ALLIANCE FOR PEOPLE POWERED TRANSPORTATION
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RIDING IN RAIN OR SNOW In Western Nevada County, winters tend to be rainy, with a little snow here and there. Storms can be intense, with heavy rain and strong wind, or mild. If you use your bicycle for transportation, you'll eventually be confronted with a rainy day. Here are some tips that will help make riding in inclement weather more enjoyable.
THE RIGHT GEAR: Waterproof pants and a jacket are essential rainy day items, and are easy to acquire through a local bike or outdoor gear shop. If the pants you have aren't made for bicycling, you might need an ankle strap or rubber band to hold your pant leg away from the chain. For feet and hands, it's crucial to make sure that they stay warm, even if they're wet. Waterproof gloves and shoes are available, but you can also use gear that is designed to hold in heat even when it's soaked. Waterproof shoe covers are available that will fit over your biking shoes and still allow you to clip in to your pedals, but be forewarned that water can sneak in through the cleat or through gaps in the shoe covers: be prepared with wool or technical socks so your feet don't get too cold. Bring a change of shoes with you in a waterproof bag.
THE RIGHT BIKE: Riding in the rain and snow can be hard on bikes: ride your old clunker on bad weather days if you can. Some people will pick a mountain bike with nubby tires if it's snowy, though some say that a bike with narrower tires “cuts” into the snow better. Either way, ride more carefully when the weather's bad: the road can be slippery, especially metal manhole and utility covers. You'll need more time to brake as well: apply your brakes gently for a short time before you actually need to start braking to clear the water from your rims.
THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: Riding in the rain can be fun! Leave yourself extra time for your commute when it's wet: you'll have extra gear to change and you'll probably ride a little more slowly. Enjoy the admiration of your co-workers or classmates for your fortitude...all the while knowing that you thoroughly enjoyed yourself!
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