Bad Ass Rain Rider is the persona I take on when I am riding home after dark in the rain from work. I like to grit my teeth and picture my ponytail flying behind me as I fly by the traffic on my bike. I can also hear the people in their cars sitting in traffic who say "Why would anyone ride in the rain?" and "Look at that crazy cyclist riding after dark AND LOOK, it is a girl!" Or maybe there is a cyclist who chose to drive that day because of the rain who is thinking "That is one Bad Ass Rain Rider Chic".
Oh the crazy thoughts that keep me occupied as I ride my 40km return route to and from Vancouver to Richmond.
In all seriousness, riding after dark in the rain was not as scary as I thought it might be. The truth is, if you are riding in the city, it is never really dark. You can always see where you are going and the bike route between Richmond and Vancouver is world class.
Lighting and reflective gear is key. This is by no means a 'sponsored post', however, I should clarify that I work at bike shop and ALL these items are available at that shop. Shop name: Speed Theory.
Here is a list of items that I picked up to help me be seen and keep as warm/dry as possible when riding in the rain after dark.
This is how I envision myself looking
Oh the crazy thoughts that keep me occupied as I ride my 40km return route to and from Vancouver to Richmond.
In all seriousness, riding after dark in the rain was not as scary as I thought it might be. The truth is, if you are riding in the city, it is never really dark. You can always see where you are going and the bike route between Richmond and Vancouver is world class.
Lighting and reflective gear is key. This is by no means a 'sponsored post', however, I should clarify that I work at bike shop and ALL these items are available at that shop. Shop name: Speed Theory.
Here is a list of items that I picked up to help me be seen and keep as warm/dry as possible when riding in the rain after dark.
- KNOG: Silicone Lights - white light on the front left fork pointed forward flashing, red light on the back of my helmet flashing
- MiNewt Mini.350-USB & Plus Bike Light - left side of handle bar pointed slightly downward to light my path and be seen - flashing at dusk then solid when completely dark out. This light can also be mounted on my helmet but I prefer it on my handlebar
- Cherry Bomb - red light that is mounted on my seat post facing backward flashing red
- Fenders - I have a very old set of fenders that I are safely but creatively attached to my bike (thanks to the very skilled work of Murray McLennan at Speed Theory). I would recommend the SKS Raceblade Long however. They are easy to install and work very well
- Gore Bikewear - I have both a Gortex Windstopper jacket and a Windstopper vest. Both provide excellent protection from the rain and wind and 360 reflective accents
- Sugoi Knee Warmers and Shoe Covers - Neither of these keep me particularly dry over a 20km ride but they do keep the sand and grit off my legs and shoes
- Pearl Izumi wool socks - keep feet warm even when wet and dry quickly
- Oakley Flak Jacket sunglasses with clear lenses - even at night, it is a good idea to have some type of clear eye protection
- Orca Waterproof Backpack - I have this backpack in white (and so do two of my friends). It has never let me down, everything always stays dry
Perhaps the best part of riding in the rain is having a post ride shower. Scrubbing off all the dirt and grit confirms that I really am a Bad Ass Rain Rider!
Happy Training.
Comments