When it comes to fitness, bike riding is one of the best exercises you can do for cardio and to work out your legs. So many people use the gym for spin classes but buying your own bike and enjoying the great outdoors is a lot of fun for the whole family. It is a wonderful way to work out any time of year, including when it is raining.
With the crazy weather going on each day, you don’t have to change your plans for exercising just because it may be wet outside. You can safely exercise in light rain if you follow these safety tips.
1. Dress appropriately for the weather! Your clothing should be comfortable and made to keep you dry and warm. You can purchase water resistant and waterproof rain gear that is specifically made for bike riders.
2. Invest in proper eye wear to keep the water from getting into your eyes and make sure the lens will help cut down light and road glare caused by the rain.
3. Avoid going through puddles and standing water as much as possible. Going through them can cause you to slide, splash water and mud plus it can damage your brake pads. Go around the puddles when possible and make sure to inspect your brakes before hitting the road or trails.
4. When you know you will be riding in the rain, it is best to use a heavier chain lube than what you normally do. Lube is easily washed off by water. Carry extra lube with you if you will be riding for an extended period of time.
5. Slow down and take your time! Remember, as cars pass by they will kick up water onto you. Try riding in designated bike lines and on bicycle paths to avoid cars and other pedestrians.
6. Invest in lighting and reflectors for your bike. Visibility is often diminished when the weather outside is dismal.
7. Always towel dry your bike off when you are done! This will help to prevent rusting, pitting to your paint finish and corrosion.
8. If the weather becomes more than a light rain or it starts thundering and lightening, get to safety immediately.
You can enjoy the outdoors anytime and even enjoy bike riding in the rain, just like you used to when you were a kid. Follow these tips for a safe ride and have fun!
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I have seen lots of people ride a bike in the rain, I tried to avoid this. I have seen some people – in school – slide on slick surfaces and fall of there bike! Yikes! Probably best to avoid, but keep body covered to avoid scrapes!
These are good tips for bike riders and I shall remind my son of some of them. He has the special clothes and lube, but he has taken some spills. I want to start riding a bike again, but I shall start in good weather.
Good tips! I wish some of the bike riders I see in Midtown Manhattan would read this. Rain, shine, snow – they go zipping (helmetless) in and out through traffic on Lexington, Madison, Fifth Avenue – pedaling thruogh red lights – it is a dangerous situation. Someone gets knocked over almost daily!
Thanks for the tips. I remember it being cool to go through puddles when I was little ,but not any more.
Great tips, but I have not ridden my bike in the rain. I think that it is somewhat dangerous, but if I had to I know I would wear my 100% waterproof jacket and pants. I do not think that a little rain is bad. But the other day, it rained so hard you could not see in front of you. I would not ride in torrential rain.
Great tips and things to think about. Lights and reflectors on bikes are important for the rain and for night or early morning riding. I didn’t realize that you could get gear for rain specifically for bike riders. I will have to check into that. My son and daughter-in-law live in Florida and are big bike riders. Rain is a common occurrence there.
I don’t ride bikes anymore due to my health, but I miss it so much! When we lived in Oregon we rode our bikes everywhere! They have bike lanes everywhere which made it so much easier. Here in the south where I live, 99% of the time you share the lane with vehicles. But these are all great tips for those that still can enjoy it!
Hmm, I wonder if I can still ride a bike, lol? It’s been a really long time!