I’ve never been a big fan of riding in the rain. I’ve spent many long days in a rain cape as a bike racer and have never really enjoyed being that soggy. So, when I stepped away from racing my bike full-time, I was happy to be able to avoid riding in the rain because I simply didn’t need to.

Strangely, the thing that got me back out there and riding in the rain was becoming a parent. With limited opportunities to ride and less flexibility on timing, I either ride in the rain, don’t ride at all, or ride indoors. During the winter, I’ll pick riding indoors with no hesitation. There is absolutely nothing more miserable than riding in freezing rain.

“I’ve finally figured out all the little things have made riding the rain pleasant.”

After doing more riding in the rain in the last two years than I’ve done in the previous ten years of riding combined, I’ve finally figured out all the little things that have made riding in the rain not just tolerable, but pleasant. This list is personal to me, so you might find different tricks work for you.

Know your temperature comfort limit

For me, if it’s warm enough not to need gloves, then it’s warm enough to ride in the rain. It might be different for you, but knowing the temperature at which you don’t mind being wet and on the bike is key because even with the best, most expensive “waterproof” rain gear, you’re still going to be wet eventually.

Have a good rain jacket

Yes, you’ll still be wet, but a good rain jacket will keep you comfortable. Probably the most important feature a good rain jacket should have is a double zipper. If you’re riding anywhere remotely hilly, you’ll want a way to unzip on the way up and easily close the jacket back up when you hit the descent. A double zipper is crucial for this.

Wax your chain

Riding in the rain used to mean a lot of drivetrain cleaning and maintenance. Having a waxed chain has meant that all I need to do after a ride is give the bike a quick rinse. Nothing sticks to a waxed drivetrain, so there’s no need to scrub or degrease anything. Around day three of a rainy week, I’ll throw my chain back in the wax or drip a bit of wax lube on it, and it’s good to go again. Not dreading the clean up from a rainy ride means I have one less excuse not to go out.

Have a pair of rain shoes

No, I’m not suggesting you go out and purchase a separate pair of cycling shoes just to ride in the rain. But, it’s always worth having an older pair of shoes on hand for the days you head out in the rain, just to keep your current pair of nice shoes nicer for longer. Riding in an older pair again gives me one less thing that I absolutely must clean right after a ride and again makes it easier for me to just get on the bike and go.

Also, if you do decide to buy a pair of rain shoes, make your life easier and make sure they’re black.

Bring a friend

Having a rain buddy is an easy way to make the soggy miles more enjoyable. It’s also a great way to add a bit of extra accountability for both of you. As there is nothing quite like having a training buddy to ensure you get out the door.

Have a goal

Similar to bringing a friend, having a goal for a rainy ride can be important. For me, aimlessly riding in the rain leaves too much time for my brain to focus on being wet. Having a goal can be as simple as setting a specific number of intervals I want to complete or a particular route I want to finish. It doesn’t have to be too complicated, just something to focus on accomplishing.

Have a bailout

When you’re heading out into adverse weather, it’s good to have a backup plan. I tend to do my rain rides closer to home, opting for smaller, overlapping loops rather than a longer route that takes me further out. This strategy gives me the option to get home in case the weather suddenly worsens quickly.

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