Its Vancouver, and its raining. Does that mean that its time to get into the stuffy car, struggle to see through the foggy windshield and burn petrol into my neighbours lungs?
No, its time to rediscover the beauty of cycling in the rain.
With the right equipment and attitude, riding in the rain is several steps above driving, leaving you energized and fit, instead of irritated and at risk of expensive automobile accidents. And it is safer, because on your bike you get the whole periphery of the road, the sidewalk, the neighbourhood, while drivers can only look at small sections of their surroundings through their box shaped, rain splattered windows.
Just remember to:
-Wear a Helmet with a Visor, or at least just a visor (if you insist, you rebel), preferably a longer one if you wear glasses, to prevent the water droplets on the glass from blinding you just like the drivers.
-Tight pants in a light material that will dry within minutes once you get to your destination, or a change of pants if that is more convenient.
-Waterproof Jacket and Shoes, so essential to keep you functioning through the day.
-Warm waterproof gloves, this could be the only item on the list for me, and I would be comfortable enough to go.
-Lights on both the front and back of your bike. Seriously, visibly for the drivers is so much lower on the rainy days, don’t give them a chance to not see you.
-A Go-Hard, light hearted attitude. Have fun, and enjoy how extreme and energizing it feels to be riding in the rain, hills are easier and fun when it is cold and wet, and your body likes to be doing this cardio out in the elements. Trust me, you will be glowing when you get to where you were going, and most of the fun will have been in getting there.
Don’t let the changing of the seasons stop you from partaking in this enjoyable form of transport, and let the benefits of cycle commuting permeate through your life.
