Happy to go out in the rain?

[mister c]

I ride to work in virtually any weather but my confidence took a massive knock in January when I crashed (in the rain). I now find myself tensing up every time I get to a corner, or roundabout. I have started talking to myself to try & lean the bike a bit more knowing that I'm not going to fall of, but it's not working.
I used to say I was the worlds worst wet weather rider, but I'm even worse now . I wont be beaten though & I will get my confidence back. I think wet weather riding helps with things like throttle control & balance so everyone should have a go at it

Bike out
Gear on
Rain



now Ive got to put all my stuff away

There is no such thing as bad weather - just inappropriate clothing!!

[fizzwheel]

If I've planned to go out and arranged a rideout or to take part in a rideout then I'll go. I dont mnd riding in the rain as others have said if you are kitted out properly then it can be enjoyable and it helps me hone my throttle and braking techniques. If I'm out and it rains then I stay out.

If I fancy a ride by myself and its raining then no I dont make a point of going out.

Some of my most memorable rides have been in the rain it adds an extra challenge / another dimension to riding I think.

Originally Posted by Lissa

I actually quite like being out in the rain. If you're geared up properly, it's not a problem.

+ 1, I'll go out in the rain even for a blast. It is true that you do learn more when riding in the rain, and with built up confidence and experience it will hardly slow you down.

Just take it steady first!

[Paul the 6th]

i rode home from huddersfield to york in full on hammering rain yesterday - wasn't the nicest experience. And I didn't have any waterproofs...

Last time I rode in the rain I came off (back in march) so if anyone takes the **** about being a fairweather rider I just tell em "if I carry on riding in the rain and come off again, will you please come and see me in hospital to crack all your hilarious jokes"... Could be worth checking with your missus that she'll come see you in hospital because you came off in the wet? (bit extreme but it highlights your point)

rain = rubbish

I came off in the rain at Castle Combe, on a straight! That put me off 'going for it' in the wet, and when I'm on my bike I like to have the option to go for it if the need arises...

I agree about honing your skills in the wet, but its kind of a moot point. If I get caught out in it then I slow down and take it easy...might as well be in the car with mp3 and heating

Originally Posted by fatneck

might as well be in the car with mp3 and heating

With that going through your mind isn't going to help you in getting wet weather confidence.

i do enjoy riding in the rain i just hate the state the bike gets in nw3 was a right laff and it ****ed down all day on that

Its a good point, and watching the racing in the wet shows what can be done. And in the interests of improving my riding I probably ought to be out in it...hmmn...