Tips for Riding in the Rain

Some tips from Scoot! Magazine's Josh Rogers:

The rainy season is upon us and I know that some people are hesitant to ride in the rain or when the ground is wet. So I decided to list some tips on riding in adverse weather conditions. The bottom line really is, make sure your actions are smooth. Don't brake too fast don't accelerate too fast and you will be fine. There are very few differences between wet and dry but you do need to exercise extra caution.

1. Stay out of the middle of the lane. The middle of the lane is where cars drip all their oil and stuff making it very slippery. Especially important during the first few rains.
2. As much fun as it is, try not to drive through puddles. It reduces your ability to brake and makes everything more slippery. Besides you never know how deep a hole may be under the puddle.
3. Show extra caution when turning.
4. Be extremely careful when riding over metal grates/plates, manhole covers and painted lines they become very slippery. If you can avoid them, do so. Whatever you do don't slam on the brakes while you are going over one.
5. Make sure you have the proper tire pressure.
6. Get a riding suit even if its one of those plastic rain-slick things. The worst part about riding in the rain is getting wet.
7. Do not put your hands/gloves in plastic bags or the like: you may slip off the bars.
8. Make sure all of your lights work, especially your taillight and brake light. Rain means that people have reduced visibility.
9. A full-face helmet will keep you drier than a 3/4 or 1/2 helmet.
10. If you have a full-face helmet, use an anti fog treatment or liner in the visor to keep good visibility.
11. Stay warmer and drier with a scooter skirt.  

I hope this helps everyone I have been riding for a while and have done my fair share of riding in the rain. Remember that riding in the rain is easier than you think. Once you have done it a couple of times you will have built your confidence and become a better rider, wet or dry.

Appropriate blog entry soundtrack:

Rain, winter weather can be dangerous to scooters

This past weekend a scooterist in my area lost his life in a crash. Recent rain on a slick mountain road was to blame. Safety in riding is one of my main concerns when gong out in less-than-ideal weather. Often, I just skip riding if it is raining. I'm a notorious slowpoke, so you don't have to tell me twice to slow down. I've got nothing to prove; I just want to have fun getting to my destination.
Each year, Josh sends out a list of rainy weather riding tips. I'll reprint them here with some notes of my own.

Stay safe out there fellow scooterists!

1: Stay out of the middle of the lane as it is where cars drip oil and fluids making it very slippery.Very important during the first few rains.

2: As much fun as it is, try not to drive through puddles. It reduces your ability to brake and makes everything more slippery. Besides you never know how deep a hole may be under the puddle

3: Show extra caution when turning

4: Be extremely careful when riding over metal grates/plates and manhole covers they become very slippery. if you can avoid them, do so. Whatever you do don't slam on the brakes while you are going over one. Also avoid leaves as they can be slick and plentiful during fall/winter.

5: Make sure you have the proper tire pressure

6: Get a riding suit even if its one of those plastic rain slick things. The worst part about riding in the rain is getting wet.

7: Do not put your hands/gloves in plastic bags or the like as you will compromise your grip and may slip off of the bars.

8: Make sure all of your lights work, especially your taillight and brake light. Rain reduces visibility.

9: A fullface helmet will keep you dry and keep rain and road gunk from getting on your face or in your eyes.

10: An anti-fog liner in side your visor will keep your visor clear. You can also get antifog solution for eyeglasses.

11. A scooter skirt will keep your pants dry and your lower body warmer.