So, it was clear and sunny this morning and now the skies

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:22 pm

are darkening. What do I do? I don't drive in the rain, much less ride in it. I've got all my gear, but now I'm nervous. The chances of rain have increased dramatically since this morning. And not just any rain...storms.

Now I am freaking out. My first real scooter related freak out.

I've got another hour to go before I leave work. Any advice?

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:24 pm

leave early?

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:26 pm

Wish I could. I'm sure I could swing it with the higher ups as everyone calls me ScooterGirl around here but still. I haven't passed the 90 day mark yet. It's just getting darker, no rain or thunder yet.

ScootingInTheRain · Post by **ScootingInTheRain** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:27 pm

bunny wrote:I don't drive in the rain, much less ride in it.

That approach would bring this part of the world to a grinding halt.

My advice - go for it, slow down, enjoy the wet.

~SITR

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:28 pm

i was going to say the same thing... but I dont want to push you outside of your comfort zone. But yeah... I rode in the rain the first time I rode the buddy. Also I would never be able to ride if I couldnt ride in the rain up here...

alienmeatsack · Post by **alienmeatsack** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:29 pm

Well, if it's def going to rain, you are acutally better off waiting a while. The first rain will make the roads super slick, but once the oil and such is washed off, they will not be as slippery. And if you wait a bit the rain might pass.

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:43 pm

MikieTaps wrote:i was going to say the same thing... but I dont want to push you outside of your comfort zone. But yeah... I rode in the rain the first time I rode the buddy. Also I would never be able to ride if I couldnt ride in the rain up here...

Yeah, I'd just suggest waiting a bit for the roads to get saturated, then ride on through. I don't quite know what else to tell you. All of us NWerners are too used to it to quite understand

R.McLeod · Post by **R.McLeod** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:09 pm

I'm feeling a drop or two here in downtown so you should leave now if you're thinking about it. Just heard some thunder as I'm typing.

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:33 pm

Damn North Central TX weather. A light shower up there and quickly turn into a downpour, zero visibility and if it hasn't rained in a while, the streets can flood.

No way you can cover the scooter and call someone for a lift? If it's not pouring when it's quitting time and you decide to ride home, think of a couple possible stopping places along your route just in case you get caught in something you're not comfortable handling.

LisaLisa · Post by **LisaLisa** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:10 pm

When you ride in the rain (and you'll be OK), ride in the tire tracks of the car ahead of you. Sit up straight and go slow. Take the curves a little slow. No hard breaking. You'll be OK.

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:21 pm

Soaking wet, but safe.

We've been 'baptized.' And, no, this is not an experience I wish to repeat.

There's a reason I don't like to drive in the rain. Scootering in the rain just reinforced it.

Thanks everyone for talking me through it. It took about 45 minutes longer than my usual 30 minute scoot it like I stole it commute. Cloudy skies to downpour in seconds. Actually, on the east side of 121, it was dry, as soon as I rode under 121, it was wet. And I somehow got lucky that I made all the lights for a while. My first stop was good, and then I put my feet down. My toe slid a bit on the pavement. That shook me a tad. Otherwise, it was a decent ride. I went slow as granny, probably tee'd off some cagers behind me, but I'm safe and sound and happier for it. Been there, done it, NOT doing it again.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:32 pm

Im glad you are alive!

ScootingInTheRain · Post by **ScootingInTheRain** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:33 pm

Yay! Now you can move to Seattle!

dorian · Post by **dorian** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:39 pm

Welcome to the membership of the ROSE (Rained-On Scooter Evangelists)! Ready to move to Portland yet?

