The Feeling I Get When I Ride My Bike on Rainy Days
The Feeling I Get When I Ride My Bike on Rainy Days (And How I Stay Safe at 70)
Most people see gray skies and think, Not today. They think cold, wet, miserable. They think danger.
I get it. Rain riding can be uncomfortable — and if you don’t take visibility seriously, it can be risky.
But here’s what I’ve learned after a lifetime of miles: when I roll out into a light rain, I don’t feel trapped… I feel invited.
Rain strips the ride down to the basics: breath, rhythm, and the steady sound of tires on wet pavement. It’s one of the few times my mind goes completely quiet.
🌧️ My Rain-Ride “Stay Alive” Gear
Rain is where visibility gear earns its keep. I’m a 70-year-old rider — I don’t gamble with being seen. These are simple upgrades that make a huge difference in rain, fog, dusk, and gray skies.
- High-Lumen Front Light — not just so you can see… so drivers see you sooner. I have had my Cateye for over 10 years.
- Garmin Varia Radar Tail Light — my newest upgrade for “someone’s behind me” awareness in low-visibility weather. Probably the best invention for cyclist safety in this distracted driver era.
- Clip-On Fenders — keeps spray down, keeps you more comfortable, and makes the ride feel less like punishment.
- Breathable Waterproof Cycling Jacket — the difference between “peaceful rain ride” and “I’m done.”
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The First Drops: The Moment of Truth
The first cold drops hit my helmet. My glasses start to spot. The road goes shiny. And there’s always a moment where my brain says, Turn around.
But once I commit, the hesitation fades. The rain becomes a steady soundtrack — and the ride turns into something almost private, like the road belongs only to the people willing to be out there.
The Quiet Beauty of Rain Rides
Cars thin out. Trails empty. The world gets quiet.
All I hear is the hiss of tires on wet pavement and the soft percussion of rain on my jacket. It’s not “fun” the way a sunny ride is fun. It’s something else.
It’s the feeling that I’m still capable. Still moving. Still living my life instead of waiting for perfect conditions.
The Hard Parts Matter Too
I’m not going to romanticize it. Rain rides can be uncomfortable.
- Wet hands lose dexterity fast.
- Wet roads punish sudden braking and sharp turns.
- Painted lines and metal surfaces can be slick.
- Puddles hide holes and debris.
But that’s why rain rides sharpen you. They teach smoothness. They teach patience. They teach respect.
Why I Keep Coming Back
Every soaked mile teaches the same lesson: peace lives inside discomfort.
Rain demands commitment. And for me, at 70, commitment is part of staying strong — not just physically, but mentally.
When the skies darken and the roads shine like mirrors, I don’t see a reason to quit. I see a reason to go.
🔥 Premium Upgrades I Trust
If you ride a lot, these upgrades improve safety and comfort year-round — rain or shine.
Your Turn
Have you ever ridden in the rain? Did it feel miserable — or did it change the way you ride? Drop your story in the comments. I genuinely love reading those.
FAQ: Cycling in the Rain
Is it safe to ride a bike in the rain?
Yes — if you slow down, ride smoothly, and take visibility seriously (lights matter even in daytime). Avoid painted lines, metal grates, and sudden braking.
How do I stay comfortable in the rain?
A breathable waterproof jacket and warm gloves/shoe covers make the biggest difference. Cold hands and cold feet end rides early.
Should I use fenders?
Absolutely. Even clip-on fenders reduce spray and make rain riding far more tolerable.
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