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.  

Several years ago, another co-worker and I started riding. I ended up riding in the rain, he ended up riding after dark. We both adapted to what we rode in. I've ridden in full blown Tropical Storms. He would ride if the sun was extinguished. I HATE riding in the dark, and almost never do it, and he WON'T ride in the rain.  

Riding in the rain does make you improve your skills, but a Dakota's thunderstorm can kill you, and that will not do much for your skills.  I have been caught in vehicles in two thunderstorms in North and South Dakota.  Laying on top of my children to protect them from the flying glass as all of the windows were broken out of our car is something I will never forget.  I was very happy for what ever cover the auto gave me.  

MichaelPadway said...
First the bugs were washed from the bike, then I got soaked, then that clammy feeling of wet, cold leather.

Yep, leather is fine for local riding, but if you're going to be traveling you got to carry the best rain gear you can find to put over it. It only takes about three days of rain to coat leather with an extensive layer of white fuzz. Even very heavily oiled leather will be full of mold, you just won't see it on the outer surface. Everything gets it, leather boots, leather gloves, leather saddlebags, leather tool bags...

regards,
Joe