Staying Dry on Your Commute

October 20, 2010 at 7:18 am | Posted in Resources | 3 Comments
Tags: Staying Dry

Photo Credit bikecommutetips.blogspot.com

This past week has been unseasonably rainy.   Here are a few suggestions on what to wear and how to equip your bicycle to make sure that you stay relatively dry on your daily commute.

RIDING IN THE RAIN OR IN COLD WEATHER?

In the rain, wear water-resistant clothing to keep you dry, and consider bringing a change of clothes and shoes.

Consider getting some rain gear. Many people like to have attire specifically made for riding in the rain, such as raincoats and rain pants which are designed to keep you dry while maintaining breathability and wicking ability. Booties, waterproof/water-resistant shoe covers, can also be worn to keep your shoes from getting wet.

If you find yourself caught in a rain storm unprepared, you can always make a raincoat poncho out of a large garbage bag by simply cutting out holes for your arms and head.

For the cold weather, try riding tights, riding pants or long underwear, windbreakers and wool sweaters. Wool is warm and lightweight.
Arm warmers and gloves are easy to remove and stash in your pocket as you heat up on your ride.

HOW TO EQUIP YOUR BIKE FOR THE RAIN

Installing fenders and mudguards on the front and back wheels will minimize splatter on your clothes and bicycle from wet and dirty streets.

It’s a matter of mixing and matching to find out what works best for you. Have fun and enjoy the rain!

Some of this info can be found in the new and improved LACBC Resource Guide to be released very soon.  Stay tuned to purchase your copy!

If you have additional suggestions for folks on what to wear and how to stay dry riding in the rain, please add them in the comments section.