Training in the Rain

[Clyde]

Months ago, I set up some training (Ride Like a Pro) for a bunch of guys that I ride with for today. I figured late April would be decent weather... not too hot, decent chance of a sunny day, etc.

I wake up this morning to a 20-90% chance of rain (depending on which weather site I check). Training is rain or shine, and I know that if you don't ride in the rain, you won't know how to ride in the rain (a bit of wisdom from an old, grizzly rider). The calls have already started to come in asking if the training is cancelled. I'm curious as to how many students will forfeit their $50 deposit because they're not comfortable doing low-speed maneuvers in a wet parking lot.

The good news is, I didn't wash my bike in preparation for the training. I'll let mother nature take care of that for me! Worry not... the chain will be getting a little bit of extra love this evening.

Ride safe!

 

[Stevierst]

If you really don't ride in the rain, then really you don't ride.

(As my bike instructor buddy once said)

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

 

[DenArnold]

A training course I once attended in the Ardennes in the pooring rain started off with a comment from the instructor (while hiding in a cafee for a cup of coffee)

"Just follow my line. If my bike stays upright, your bike will too! "(this was the second day where the first day we were already broken in, especially in corner techniques and body positioning in dry circumstances)
and it worked as a mental thought when taking those technical curves on the Belgain roads...

 

[OldBiker]

It seems that whenever I want to take a long ride it undoubtably rains. You live with it and learn from it because if you don't you won't know what to do when it does rain on you.

Low speed parking lot training should not even be an issue other than getting a little wet.

Which reminds me of a question I used to get when commuting, "What do you do if it rains?" My answer always was "You get wet."

 

[coalt45]

"Just follow my line. If my bike stays upright, your bike will too! "

And if your bike starts sliding around? :stunta]:

 

[loosenut]

I say take advantage of it. If you can maneuver your bike in reduced traction, imagine how much confidence you will bring with you in dry conditions.

 

[DenArnold]

And if your bike starts sliding around? :stunta]:

if it already starts sliding around than too late :ugh:. if you feel bike starts sliding, keep on traction and ensure the bike's balance is not disturbed, ie no sudden closing/opening throttle and hard braking...and keep looking where you wanna go. In most cases when you are off the slipery patch the bike will get traction again...