Do you consider riding in the rain and wind dangerous?

[Voltaire]

I don't like the wind, rain is ok, I leave more space in front of me when riding......that usually sees a car dive in on the motorway.
Yesterday I took the wifes car as I can't be bothered leaving home in the pouring rain.
Riding over the bridge has a higher wind factor, they used to close it to bikes, do they still do that?

[willytheekid]

Ride to the conditions. I think stupid humans are more dangerous than wind or rain.

+1

Summed it up perfectly!


I rode home yesterday during that wee hail/sleet fall...SOOOOO many people driving like complete tools!! (Ohh look, hail buid up...must approach lights at mark2!!...OMG!!!, why am I skidding???....FRIGGIN TOOLS!)

[leathel]

just ride to the conditions... I ride in both, If I wash my bike its guaranteed to rain on the next ride

My bike has a pretty low center of gravity so I have been out in some pretty bad winds when doing the west coast roads and you sure need to bank still, not sure I would be out in that on a higher top heavy bike in some of the winds I have been in.

Just make sure the tyres are up to the task and gear up.....

Hate it when you forget to put a scarf or neck sock on and get dribbles going down the front .....

[Swoop]

Not "more dangerous" just different challenges.

Yesterday was good. All the nice people who like to sit in their cars and crawl along at 10kmh... if they are lucky.

Winter is one of the best times of year to be on the bike. Get to the destination drier than when taking the car, and most certainly faster.

I haven't worked out why people "park up the bike for winter". Odd really.

[sgtp]

for me, the 3 factors to consider is wind, rain, and riding at night(ie, less visibility). One factor tends to be manageable, any two from the list will be a challenge but ussually not a problem, but all 3 and my riding caution goes up to 11. But saying that, I have turned around and went home instead of continuing on into work due to extremely high winds. Binning the bike when slowly crossing roadwords on a windy mountian pass will change you mind really quick....

[Rhubarb]

I have ridden in all types of weather including snow, frosts, strong winds, horizontal rain etc - when an SL100 was my only form of transport.

Now I ride purely for pleasure.

I get no pleasure from being wet and cold - so I choose not to ride in inclement conditions.




Ride to the conditions and your ability/confidence in those conditions.
Assume those with 4 wheels or more haven't seen you or don't care.

[f2dz]

I love riding in the rain and wind for some weird reason.

The thing that bothers me is how rain affects visibility inside a car. But in terms of general riding, you just have to slow down is all.

I should clarify that I don't mind commuting in any kind of weather (have even ridden during a flash flood!) but if it's raining on the weekend I usually don't bother heading out for the usual blat.

[Banditbandit]

I find the wind more of an issue; especially if it is gusty and side-on but you get use to riding in it.

However since moving up to the 600 i find the wind much less of an issue. The 250 got blown all over the road.

True .. when I got blown across the road it was on a 400 .. the bigger bikes certainly make a difference with extra weight they are more stable

But then my BMW Beast was a big sail in a cross wind .. pain in the arsde ...

So Fat Lesbian ... get a bigger bike and you won't notice the wind as much ..

[Flip]

It all depends on how I am feeling about the risks.

My 1200 Triumph Trophy was a handfull to ride in cross winds. The Harley is very easy to ride in relatively gusty conditions.

We went over the Hast Pass in a snow storm one Queens Birthday weekend and didnt have a problem. I rode over the Auckland Harbor Bridge in a zephyr and hated the experience.

I drove to Dunedin yesterday in the snow storm and found the motorway closed. I went over Mt Cargill Rd and went in to Dunedin the back way. Right on the top of the mount there was a couple of dirt bike riders having fun in the snow storm.

[sels1]

I love riding in the rain and wind for some weird reason.

Yeah, it makes the ritual of putting on all the extra gear worthwhile...

[Tigadee]

Do you consider riding in the wet, rain and cold in traffic etc. a little risky?

No... I just hate getting wet AND cold!

Other than that, I ride in the wet/rain/cold fine and usually enjoy it, especially when the road's jam packed bumper-to-bumper with cars...

I have low expectations on the waterproof-ness of my gear, so a waterproof PVC jumpsuit worn under my usual gear keeps me dry and happy any rainy day now.

[nerrrd]

Is it dangerous? I guess there are extra factors to take into account, all mentioned above, if you do that you should be sweet...not sure telling that to an anxious relative would convince them though.

I'm another one who enjoys braving the elements, don't have a choice either with no car.

Having said that car drivers barrelling along at 65 in a torrential downpour two feet apart from each other talking on their phones are a pet peeve of mine

Dare I mention hivis at this point? At least it shows other people you're making an effort...wash my mouth out.

[willytheekid]

...I haven't worked out why people "park up the bike for winter". Odd really.

I too struggle to understand this strange "storage" act?...do bikes dissolve in water?

....I get so friggin lonely in winter ....the rest of year I have a sore arm from waving at all the fellow chch bikers, then winter hits...nadda!(So I have to make up for it by waving at the popo!...even more than usual!!* lol)



*And yes!, most DO wave back!...coz they is good sorts down here


ps...congrats on the pic of week, one hell of a bike that is, its certainly not scared of winter either! (but I did fit some hotgrips...just to be flash!...it feels kinda wrong to be honest )

[Maha]

Not dangerous if you treat the conditions with respect..it's your life after all.

Personally, I wouldn't get on my bike and ride if the weather is (in my opinion) of arse. That's why we also own a nice car.
Have been caught in some of the most atrocious riding conditions in prior years, but as per sentence #1
I don't mind the wind or the rain, but the two combined I can well do without.

[blackdog]

If I can prevent it, I won't ride in rain that is less than zero degrees. Like Gremlin, snow on the Desert Rd is an experience I'm in no hurry to repeat.

Yes, take care but you should be doing that anyway. It has been mentioned, but GEAR is the most important thing here. Your brain and body doesn't work to capacity when sodden and hypothermic.

Hell, what am I saying? Half the brains 'round here don't function in optimum conditions. If you get on yer bike with your shirt on the right way in, and your laces done up all by yourself you are doing better than me.