Wet Wet Wet!

[superjackal]

Got pretty soaked in 20 mins this morning on the way to work. I rode all winter, all weathers, and didn’t get as wet as I did today.

If this keeps up I’m going to have to keep a dry pair of undies at work!

GNJ

[Dragon]

Got pretty soaked in 20 mins this morning on the way to work. I rode all winter, all weathers, and didn’t get as wet as I did today.

If this keeps up I’m going to have to keep a dry pair of undies at work!

GNJ

You should read my post about yesterdays weather from my thread


Forgot how bad it is to ride in the rain

When I was younger I used to ride from Roseneath near Port Chalmers in Dunedin to Kaikorai valley, I have ridden in rain/sleet and snow/ice.

Wearing the same gear minus my new helmet this morning I got wetter then I ever have in my life

Pretty much only my head was dry when I got into work

So glad I can shower etc at work and I brought a spare set of clothes

Should have my new Qrace gear tomorrow so hopefully that keeps me alittle drier with my camo water proof suit over the top

This morning I only had the over trou on as I had left the top half at work (not a smart move)

I left home at 622 and got to work around 730 so was about an hour ride :( blah

The road works at Paekoriki hill really slowed me down and was a pita :'(

Oh yeah also had a few cars cut in front of me and slam on there brakes so had a few fun emergency quick stops in the wet :S

having the rear end fishtail as I try to gear down and not fly over the handle bars with the bike staying upright is very interesting

I must admit my balance is amazing at low speed now

1-2 gear in grid lock doing under 5km with feet off up on the pegs so pretty proud

took me 90mins to get home only this time I kept my core dry as I had the top waterproof jacket on :) I managed to miss the rain this morning :p

[superjackal]

You should read my post about yesterdays weather from my thread



took me 90mins to get home only this time I kept my core dry as I had the top waterproof jacket on :) I managed to miss the rain this morning :p

My sympathies, I had a similar experience yesterday. I’m still not 100% sure how much grip the bike has in the wet. I don’t really want to test it but I’m guessing it’s much less than in the dry.

On the motorway yesterday there were huge running rivers/puddles and lots of plonkers. I haven’t aquaplaned on a bike yet and I’m guessing that it’s not pleasurable. Speaking of which, what do you do when a bike aquaplanes? My instinct would be to let it ride and not try to correct. Is this right?

I don’t really mind getting a bit wet, but for once I’d like a long, hot, dry summer!

[Dragon]

My sympathies, I had a similar experience yesterday. I’m still not 100% sure how much grip the bike has in the wet. I don’t really want to test it but I’m guessing it’s much less than in the dry.

On the motorway yesterday there were huge running rivers/puddles and lots of plonkers. I haven’t aquaplaned on a bike yet and I’m guessing that it’s not pleasurable. Speaking of which, what do you do when a bike aquaplanes? My instinct would be to let it ride and not try to correct. Is this right?

I don’t really mind getting a bit wet, but for once I’d like a long, hot, dry summer!

I find roads that have wet patches are worse to ride on then completely dry or wet roads, I havent had any issues with traction in the wet yet but I do tend to brake earlier come off the throttle etc

Umm aquaplaning I try keep my speed constant and just keep the bike up right but I there could be a better way to do it, ive been avoiding pools and puddles like the plague last thing you want to do is try brake or change gear in the middle of water

im sure someone with more riding expirence will comment haha

[george formby]

You need to develop the "there is no spoon" mentality.
Riding in the rain does affect grip & visibility but the bike behaves exactly the same so give yourselves a bit more space on the road & bit more attention to things on the road which are particularly treacherous in the wet. White lines, over banding, drain covers etc. Do everything smoothly & stay relaxed.
I love riding in the rain, clears the mind beautifully.
Go find somewhere safe & practice braking in the rain. I guarantee you will be surprised how much grip you have on normal tarmac. Practice will make you more relaxed which is always a good thing and it gets rid of the "how much grip" question.