Seriously, now you know how it is hopefully it relieves some of the angst next time. Glad you made it ok.

newslinky · Post by **newslinky** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:07 am

Wow sorry I missed your OP Bunny. Gus in all seriousness riding when there is the good possibility of storms here is not something done lightly. It isn't the rain really that is the scary part. Texas storms are regularly accompanied by large amounts of ear shattering earth to sky lightning, straight line winds and hail(not so much now but all the way into June is common). If I had caught your post Bunny I would have recommended watching the local news weather radar and then going when it looked like you had a clear spot to travel in. Another effect of Texas storms is usually they are fast moving things. A line of storms flies through then the rain stops and soon another line comes through. This bunch is the very tame variety of mostly rain very little wind and some lightning fortunately. I caged to work tonight due to the forecast holding such a high chance of stormy weather. I wasn't pleased to be caging

.
Glad to see you made it ok Bunny I am sure you will be a rabid weather report checking type like me before scooting off to work from now on.

sambrgr · Post by **sambrgr** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:19 pm

I use www.accuweather.com
It gives you an hourly breakdown of the weather in your area so you can plan your day accordingly

bunny · Post by **bunny** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 1:39 pm

Unfortunately for me, yesterday morning it was forecast that it was going to be clear nad sunny all day. And so I scootered to work. It wasn't until half the day had gone that I saw a weather update. and by then, it was too late. I always watch the weather and only scooter if it's 30% or less and no high winds. Otherwise, I'm in the cage.

But when it's changing weather like it was yesterday, there's no helping the situation.

Now that I know how she scoots in the rain, I can feel better if it ever happens again. But I've been re-evaluating my rain chances decisions and it may be that I cut back to 20% or less for scootering.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 4:35 pm

I've gotten caught in the rain lots of times when the weather predictor's were saying 30% chance or even less, and I always look at hourly forecast and radar. It happens.

Fact is, if you ride enough you'll get caught in the rain at some point when you're already committed somewhere betweens points A and B. Get some Frogg Toggs or other rain gear and be ready for it. You survived so you know you can do it.

Of course, high winds or hail etc. make it a whole different story. Your own common sense will tell you when you need to pull over somewhere and seek shelter.

MikieTaps · Post by **MikieTaps** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:43 pm

yeah... if you have common sense... I dont have any... I ride everyday... I dont even bother looking at the forcast...

SCTSCT · Post by **SCTSCT** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 8:50 pm

I am with Mikie..............ride first, meteorologe

later.

The same thing that happened to bunny is what is getting ready to happen to me, but I am not worried. There was almost no chance of rain around here this morning, then round about noon, it went straight up to 50%. I only wish I had some waterproof gear. My dress slacks are going to be soaked by the time I get home.

Speaking of Frogg Toggs............any particular variety that is good for us scooter riders? I checked out the site earlier, but didn't have much time to look through all the different gear.

Jrman · Post by **Jrman** » Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:46 pm

MikieTaps wrote:yeah... if you have common sense... I dont have any... I ride everyday... I dont even bother looking at the forcast...

Same here... 60% chance of rain today. Clear skies going in and black clouds heading home. I stopped at a local hardware store's overhang and put on my rain gear. 5 min later it started to pore. Road 40 minutes in the rain heading home from work and loving every minute! I do have an added bit of protection which helps me be seen in almost all weather conditions day or night.

I don't leave home without my High-Rez Yellow Airglide 2 Mesh Tech Jacket. 90+ plus this weekend and the jacket kept me safe and believe it or not fairly cool.

Note: girl in photo is "optional equipment"..

Alix B · Post by **Alix B** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:26 am

One of the worst times is the first time.

Def. use the tire tracks in front of you.
Most slippery time is actually right when the rain starts falling, because it's just mixing with the oil on the road. Caution on that.

I didn't like the stock tires in the rain, although I rode with them for 20k before I knew any better.

Maybe get tires that make you feel safer.

Rain gear makes it better, you don't get distracted by how wet your getting.
You can do it.

Rainex or something on helmet shield is helpful.

armacham · Post by **armacham** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 1:45 am

Alix B wrote:
Maybe get tires that make you feel safer.

What tires do you use, Alix?

Modern Buddy

So, it was clear and sunny this morning and now the skies

So, it was clear and sunny this morning and now the skies

Re: So, it was clear and sunny this morning and now the skie

We made it home safe...