Spring weather is a fickle beast. One minute it’s beautiful and sunny, the next minute cold wind is whipping rain across the road. And, you’re stuck out in the middle of it. Well, knowledge and preparation is the cure for most things – including the rainy riding blues. So, have a look at these tips for a smooth ride no matter what the weather.

1. Get the right gear. Riding in a waterproof/water resistant jacket, pants, goggles (or a full face helmet), motorcycle boots and motorcycle gloves will make your life easier in any weather. This gear is not only designed to protect you in the event of a crash, but also to prevent the crash in the first place. Goggles and helmets improve visibility in the rain, especially those designed with anti-fog features. The water resistant jacket and pants will keep you dry, and the gloves and boots are made to prevent slipping when things get a little wet. By remembering ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time), you’ll always be prepared for a little rain.

2. Clear the fog. Helmets and goggles have a tendency to fog up in rainy weather. While some people have newer helmets built with better ventilation to prevent fogging, most of us will have to deal with the fog issue. There are anti-fog sprays available, as well as plenty of home remedies that can be useful, though neither are 100% effective. The best trick for those with full-face helmets is to leave the visor slightly open – by just a hair – to allow fresh air to circulate and keep the fog from forming. Or, there are also breath guard inserts that fit on the inside of your helmet to prevent your breath from fogging up the visor. 

3. Watch the road. All smart riders keep a keen eye on the road no matter what the weather, however, rainy conditions call for even more vigilance. Look out for slick spots such as train tracks, man hole covers, metal grates on bridges, and painted road surfaces (lane markers, turn arrows, etc). If these road hazards can’t be avoided, then be sure to cross them slowly with straight wheels. Also, avoid rainbow-colored water like the plague. There is no pot of gold at the bottom of that puddle, just some some very slick oil.

4. Avoid puddles. All puddles should be avoided. There is no telling how deep they are, what is at the bottom, and how much oil they have collected from the road. If you have an uncontrollable urge to ride through a rain puddle, just save it for your bicycle.

5. Slow down! Obviously, everything should be slower in the rain. Brake slower, turn slower, ride slower.

As always, it’s important to remain relaxed and enjoy the ride. Getting all cramped up with fear won’t improve the situation any, and may even be detrimental to your safety. So, just keep these tips in mind, ride easy, and remember to have fun. After all, you’re still alive and riding!