It seems like most of my daily commutes to and from work for the past week have been done in the rain. I find a quiet calm riding in the rain. It requires me to be prepared physically and mentally and the normal focus that occurs during riding is turned up a notch. Riding home today I could not help think of the times I have been sailing in bad weather. The feeling is the world has been reduced to basic elements—weather, the boat (or scooter), the water (road), and me. Everything else falls away. It is a good place to be.
My Vespa LX150 shows no ill effects from the consistent wetness either mechanically or cosmetically. It starts as normal and performs well even in torrential downpours. It also takes in stride the day long sits in the rain parked outside my office waiting for the ride home. I have a new Pirelli rear tire and it performs well even in water covered roads without any sign of instability or hydroplaning.
I have seen few motorcycles or scooters during this wet weather. The hassle of preparing drives many riders to other means of transportation. A few have expressed concerns with the dangers of wet roads and reduced visibility. As a photographer I am used to looking at objects and I have to say that I think the scooter is actually more visible in the low contrast grayness of this sort of weather. The headlight and taillights really stand out in this palette. I seen no evidence of drivers not seeing me. I am much more worried when the weather is clear, especially in the morning and evening when sun light is shining directly into driver’s eyes.
I did learn a lesson today related to riding gear. As I said it was raining quite hard on the way home. I could feel my pants getting wet under my Tourmaster OverPants. Usually I do feel a bit of soak through in the seat but this was something greater. When I pulled into the garage I realize I forgot to zip the crotch shut and seal the Velcro flap. It was open like an air scoop sucking in water the whole way. Other than that the pants shed everything on the outside. When I stopped to take this picture the water was pouring off me. My camera got drenched in a few seconds but cleaned up nicely at home.
For any of you contemplating riding in the rain I’ll offer two suggestions. Ride slower, especially in turns and where you are not sure what the road surface is like, and plan your routes carefully to not put you in situations where you feel compelled to ride at speeds greater than you are comfortable with. The cages don’t seem affected at all by the weather. Their speed is constant, sort of like the North Star…..
We had rain from September through March this year and it got old real fast. But the weather now is so good that all those fair weather riders are coming out of the woodwork. They can be as dangerous as the clueless cagers.
I really don’t like rain. Just hate being wet. You are absolutely right about needing more concentration. Riding home in the dark and rain puts me on high alert, also. Almost borderline tense. I hope I get moved closer to the office by winter. Otherwise, 90 miles of big city rush hour traffic on the freeway in the dark and rain will be a bummer. Oh well, I shall try to keep the serene state of mind you espouse!
James: Irresponsible vehicle piloting is an equal opportunity event. Riders are not exempt as your own experience shows. My expectations of people and the way they behave always leads to anger, frustration and disappointment. As much as I can I try to manage my own riding and driving to be safe and responsible.
irondad: You don’t like rain because when you ride you spend hours and hours in it! I can’t imagine navigating the roads and highways you do in the rain.
Serenity is an elusive commodity and once found a challenge to sustain. But I still think it’s worth pursuing…..
steve
I can’t believe one of your suggestions for riders in the rain wasn’t to make sure that your pants are zipped up!! lol.
hrw115: Well, you know, it’s always the simple things that get you….
Why do people put plastic bags on the hands of their vespas? Does it help with the handles not being wet?
Jenn: Any barrier that keeps moisture and air off your hands will keep you warmer. A plastic bag won’t insulate very well but will protect a bit from direct exposure.
It wouldn’t be my first choice but in a pinch I would put them over my gloves if needed.