Vietnam is located in the tropics, with a rainy season and a dry season all year round. We believe that many cyclists or professional cyclists are experienced in cycling on rainy day. From Asama team, we have complied the items and skills that help you improve your knowledge and get ready for a great cycling trip.
Wear jacket
A jacket is an important equipment to help you avoid the sudden drizzle. The jacket should be chosen as the type with absolute seams, cool material and lightweight fabric which helps to bring comfort and avoid high temperature when moving. When there’s a heavy rain, the climate becomes wetter and colder, the jacket not only keeps your body dry but also regulates your body temperature.
Cap hat
People often wear helmets when cycling. However, the air vents on helmets are useful on hot days, but can be annoying on rainy days. Therefore, you should wear a cap hat with short leak under your helmet. It not only shields your head but your eyes against spray from the street and some of the rain.
Light
Rain and overcast sky all reduce motorist’s vision. Therefore, you need to install a light system to remark yourself on the route. LED lights are relatively not too costly and work reasonably well if you cycle during early morning and evening. Most of bikes have clips that allow you to attach lights. You can set either on seat post or handlebar. It’s even greater to hang extra turn light on rear.
Hit the brake
Adjusting and checking the brake is seen as habits for cyclists to stay safe. Especially, in the rain, a mixture of road grit and water will make rubber brake pads which is easy to be eroded. It can decrease your stopping power. So you must be more careful by pulling both brake levers lightly so that the brake pads are just barely touching the rim, which will allow you clear excess water from the braking surface.
Chain lube
You will immediately take a bath and dry yourself after riding in the rain. Let’s do the same thing for your bike chain. A clean chain is better than to have the one be frozen up with rust. Further, your lube will penetrate into the link if the chain is absolutely dry. You just need to do it once a week which can protect the chain for the next ride and double its lifespan.
Caution: Slippery road and potholes
The road surface will be the slickest and most dangerous after the rain has begun. During this time, the rain will create a giant oil buildup in the pavement. To realize a place where the oil is accumulated much is keep an eye out for little rainbow patch on the street. Please do not hit the brake at there.
Aside from slippery, pay attention to potholes, manhole covers or even wet leaves. All of them become slick when get wet.
Decrease your speed
Bar road condition and visibility won’t let you have as much time to manage and dangerous happens. You should adjust your speed limit and maintain air speed as slowly as possible. Do not wait until the last minute when approach a red light or stop safe and then you start to brake quickly. It may endanger you and others.
It’s hard to avoid rain in Viet Nam but with some above tips which Asama has written so that you can enjoy your ride and stay safe. Some people hate riding in the rain, but others do not. However, do let it stop your passion.