No matter what they’re made of, however, they all seem to have one thing in common—they’re a bear to get on over our boots, especially when we’re getting wet and we’re in a hurry.  An easy solution is a simple plastic grocery bag slipped on over the boot, which allows the boot to pass smoothly through the leg of the rain gear.

A complete set of rain gear should include waterproof gloves and a way to keep our boots dry.  Waterproof gloves can be as high-tech and expensive as Gore-Tex, or as simple as extra-large rubber gloves worn over our leather gloves.  The main thing to remember is that regardless of what gloves we choose to wear, we need to retain positive feel of the brake and clutch levers, as well as the throttle control.  If our wet gloves become slippery and start to degrade our sense of feel—the best bet is to take them off.  The solution to dry boots can also be high-tech (waterproof leather or Gore-Tex) or low-tech (rubber boots or coated nylon gaiters).  Again, the important thing is to make sure that in our effort to keep our feet dry that we don’t compromise our ability to shift gears, brake, and maintain stability as we come to a stop and place our feet on the ground.

Eye protection is also a must (in fact, it’s the law), but our normal sunglasses are not the best choice when the dark clouds move in and the rain starts.  To improve our ability to see in reduced light conditions, a yellow or clear lens is a better alternative.  And here in Florida, where we can be caught in particularly heavy deluges of rain, a pair of swim goggles can come in handy to keep the water from streaming down into our eyes.

And the best place to carry our rain gear?  The right side saddle bag.  Why? Because if we have to stop on the side of the road to don our gear, we will be farther away from any traffic, and our bike will be between us and the roadway.

Being wet and miserable can be a distraction when riding.  So rain gear can help make our ride in the rain safer by keeping us dry and comfortable.  But it does more than that.  It helps prevent hypothermia, which can develop in temperatures as high as the 70s.  (Ever notice how the temperature plummets during a thunderstorm?).  And if we’re riding, even mild hypothermia can be dangerous, since it effects dexterity and mental alertness.  What causes hypothermia?  Cool temperatures, wind, no sunshine and, most importantly, wet clothing.  Hmm…sounds like riding in the rain without rain gear.  Be safe and have fun.