Let’s face it, we are all going to get wet if you ride a bike. Riding an ebike in the wet weather is not a big deal but getting soaked or cold is particularly unpleasant. However, if you prepare for it, you can avoid it being a total washout!
Preparation
- Take a rain jacket – there is loads of choice around. If you choose a Goretex one, it will avoid condensation building up on the inside of your jacket, which also gets you damp.
- If you have them, take waterproof trousers. (they are a good investment if you don’t)
- Have a waterproof bag or pannier that you can put your phone, purse, camera etc. in.
- Plastic bags – If you don’t have a waterproof bag then wrap your stuff in plastic bags and make sure water can’t get in anywhere. If it can it will, water is destructive.
- You can buy waterproof overshoes but if you don’t have them put plastic bags over your trainers.
- Mud guards – the rain will not be the only water that gets you wet. Water kicked up from the ground will soak you far quicker. Mudguards are a great investment. Ensure they are long enough and wide enough for the water to be directed away from you.
During the ride
- Slow down – Use gentle, progressive braking to avoid sliding and allow for greater stopping distances.
- Stay away from white lines on the road as they can get slippery.
- If it has not rained in a while, diesel can get washed onto the tarmac which can make it slippery too.
- Newly laid tarmac can be like an ice rink for bikes as the rain can wash oil from the fresh asphalt, so take care.
- Grit and muck can get thrown up by the tires into your face, this is unpleasant if it gets in your eyes. Glasses with clear lenses are preferable.
- Wooden bridges and cattle grids, both can be very slippy in the wet, so ride straight on to them, don’t brake and keep your speed down.
After
- Clean your bike, especially your drive chain (front chainwheel, chain and cassette (cogs at the back). Grit will wear you chain out quicker.
- Oil the chain lightly after cleaning.
- Dry off connection points for your battery and computer if they have got wet. The potential for short circuiting is minimal but still a risk.
If you ride in the rain a lot, it may be worth buying Gortex gear as you can get soaked from inside out in clothing which is not breathable.
A lot of summer storms in Europe pass quickly so to save a lot of hassle, go for coffee or find somewhere to shelter.
