Summer is over, and now it's time for autumn! And autumn also means a return to rainy days. But what if we told you that it's possible to enjoy cycling as a family, even in the rain? Here are 4 tips to help you do just that.
1#- Equipping your bike
The mudguard
Before setting off on a family outing, it's essential to properly equip your bike. Remember to install a mudguard to protect your bike from splashes of water, mud, sand and autumn-colored leaves. Because while your children love to roll in puddles to splash themselves, these splashes leave stains, and hello clean-up. What's more, they clog up the bike, reducing its longevity. Fortunately, most city bikes are already equipped with mudguards. As for mountain bikes, they generally feature a frame with mudguard eyelets for easy attachment.
Protective covers
Don't like the rain? Neither does your bike. Yes, if bikes aren't made of sugar, they can quickly rust after prolonged exposure to the rain. So we recommend that you take a bike cover with you. That way, when you park your bike, you can simply place the cover over it to keep it dry. A saddle cover is also recommended to keep your saddle protected and your buttocks dry. There's nothing more unpleasant than riding with a wet bottom!
Finally, when you go for a walk, you often carry sandwiches, a snack or a first-aid kit in a backpack. Things you need to protect from the rain. The best way to do this is with waterproof covers specially designed for bags and panniers.
Reflective accessories
When the rain starts to fall and the sky turns gray, visibility drops. As a cyclist, it's vital to be able to see and be seen on the road, so you can pedal safely. For this, a good lighting system is essential. Rear reflectors (red), front reflectors (white), side reflectors (orange), white front marker light and red rear marker light must all be present on your two-wheeler.
And don't forget your approved yellow vest, which is compulsory outside built-up areas in rainy weather. Finally, boost your visibility with reflective accessories. At Rainette, we offer retro-reflective laces for your shoes, wheel spokes to make you visible at 360°, and stickers to stick everywhere (saddle, backpack, mudguards, protective covers, helmet...) as you wish. Our reflective stickers are, of course, water-resistant.
2#- Choose the right outfit for the weather
It's out of the question to go out in the rain with a pair of shorts and an ordinary t-shirt. You need to choose the right outfit, one that will protect you from the rain while ensuring a pleasant family outing.
Protecting the extremities
The extremities, particularly the hands and feet, are poorly vascularized. As a result, they are more sensitive to the cold, which then spreads to the rest of the body. Wearing waterproof and windproof cycling gloves means you can keep your hands free from the cold. The same goes for wearing waterproof or water-resistant shoes! For this, choose synthetic leather shoes rather than fabric ones.
Latex shoe covers are also interesting, even if they're not really suitable for city walks. You'll have to put your foot down more often, so you risk damaging the shoe cover.
Finally, although helmets are no longer compulsory for riders aged 12 and over, they are essential in rainy weather. Firstly, for safety reasons: the road is much more slippery than on sunny days. Secondly, for practicality. The helmet can be fitted with a waterproof helmet cover.
Helmets can also protect your eyes by fitting a visor. In fact, there are sprays that deposit a thin film on the visor or your glasses, preventing drops from sticking to them.
The cyclist's three-layer rule
So we start with the anti-perspirant cycling jersey, because the wind can quickly chill you and make you ill if you sweat profusely... The breathability of the first layer is therefore essential.
Then there's the cycling jacket, with its windproof, waterproof and breathable fabric. This keeps the heat in for a real ride, where you take the time to observe the scenery rather than racing against the clock to keep warm under a blanket.
Last but not least, a rain cape to protect you from the drops. The advantage of a cape or poncho? It protects not only the upper body, but also part of the legs, thanks to its wide cut. A wide cut that also allows appreciable freedom of movement, all the more so when it's the third layer of clothing.
To guarantee your child complete protection against the rain, Rainette offers you a made-to-measure rain cape. Featuring a hood and storage pockets, this responsible raincoat also has reflective strips so you can be seen by everyone. Our watchwords: practicality and safety!
In addition to your classic pants, it's important to wear waterproof rain pants to protect you from drips. Very easy to put on, they usually feature a wide cut and zippers or buttons on the side for easy closing. Thanks to their completely waterproof fabric, your legs stay dry.
3#- Safe driving, even in the rain
Riding in the rain requires special care. Not only is the ground slippery, but visibility is also reduced. While this is compensated for by a good lighting system and reflective accessories, it doesn't mean you don't have to drive responsibly and cautiously. Before setting off, remember to list all the safety rules for the whole family:
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Drive on the right and in single file;
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Move away from parked vehicles to avoid door banging;
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Stop at every junction;
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Staying together;
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Avoid driving over manhole covers, cobblestones and fallen leaves, which accentuate the loss of grip;
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Avoid driving through puddles, which give no indication of the depth of the pothole;
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Drive gently to avoid sudden braking as much as possible. Yes, braking distance is greater on wet roads and the loss of grip is real.
4#- Regular bike maintenance
Water and bicycles don't mix in the long term. That's why it's so important to protect your bike when you're out and to look after it properly when you get home. The main parts affected? The chain and wheels. Clean them with a cloth, and remember to remove any stones embedded in the tire grooves. Finally, it's important to check the condition of the brakes. Don't forget to clean your brake pads and change them if they are worn.
Family cycling in the rain, conclusion
Cycling in wet weather is of course possible, and can even be a real pleasure. It does, however, require good preparation in advance, both in terms of cycling equipment and clothing. It's also important to ride carefully and maintain the bike after each outing. To help you organize a family cycling outing in general, we invite you to read this article !
