Bad luck: while you had planned a long bike ride on this day of rest, the rain plays as a last-minute guest. And when you say cycling in the rain, you say slippery roads, clothes that stick to your skin, reduced visibility, coexistence with the truck, the most dangerous vehicle, even more complicated... Just by thinking about what awaits you, your motivation will increase. takes a big hit (and yes, perhaps the inhabitants of Normandy, Hauts de France or Brittany could be less reluctant...because they are more used to driving in the rain!)
If we do not promise to make you enjoy cycling in rainy weather with the wave of a magic wand, we have nevertheless listed some tips that will allow you to better understand the vagaries of the weather.
Waterproof equipment, like for motorbikes in fact: essential for cycling in the rain
Nothing is more unpleasant than finishing an outing totally soaked and stuffed (or even freezing) in clothes that stick to your skin. It is therefore essential, if you plan to ride in the rain, to invest in waterproof technical equipment.
- Put a hat under your helmet or a cover over it. Your head stays dry. There are different types of hats. The most effective are those made from waterproof fabric. Their disadvantage: they are not breathable and can therefore cause some discomfort. You can therefore opt for an intermediate solution with the cotton hat: not too hot and which provides acceptable protection against rain that is not too heavy. You also have the option of wearing an aerodynamic helmet and blocking the vents.
- Waterproof socks and gloves are essential if you must ride in rainy weather. This equipment is often made of neoprene and retains your body heat while preventing it from getting wet. They are available in several models and adapt to all types of climatic conditions.
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Water-repellent jackets and tights are other essential items if you regularly have to cycle in the rain. The latest models benefit from the advantages of technical textile called Gore-Tex®. They are waterproof and breathable and allow you to stay dry for a long time. Prefer close-fitting clothing: rain is often accompanied by squalls. And, in addition to suffering the inconvenience of the rain, you certainly don't want to ride into the wind suffering from the parachute effect .
- Don't forget about a pair of suitable glasses if you have to ride your bike and it's raining. Seeing well is essential and it is best to protect your eyes from water and mud that could bother them.
A well-prepared bike
If you want to go out cycling in rainy weather, consider installing mudguards, as well as lights, flashing or permanent.
There are mudguards that clip on and are therefore easily removable, but they should be considered as additional accessories, to be used in light or very occasional rain. If you have to deal with a lot of rainy sessions, it's better to opt for complete models that cover your wheels much more. Their only drawback: they do not fit all bikes because they require supports and require a little space between the frame and the tire.
Change your wheels and choose them that are durable and equipped with an anti-puncture belt. The risks of damaging them are greater in the rain and no one wants to repair or change them under downpours. For your safety, and because the roads are often slippery when it rains, select the widest model possible.
Cycling in the rain: safety tips
Driving in the rain can quickly become dangerous. You should, for example, avoid getting into puddles , especially if you don't have good visibility of what they are hiding. They can cover a pothole or crack. Avoid them as much as possible by trying to move into the next lane – while respecting basic safety rules. Road grip is essential to avoid aquaplaning.
If you see rainbow-like stains on the floor, do your best to avoid them. They usually appear when rain starts to fall and are in fact oil residue that rises to the surface of puddles.
Ensure your safety by reducing your tire pressure . You thus increase their surface area, your grip on the road and your comfort. Don't deprive yourself of it!
Remember that rain is not a motorist's best friend either - if you already watch out for them in dry weather, you should be even more vigilant around cars in wet weather! Normally most drivers will do the same on wet roads when visibility is reduced, turning on fog lights, low beams, reducing their speed and respecting a wider braking distance to avoid accidents. But we know very well that this is not the case. not the majority of these drivers who are dangerous but rather a tiny minority, who think that windshield wipers are enough, and that it is not necessary to reduce speed, that accidents are only for others, and that they are anyway protected in their large vehicles.
Rain causes a marked reduction in visibility not only for you but also for other users, trucks and cars in particular. So opt for light-colored clothing – never mind the dirty side – and add reflective strips, this can also be very useful in foggy weather to be visible from vehicle headlights. In case of very heavy rain, also equip yourself with lights.
Finally, we always remain more visible if we do this bike ride as a team , with several people, and not alone. Obviously, beyond a certain number of riders (generally more than 10), we recommend having a vehicle, car or motorcycle (headlights on and with a distinctive sign to inform other road users of this group of cyclists) to ideally follow, possibly precede the group of runners.
Although outings in the rain are generally shortened, the fact remains that they must also be accompanied by appropriate nutrition. Stimium® Rgn3 Reload or Stimium® Rgn3 Clean-Up isotonic drinks to replenish vitamins and minerals may be less necessary because nutrient losses will be less significant due to less sweating! On the other hand, our Stimium® Boost and Stimium® Pro-Nrj Gums for the immediate energy they provide and the ease of consumption will always be relevant, especially since they are eaten quickly and do not require leaving your hands off the handlebars. too long, which is always more risky in rainy weather.
Finally, Stimium Bacopa will not make you superhuman with the wave of a magic wand, but will help you to be even more focused than usual, by strengthening concentration, allowing you to manage stress, and increasing motivation. in order to intensify efforts and increase the speed of information processing. Staying focused to anticipate the dangers of driving in the rain is obviously more than necessary.
And you, what are your tips and tricks for riding in the rain safely (and with more comfort)? Singing and Riding in the Rain'
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