for unnecessary rides.
If you have any suggestions or any rule which is missing here or if you like this article, pls feel free to put them in the comment box.
We wish you a happy and safe ride!
