I've always enjoyed the rain when I was a kid. I would often sneak out of the house and get soaked to my mom’s disagreement. Playing under the rain was such joy as me and my playmates would run around and play with the puddles among other things. Going back home drenched and facing my mom’s wrath was another story.
Now, riding in the rain is a totally different experience. Just recently, I was caught in a heavy downpour in the evening. The riding considerations suddenly became different. The rain made visibility harder thus riding became more challenging.
I want to share a list of things you can do to make things safer for you
1. Don’t ride in the rain! If you can let the downpour pass, I suggest you do so. Find a safe dry place to stop. I DO NOT recommend staying under overpasses as you are likely to get into an accident as other commuters will not expect a stopped vehicle there. Gasoline stations, convenience stores or a designated “lay-by” would be better options.
2. Waterproof your stuff. Invest in good raingear. I suggest getting the jacket and pants combo against the “poncho” that flies out and can get caught whilst you’re moving and potentially cause a crash. Of course you will also need to keep your other belongings dry so make sure you have zip lock bags for your important items like your mobile phone and wallet. An extra plastic bag that can act as a rain cover for your other stuff (backpack, etc.) is also nice to keep handy.
3. Maintain extra distance. We all know that your stopping power is compromised in wet conditions.
4. Be more defensive. Be on the lookout for potential hazards. Pedestrians have the tendency to suddenly dart out running to avoid getting wet. Other commuters may suddenly swerve to avoid potholes and puddles so there is that need to be more alert.
5. Be careful of what lies beneath. As the water may cover up the road, you have to little idea if there is a crack on the road, a pothole, or an open manhole so take extra precaution.
6. Take it slow. There is a possibility of hydroplaning or your bike going under you on turns which can be avoided with slower speeds.
7. Be wary of regular road stuff. On dry conditions, these are just ok but on wet, try to avoid them, especially when braking as they tend to be very slippery - road lines, metal plates, manhole covers, etc.
8. Avoid flooded roads. Other than the possibility of stalling, you stand the risk of blowing up your engine if water gets sucked into the combustion chamber.
I want to share a list of things you can do to make things safer for you
1. Don’t ride in the rain! If you can let the downpour pass, I suggest you do so. Find a safe dry place to stop. I DO NOT recommend staying under overpasses as you are likely to get into an accident as other commuters will not expect a stopped vehicle there. Gasoline stations, convenience stores or a designated “lay-by” would be better options.
2. Waterproof your stuff. Invest in good raingear. I suggest getting the jacket and pants combo against the “poncho” that flies out and can get caught whilst you’re moving and potentially cause a crash. Of course you will also need to keep your other belongings dry so make sure you have zip lock bags for your important items like your mobile phone and wallet. An extra plastic bag that can act as a rain cover for your other stuff (backpack, etc.) is also nice to keep handy.
3. Maintain extra distance. We all know that your stopping power is compromised in wet conditions.
4. Be more defensive. Be on the lookout for potential hazards. Pedestrians have the tendency to suddenly dart out running to avoid getting wet. Other commuters may suddenly swerve to avoid potholes and puddles so there is that need to be more alert.
5. Be careful of what lies beneath. As the water may cover up the road, you have to little idea if there is a crack on the road, a pothole, or an open manhole so take extra precaution.
6. Take it slow. There is a possibility of hydroplaning or your bike going under you on turns which can be avoided with slower speeds.
7. Be wary of regular road stuff. On dry conditions, these are just ok but on wet, try to avoid them, especially when braking as they tend to be very slippery - road lines, metal plates, manhole covers, etc.
8. Avoid flooded roads. Other than the possibility of stalling, you stand the risk of blowing up your engine if water gets sucked into the combustion chamber.
Since we live in a country with two seasons (sometimes described as wet and very wet), we just need to be extra careful when riding in the rain.
Ride safe guys!
This is how your visor will look like
Finding whatever shelter is available and wait for the rain to ease up.
Riding in the rain
Reviewed by NewbieAt50
on
November 08, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by NewbieAt50
on
November 08, 2017
Rating:
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