Tips for cycling in rainy weather

ByTravesía Pirenaica
Tips for cycling in the rain/ Photo: Shitty Pics
Tips for cycling in the rain/ Photo: Shitty Pics

If you are an inveterate cyclist, you will never stop cycling, but when winter arrives and you want to continue to enjoy cycling in the Pyrenees, the rains and inclement weather arrive and you have to deal with them. And the fact is that rain is considered to be one of the worst enemies for cyclists. As well as causing a cold or two, they also cause falls, bumps and accidents. True cyclists, however, will not stop cycling even if it is raining.

An important thing to remember is that the terrain will be full of mud, which is always a nuisance, it is common for it to splash and stick to our wheels, even preventing them from moving - we will experience this much more on clayey terrain. To avoid having a bad experience it is important to follow certain tips:

The equipment to be used should consist of:

  • A waterproofThe thermal clothing should be worn on top of the thermal clothing, so that it does not get wet.
  • The use of gloves.
  • The use of the shortseither short or long. Remember that when using a short one, Vaseline can be applied between the legs and knees to repel water.
  • Use a neck sleeve for the face, which will work as long as it does not get too soaked, otherwise it should be discarded.
  • It is important to use goggles and helmet. They are essential as they are preventive measures. In addition to avoiding splashes of mud or other objects in the eyes, goggles will provide comfort on rainy days.
  • Dry clotheswhich is important for after the end of the activity.

The preparation of the bicycle should consist of the following aspects:

  • The mudguards will prevent mud from jumping on our face. There are supporters and opponents of its use, but it will certainly protect us from mud.
  • The importance of the disc brakeswhich ensure safe braking.
  • The bike chain can be lubricated before starting the activity, with a dense lubricant, which must be special for winter, otherwise the rain will wash it off very easily.
  • Shock absorbers can be fitted with neoprene-based protectors to prevent mud. The use of plastic materials or any kind of insulating material similar to them is also valid.
  • After finishing the tour and coming out of the rain, you must give a quality greasing to the bicycle.