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First hazardous ride

Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 11:08 pm
by -regr3t-
So tonight I had to work real late, but was a great day so I took the bike. When I got outside I found it had been raining real hard, and of course, raining sideways so it could soak my bike that was under cover ><....


So first problem, I have absolutely nothing to wipe the bike down with, thought about using my gloves, but didnt want to slip on the controls.... So I just sit on it as it is...... not the most comfortable, but bearable.

As I get riding, I notice just how much tread matters, my tires dont have very much left, and my new tires are on "back order" and could take another month to get here ......

So to avoid certain death, I take the turns at a much more conservative speed than I usually do, but by now my helmets got rain all over and wiping it just seems to smudge the whole front to where its very difficult to see. It also started fogging up despite its claims of being fogproof.


All in all was actually interesting to put my skills to this first good test, and I arrived home in one piece, just wondered if you guys see anything glaringly wrong with my approach.


Also, now my mesh jacket, reflective vest, and leather gloves are really soaked, any advice on what to do with them? I hung them somewhere warm and airy to dry, I just hope theres no adverse affects,

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 2:57 am
by Shorts
Sounds like you handled it all just fine. Sometimes you just have to make do with what you have, although not pretty or most comfortable. Maybe from now on, be sure you wipe down your visor after every ride so its ready for the next time.

I was just thinking of the very same scenario tonight. I contemplated riding to work, but when I closed up for the night, a big vicious storm rolled in and winds is gusting really wild, raining sideways. I couldn't help but think all the way home "I'm sure glad I didn't ride. I can't imagine what I'd have done if I was forced to ride home in this!"

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 7:03 am
by t_bonee
One tip for rain on the visor. When you are going straight and have a bit of speed, turn your head to the left and right for a second or two. The wind will blow the rain off and make it at least a bit better.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 4:36 pm
by flw
If I understand your helmet type correctly, for the future under similar circumstances, is to flip it upward but not all the way and make it act like a sun visor but for rain. A wet face beats a crash.

Otherwise you did the best you could with what you had.

I almost got caught in the rain tonight because I took my rain gear off the rear seat for a rider yesterday and forgot to reattach it when done. "poo poo" happens.