Most riders experience riding in the rain quite by accident. You take off on a ride when the sun is shining, birds are singing, and fluffy clouds float lazily thru the blue sky… and then the day turn ominously dark as the horizon rears up with dark ugly thunderheads. (Naturally, they are between you and home!) Suddenly, you realize you are about to get your first taste of wet asphalt, like it or not.

Riding in the rain is an unavoidable part of riding. However, if you are properly prepared, it can be done safely. The greatest risks are reduced traction and reduced visibility. With a little planning and preventative maintenance, you can safely manage those risks.

Tire maintenance, air pressure and visual inspection, are not something to do when it rains; it’s done before it rains. Tires that are worn below acceptable tread depths dramatically affect the ability of the tire to squeeze water away from the roadway and the tread face.