How to Ride Your Bike Safely During Hurricane Season

One thing we’ve learned as long-time residents of South Florida is that you have to be prepared for some wet weather to pop up, sometimes with little warning at all. There’s no need to stash your bike away during storm season—whether you’re a daily commuter and avid rider or someone who just likes to ride for fun, you can still get where you need to go in the rain. That’s not to say you shouldn’t think twice about getting out on the bike when hurricane-force winds are blowing, but the wet season doesn’t have to be a complete deterrent, either.

Here are a few tips for inclement weather riding in Boca Raton, FL for you to keep in mind this fall:

• Know when to stay in: Obviously you shouldn’t cycle during very dangerous weather, but you should also keep in mind that the first rainfall after a long dry spell can result in really slick roads. It might be better for you to wait a couple days for some of that slickness to go away.
• Weatherproofing: Rain can be quite tough on your bike. The more exposure it gets to moisture, the more some of its internal components will seize up and potentially rust. However, if you use a heavy lubricant on the chain, that will help keep moisture out. You can also run full cable housing along your cables to protect them from exposure to the elements.
• Know what to wear: Preparing your bike is only half the battle. You also need to prepare yourself for what awaits you outside. Soft, merino wool base layers are a good place to start, as they’ll keep your temperature consistent even if you get wet, and the natural fibers won’t start to smell weird. A neck gaiter protects your neck and chin from rain and wind. Pick layers according to temperature—you run just as much risk of soaking yourself with sweat as with rain if you wear too many non-breathable layers. Finally, make sure you give your hands and feet the protection they need, as they’re particularly susceptible to discomfort in rainy weather. Get some insulated waterproof gloves and booties if you plan on doing much rain cycling.
• Vision: When the rain gets heavy, it can become a little difficult to see where you’re going if rain is hitting you directly in the face the whole time. You should consider a visor extension on your helmet, or a brimmed cap. This will help you keep your vision clearer, especially if you wear glasses.
• Consider your route: Know the route you’re taking and whether any hazards might arise during wet weather that wouldn’t otherwise be there in normal weather conditions. Avoid deep puddles and slick, muddy areas, and adjust your route as necessary to keep yourself safe from these potential hazards.

For more information about inclement weather riding in Boca Raton, FL, contact the team at Bicycle Doctor House Calls today. If you run into any issues with your bike, we’d be happy to come to you and fix them!

Categorised in: Safe Biking

This post was written by Writer