I've seen a number of messages lately concerning riding in the rain. Or lack
thereof. Many of these include a preface such as "I am a weenie". I don't
think that's actually true, but I do think those that won't ride in the rain
are missing out on a fundamental part of motorcycling.

One part of riding is going fast, pulling g's in the twisties and a general
disregard for such mundane frivolities as speed limits and double yellow
lines. Another part is backing off, flipping up the visor, taking in the
world around -- no, rather, becoming a part of the world around.
Experiencing the wind, the sun, the heat, the cold and, yes, even the rain,
in a way not possible from the insular world of the cage. I would rather
ride in the rain that risk driving in the sunshine.

That's not to say I strive to be uncomfortable. I have waterproof raingear,
a vented jacket, an electric vest. And I'm not afraid to use them, as
imperfect as they may be. At 90° F, sitting on top of an engine will always
be warmer than sitting inside an air-conditioned cage and all the GorTex and
Hippora in the world will not make 70mph in the driving rain a completely
moisture free experience. But I don't feel uncomfortable -- I feel alive!

Alive in a way no cager can experience. Coddled in a car, Tim Horton's mug
in the cupholder, a rainy day is dreary, dull and depressing. A burden to be
borne along with that damn yappy dog next door and the monthly cable bill.
But on a motorcycle, the rain becomes a challenge and an opportunity. Not
challenge in the sense of great difficulty, but rather in the sense of
taking the next step. If motorcycling is the symbiosis of man and machine,
then riding in the rain solidifies that bond, providing a physical barrier
between über-man and the world. You are in contact with the machine, it
becomes your world. All else is unreal, seen through a gray mist.

Some will argue that riding in the rain is dangerous and I have to admit it
raises the hazard level a bit. But not to the degree some people think.
Unlike the big flat water-skis cages roll around on, motorcycle tires are
very resistant to hydroplaning. A good touring or sport touring rubber
compound is soft enough to grip wet pavement almost as well as dry. Traction
problems arise where the pavement is replaced by metal or covered in paint
and oil. Stay off streetcar tracks and manhole covers. Avoid the yellow line
of death and the centre of your lane when approaching a stop sign or traffic
lights. It takes anywhere between 5 minutes and an hour for rain to rinse
away oil film from the road, so keep an eye out for rainbows on the
pavement.

The bigger hazard is other traffic. They don't see bikes at the best of
times and it doesn't get any better when the wipers are going and they are
staring morosely at the hood ornament thinking about missing their golf
game. So you must look out for them because they won't be looking out for
you -- oh wait, you need to do that on a sunny day too.

I mentioned windshield wipers. You may have noticed you don't have any. Not
a problem really. Use a product like "Rain Away" or Slipstreamer Windshield
polish on your visor exterior and water will flow away in the breeze. There
may be a slight distortion or blurriness to your vision -- this is
problematic only if you are trying to read their bumper stickers, the car
itself will still be obvious. It may become a problem at dusk when the
headlights of oncoming traffic refract in the rain drops, or in a very light
mist that is not heavy enough to flow. Stop for dinner or wipe it away. Many
better riding gloves are coming with a rubber or suede wiper for just that
reason. If yours didn't, you can get one that Velcro's around your wrist.

I went riding in the rain yesterday, spending several hours exploring new
roads, my daughter following. A great ride. We came home a little damp and
saddlesore. Then we went out again. Today the clouds are thin, the sky is
bright. We will venture out again, this time joined by hoards climbing
aboard the band wagon. But I think we will have a different level of
appreciation.

tafn

dv
D. Verhey