Since I started my motorcycle career, I have had a fear of riding my motorcycle in the rain. Even when I drive my SUV during a rain storm, I find myself gripping the steering wheel tightly and my heart rate goes up. So when I started riding my 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900 named Lucy, I made a point to avoid the rain as much as possible. Wet roads and poor visibility made me swear to never ever, ever, ride in the rain. This has changed over the past year since starting the Art of Motorcycling.
The first time I did ride in the rain, it was unexpected. A beautiful Summer Sunday morning gave way to a huge downpour and I was caught in the middle of it. What I remember most about raining in the rain was how scared I felt. Like at any moment my tires would slip and I would hit the asphalt…hard. I fondly remember being soaked and having a passing car’s puddle splash over me completely. It was such a huge splash that I was temporary blinded for a few seconds. Not the best way to start a relationship with riding in the rain.
Checking the weather yesterday morning, I noticed that rain was expected but not a monsoon. I was eager to ride, and I thought “how bad could it be?” I suited up early Monday morning. Prepped myself and Lucy for our AM commute ride to the office, and fired up the Bonneville engine on Lucy. As I sat on Lucy, pulling in the clutch and pushing the gear lever into first gear, rain started to come down. It was light but not heavy. “I can manage this,” I thought to myself. Riding to the local Circle K for gas I quickly realized this light rain was becoming a bit heavier and I had not reach top speed for commuting yet. Gassing up, I knew I would need to trust my training, my instincts, my experience, and above all, keep a positive attitude. Reading the book “Total Control” by Lee Parks, over the Summer, Mr. Parks says that riding in the rain is a GREAT opportunity to learn how your bike handles wet roads, and most importantly how your decision making must be in tune with the rain. For instance, allowing plenty of space in front of you for braking. Reducing lean angle on turns. Downshifting when coming to stops to reduce the need to hammer the brakes. And most importantly, riding at a safe speed. So, as I left the Circle K, rain falling harder, I smiled to myself and said, “I CAN HANDLE THIS”.
By the time I reached the office, I was soaked, and Lucy looked like she had been off-roading. Yet, a huge smile graced my face and I pulled a strong fist pump in the air that made me believe…I LOVE RIDING IN THE RAIN. I don’t plan to ride in every rain storm that passes Charleston, but weather changes so quickly. Putting in the effort to ride in the rain will only increase my confidence when dealing with Mother Nature.
One of the best aspects of this experience, was finding my inner strength in adversity. Because it can quickly become overwhelming, very quickly, on a motorcycle. But as I am learning, taking control of the situation, focusing on what is happening in front of you, and above all, believing in yourself, fear and panic will not take over. Some of my best moments of this commute was laughing out loud when rain splashed onto my riding goggles, creating a strange double vision for a few seconds. I learned so much about myself and Lucy while riding in the rain this day. Like how painted lines on the asphalt are super slippery or how puddles hide what could be a dangerous fall. It was the type of ride that I will remember for a long time and a turning point in my motorcycle career.
Rolf