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The worst riding conditions make the best riders.

Recently I got caught in the rain at the end of a long day. I rode from California to Spearfish, South Dakota, and arrived as the shadows were growing long.

I could see thunderstorms ahead, and sweated out my gas situation until I finally had a chance to fill up. At the gas station, I heard that not only was there heavy rain, but hail as well.

Newly confident with a full tank, I headed into the storms. First the bugs were washed from the bike, then I got soaked, then that clammy feeling of wet, cold leather.

Soon I was concentrating on making time on the windy roads of Spearfish Canyon, with some mud thrown in where the road was being worked on. I don't like riding when it is dark, and the rain made it worse. However, I have to admit that I felt really good about the ride almost the second I finished that part of the trip. While I would never choose to ride in these conditions, it was the kind of thing that can't help but make you a better rider.

From now on, when you find yourself weather challenged, go for it with gusto. Wet conditions force you to be smooth.

I was riding from my parents' house in delaware back to my apartment in trenton two Sundays ago. Weather was beautiful in Dover and south. Up at the Delaware-NJ border there was a heavy storm. I went with the half helmet for that ride. The rain was bad enough but right after I got into NJ, golf ball sized hail started coming down. I was going real slow at that point (about 25mph up I-295) and got hit with a few of them suckers. Needless to say, it did not feel good. I had to stop at the rest station, which is closed on Sundays. Another biker pulled up with a windshield and 3/4 helmet with a face shield and said, "I was thinking to myself, how is that guy managing without a windshield." I showed my half helmet to him and he kind've just cringed. It took 2.5 hours just to get to Trenton. It's usually about an hour ride going 60 mph. I had some close calls with other drivers trying to turn in front of me and emergency stops and skids. My bike and I are still in one piece though.

Probably the most unenjoyable ride I've been through.

I've been reading a lot of those British bike mags and every year they seem to have an article on how to ride in the wet from track racers to commuters. I've been an all-weather rider (yes light snow included though not recommended and I've stopped doing it... for now) since I've started riding and these tips helped me to be a good rider rain or shine. Ahh the UK, they seem to know what they're talking about when it comes to weather lacking sun.

MichaelPadway, you must have went the same exact moment I went to Sturgis and was going through Spearfish Canyon.
On my return home when we hit hail and major storm, I was surprise to see the many motorhomes that were pulled over letting riders in to get out of the cold and rain/hail. (which was very thoughtful of them). However my friend and I made the choice to keep on pushing we did have to worry about fuel, fighting the weather was hard on the MPG. Our decision to keep going was based on us both having to be at work the following morning, a motel was not an option.

MichaelPadway wrote: The worst riding conditions make the best riders...

Or dead riders. You're darn lucky.

MichaelPadway wrote: Recently I got caught in the rain at the end of a long day. I rode from California to Spearfish, South Dakota, and arrived as the shadows were growing long.

I could see thunderstorms ahead, and sweated out my gas situation until I finally had a chance to fill up. At the gas station, I heard that not only was there heavy rain, but hail as well.

That would have been an excellent time to find a room and quit riding for the day. As with alcohol consumption, one of the first things to go when you're fatigued is judgement. One step up the ladder of risk.

MichaelPadway wrote: Newly confident with a full tank, I headed into the storms. First the bugs were washed from the bike, then I got soaked, then that clammy feeling of wet, cold leather.

Add in hypothermia... another step up.

MichaelPadway wrote: Soon I was concentrating on making time on the windy roads of Spearfish Canyon, with some mud thrown in where the road was being worked on.

And another, and another...

MichaelPadway wrote: I don't like riding when it is dark, and the rain made it worse. However, I have to admit that I felt really good about the ride almost the second I finished that part of the trip.

Two more steps.

MichaelPadway wrote: While I would never choose to ride in these conditions, it was the kind of thing that can't help but make you a better rider. From now on, when you find yourself weather challenged, go for it with gusto. Wet conditions force you to be smooth.

But you did "choose" to ride in these conditions, by NOT choosing to call it a day when you saw the dark clouds and heard the forecast. You're darn lucky you didn't end up in a ditch - a wind gust could put you there in an instant. Unnoticed until someone found your crumpled bike and body.

P

I personally still don't know why these guys posts are tolerated. They are nothing more than blog entries. He never replies to anything we post and all he does is copy+paste them on all these other websites.

He is just using this as a means of marketing his services.

Brackstone wrote:I personally still don't know why these guys posts are tolerated. They are nothing more than blog entries. He never replies to anything we post and all he does is copy+paste them on all these other websites.

He is just using this as a means of marketing his services.

I just sent him a "contact" message:

Injury sustained: Road rash. Wrecked bike. Some clown suggested riding in bad weather would force me to be smooth. Riiiight. All I got was a lot of pain. I learned in the BRC that taking too many steps up the ladder of risk means you're just increasing your likelihood of injury. Shoulda checked in to a hotel instead.

Followed by a link back to this thread.

P

Well an accident lawyer doesn't make money if no riders are in accidents





I've ridden in a bad spot or two where I had no choice, I needed to ride out before stopping. Other than that, I'd really rather not. I was happy and relieved and somewhat proud when I got through, but I don't want to keep putting myself in those positions.

I say the story is B.S. anyone that has been caught in that type of weather knows how dangerous it is and would never suggest to go forward with gusto.

MichaelPadway wrote:The worst riding conditions make the best riders.

And that's when I stopped reading this post. That statement just reeks of bullshit.