Anyone else caught out by the flash flooding in Auckland earlier in the week?

[f2dz]

I had to run a quick errand in Mt Eden from work in the CBD during lunch and it started pouring as I left the parking building. Almost wiped out turning onto Symonds Street and then kept it around 20-30km/h all the way to Dominion Road.

I've only been riding a couple weeks so this was definitely a challenge for me. When I got back to the office I was exhausted, soaked, and my phone had gotten wet and broken in my pocket. Had to leave my desk for a few minutes every hour to try to dry my gear out with a hand dryer in the bathroom so I could still use it to ride to a movie that night.

All in all an experience though, and just glad I made it back in one piece with my bike safe and sound.

Would be interested in hearing your experience if you were as stupid as I was to be riding out in it too. :P

[5150]

Ah, the joys of winter and wet weather riding. Invest in a decent wet weather riding suit and carry it with you somewhere on the bike incase you have to ride in the rain.

[f2dz]

Yea I'll have to do that, not really wanting it to happen again.

My shirt underneath was completely soaked through too, had to wear a tshirt for the rest of the day around the office..

[Maha]

Yea I'll have to do that, not really wanting it to happen again.

My shirt underneath was completely soaked through too, had to wear a tshirt for the rest of the day around the office..

I have one (as new) for sale...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/150740-Dririder-rain-suit

$60 is just a guide :niceone:

[G4L4XY]

Well I didn't get caught in the worst of it, was lucky enough just to get to work when it wasn't coming down too hard. Had a waterproof jacket on which kept me dry as! Then at night wasn't even raining sweet!!

[DangerMice]

I saw a security guard trying to replace a popped manhole cover in Victoria Street. Does him dropping his car keys down the drain that was gysering water knee-high count as getting caught? :clap:

[f2dz]

I have one (as new) for sale...http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/150740-Dririder-rain-suit

$60 is just a guide :niceone:

Tempting, very tempting, but I think I may just have to hold off for now and just pick my riding times carefully. Got a few bills coming up so am having to penny pinch a bit.


I saw a security guard trying to replace a popped manhole cover in Victoria Street. Does him dropping his car keys down the drain that was gysering water knee-high count as getting caught? :clap:

Bugger, that just adds insult to injury doesn't it?

[tbs]

When I got back to the office I was exhausted, .......
Would be interested in hearing your experience if you were as stupid as I was to be riding out in it too. :P

Sounds like the weather caused you to tense up on the bike... That used to happen to me, more-so in windy conditions, and it will make riding ten times harder than it needs to be and make you tired real quick.

Keep loose.... make sure you can flap your arms and your teeth aren't clenched, and always turn your head to look where you want to go. Grip the bike with your knees, but keep your upper body loose. The bike can slip around a bit under you, especially riding over all those sealed up cracks that seem to be everywhere, but it won't just fall over. It gets easier.

Of course getting wet and cold will make you tense up too. I have a one piece rain-suit and I have yet to ever get wet in it. My pin-lock visor helps too.... no fogging.


Get along to SASS or NASS for some assistance with technique, and book yourself into a Prorider course as soon as they start up again. Check the Meetings and Events forum.

b.

[matdaymon]

I sat my full 6 during the wetness. Was lucky the worst of it was over by the time of my test or they would have cancelled it. Testing guy didnt even think I'd show up for my test. Like I'm gonna pay $109 to not show up <_< silly cagers

[PrincessBandit]

I rode in the worst of the downpour into the city and back home. Walked in my house, peeled myself out of dripping jacket, pants, gloves, soaked helmet and made a beeline for the fire (which I'd had on earlier in the day) - stood naked in front of it until my blood temp had risen sufficiently to make it to the bathroom for a hot shower.
Now I don't mind riding in the rain at all, but combined with zero visibility and gusting swirling wind I'd have to say that day was right up there with the more unpleasant riding experiences I've had.