Slippery, wet, cold – for most of us riding in the rain is not a dream come true. Sometimes, however, maneuvering between the raindrops is necessary – when it finds us in training or race. How to behave in the rain to ride quickly and safely?
When riding on two thin wheels, pay attention to the elements that become slippery during rain:
In the case of riding in the rain, it is worth using disc brakes even though they might be criticized by many for road cycling. Decreasing the speed with their help is then faster, especially on long descents. However, if we are equipped with standard road brakes, it is worth sticking to a few rules:
In such conditions, it is best to stick to the front of the peloton, at about 1/3 looking from the front of the group. When moving to the back, there is a higher risk of “finding” an accident and trying to break at the speed of with approx. 50km/h on a flat road, when 50m before us someone is on the ground, is quite close to the term “impossible.”
The only, though somewhat miserable, consolation in the event of an accident in the rain is that the cuts are less substantial and painful than gliding a body over dry asphalt.
The simplest and sometimes the most effective solution is to escape – riding solo or in a group of only a few cyclists will not only increase your chances in the race but also reduce the risk of a crash when competing in the rain.
Remember also that when racing on the road the surest grip is the lower grip – it allows the strongest and the fastest braking, it also lowers the center of gravity. Try to spend more time on the bottom handle while racing in the rain.
Watch out on curves – the same angle of a turn as when riding on dry roads may not be ideal in the rain. Take a broader arc and a more upright position in relation to the surface – this will prevent the wheels from slipping
A few tips on equipment and clothing while riding in the rain:
If it’s raining all day, it is better not to go out and ride indoors on a trainer or postpone the training.
If the rain catches you during the training, it’s better to finish whatever you had planned. Unless the rainfall is so intense that it is not possible – then go straight to the house and possibly finish the rest of the exercise on a stationary bike (also for warming up).
After driving in the rain, I recommend taking a hot bath, drinking tea with lemon and going to bed if we have the opportunity.
Don’t miss out!