Riding in bad weather

As usual, when we come to the end of the year, so does the rainy season. When bad weather arrives, most people say "this sucks" but it doesn't really have to be so.


Riding in the wet can be more educational than riding in the dry. It is after all, a matter of perspective, as to whether riding in bad weather can be fun or not. The first thing is, wrap up well. Make sure you have good waterproofs or raincoat, good gloves, and good waterproof boots. Otherwise, use rain covers to protect your boots. Also, make sure you have a decent helmet that doesn't mist up easily. If you don't, get a foggy mask, and a neck warmer or scarf pulled up over the mouth can also help to prevent mist formation on your visor.


While riding, there are hidden and not so hidden hazards when riding in the wet. Things to look out for, include:

1.Diesel. Often seen as a smeary rainbow type effect, especially prominent at roundabouts, at traffic lights, and corners.

2.Wet manhole covers. These aren't too bad unless you happen to be leant right over, and you are opening the throttle. Beware that they will be very slippery, but don't weave or swerve around them, as that can upset the bike more.

3.White lines. When they are wet, they are very slippery, and can cause you to lose the front or back end of your bike.

When riding in the wet, your tyres won't get up to the desired temperatures as fast as in the dry. So, be extra smooth and cautious for the first 15-20 minutes. The key to riding in the wet is to be smooth, be gentle with the throttle, the clutch and the brakes. Smooth really is the keyword here, easy and gentle with everything, allow extra time for your braking, use slightly more rear brake, and then the front brake.

Remember the smoothness, and the extra braking distances required to stop, allow more time to do things, look further ahead, and be prepared to act earlier to any hazard that may present itself. Riding in the wet can be rewarding and educational, it will help you learn the limits of your bike, and will increase your reaction times, and the ability to look further ahead. This will translate to your dry riding.

Next time that it rains, jump in your warm, visible kit, and go out on purpose, with smoothness in mind. You will be amazed by how much you learn.