Advice for riding your ebike in wet weather
Let’s face it: we will all get wet at some point if we ride a bike, so here is advice for riding your ebike in wet weather. Riding in the wet weather is not a big deal, but getting soaked or cold is particularly unpleasant. However, if you take my advice and you prepare for it, you can avoid it being a total washout!
Preparation
- Take a rain jacket: There are loads of choices around. A Goretex one will prevent condensation from building up on the inside of your jacket, which can also make you damp.
- Rain cape: They may not look the trendiest of items, but when it is pouring down and bouncing off the road, it will be a vital part of your wet weather gear!
- Opt for bright colours: Reflective clothing will make you more visible in poor weather conditions (when it’s grey, it’s often darker as well)
- Waterproof Trousers: If you have them, wear waterproof trousers. (they are a good investment if you don’t)
- Bag or Pannier: Have a waterproof bag or pannier to put your phone, purse, camera, etc. in.
- Plastic bags: If you don’t have a waterproof bag, wrap your stuff in plastic bags and make sure water can’t get in anywhere. If it can, it will; water is destructive.
- Waterproof overshoes: You can buy waterproof overshoes, but if you don’t have them, put plastic bags over your trainers.
- Mudguards: Rain is not the only water that gets you wet. Water kicked up from the ground will soak you far quicker. Mudguards are a great investment. Ensure they are long enough and wide enough to direct the water away from you.
- Road water: If a lot of water is being thrown up from the road, ensure your eyes are protected from the grit that is in that water.
- Check your tyres: Use tyres with good tread for better grip on wet surfaces. Lower the tyre pressure slightly for increased traction, adapt your riding style gently on the brakes, and allow more stopping time.
- Pack a Towel: Bring a small towel to wipe off your hands, face, and any wet parts of your ebike
During the ride
- Slow down – Use gentle, progressive braking to avoid sliding and allow for greater stopping distances.
- Brake Early and Gently: Wet brakes can be less effective, so brake early and apply pressure gradually to avoid skidding.
- White lines: Avoid white lines on the road, as they can get slippery. If you have to cross a white line in the road, try not to do it at an angle.
- Diesel patches: If it has not rained in a while, diesel can wash onto the tarmac, making it slippery.
- New tarmac: Newly laid tarmac can be like an ice rink for bikes as the rain can wash oil from the fresh asphalt, so take care.
- Watch out for leaves: Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Slow down and avoid sharp turns when riding over them.
- Grit and muck: Tyres can throw grit and muck into your face, which is unpleasant if it gets in your eyes. Glasses with clear lenses are preferable.
- Slippery surfaces: Wooden bridges and cattle grids can be very slippery in the wet, so ride straight onto them, don’t brake, and keep your speed down.
- Cold: Don’t get cold; when you get wet, cold often follows. Especially when you’ve been riding in the wet and then stopped for a break. Get wet clothes off as soon as possible.
After
- Hose it off: Clean your bike, especially your drive chain (front chain wheel, chain and cassette, cogs at the back). Grit will wear your chain out quickly.
- Chain: Oil the chain lightly after cleaning.
- Electrical parts: If your battery and computer’s connection points have gotten wet, dry them off. The potential for short-circuiting is minimal but still a risk.
- Panniers: Empty your panniers and check that water hasn’t gotten into any of your clothes, electric goods, or items you brought. If you have a sneaky leak, wrap up your items in plastic bags without those little breath holes.
So, there you have it. My advice for riding your ebike in wet weather. It is mainly about the state of mind, if you feel miserable, then you will be. I find singing and smiling when it is raining to be the best way to get through a downpour or a very wet day on the bike.
Many summer storms in Europe pass quickly, so to save a lot of hassle, go for coffee or find somewhere to shelter, especially when it is torrential!!
