How to Prepare for Bad Weather on Your Bicycle Tour

So, you’ve packed your bags and you’re ready for adventure. You’ve heard about how much fun a bicycle tour can be and want to experience it for yourself. What you weren’t ready for, however, was cycling in bad weather. Don’t worry, we’ve got the information you need to keep riding, rain or shine.

Rule number one? The right gear can make all the difference. Whether it’s a six-day or thirteen-day bike tour, always bring along a good pair of sunglasses and a sturdy rain jacket or waterproof wind breaker, just in case.

Another smart move is to buy travel insurance. In the event of extreme weather and cycling is discouraged, you won’t lose the money you paid for your trip. For a nominal fee, you can protect your travel investments and not let severe weather ruin your fun. If the trip is interrupted or cancelled because of bad weather, you also won’t run into any issues getting home. The benefit offered by MH Ross covers the cost of unused travel arrangements by land or water. An additional air expense takes care of your flight home as well, making it a sound investment for all travelers.

And if the weather doesn’t deter you from wanting to ride, Enrico Pizzorni, a Ciclismo Classico Top Guide since 1999, has some important tips to keep you safe and comfortable below:

1) If the temperature is very warm, don’t overdress.

Rain is just a bike handling issue and skin is waterproof, so let the rain soak you. The fewer clothes you have on, the faster you’ll dry. On those rainy days, avoid wool and cotton and wear synthetic materials instead.

2) If the temperature is mild, being too wet might feel uncomfortable.

• Protect your feet and hands. In a pinch, you can wear surgical gloves on your hands as well as plastic bags between your shoes and socks.
• Remember to eat and drink more than usual, don’t stop, and keep a steady pace until you reach your destination.
• If you have a jacket, use it rationally: open or remove it when going up and close it tight when going down. If you have one designed to breathe, keep it closed.
• I’m totally against shower caps over the helmets, as they may cause cramps or overheating. The head is the chimney of our engine and nobody puts a potato in their exhaust pipe—better  to wear a cotton or merino wool cycling cap under your helmet.
• Merino jerseys and socks are wonderful, as they stay warm even when wet.

3) If it’s cold, you don’t want to get wet; proper equipment is mandatory.

• You’ll need good shoe covers, rain tights, a real vented and breathable rain jacket (Event and Gore Tex are my favorite brands), cycling full-finger gloves, a balaclava, and an helmet cover
• Keep a steady pace, but try not to sweat. Otherwise, instead of getting wet from the outside, you’ll get wet from the inside.
• Eat and drink regularly. If possible, have hot drinks in an insulated water bottle or small thermos. A cover for the cap prevents accidental drinking of mud and debris.
• My favorite clothing brands are Endura for pants and jackets and Sealskins for waterproof socks, hats, and gloves.

4) General tips for riding in the rain.

Remember that in rain, road conditions vary greatly. There will be less grip under your tires, so whether you’re cornering, braking, or accelerating, everything will need to be done progressively and smoothly. Avoid sudden, fast moves, don’t lean too much when cornering, and don’t stand up when pedaling. Or at least, do it gradually, keeping more distance between riders and using lights or bright colors to be more visible to drivers.

Rain also causes debris on the road, which means more flats and dirt on your chain. Inspect your tires and chain every so often to remove suspicious material. Also, be sure to look over your bike after rainy rides.

With these expert tips, cycling in bad weather won’t dampen your mood. If anything, it will leave you feeling exhilarated!

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