No one is a fortune teller to know what will happen in the future. In the case of cyclists, they also cannot be 100% sure what will happen in a race. Yes, you can more or less predict the weather, but you are never sure of any altercations that may occur along the way.
One of these “altercations” are storms. Most cyclists feel nervous when this happens, and they don’t know what to do. Therefore, we bring you some tips on what to do if you get caught in a storm while cycling .
4 tips for cyclists in the middle of a storm
1. Always wear a coat
Despite a beautiful and sunny day, it is recommended that you always carry a coat with you, even if your route is short. Do not leave home without one, create this habit so that the rain does not catch you off guard. Heed the saying “it is better to be safe than sorry”.
2. Keep moving
The most important thing when riding a bicycle takes you by surprise by the rain , is to follow your cycling route, that is, to keep moving. It doesn’t matter if you get wet, this will help keep you warm even if you don’t have a coat. However, if there is a threat of lightning, you must find the shelter you can, as low as possible, and try to be separated from the others, since if any of your companions is hit by one, or suffers any accident, the others will be good and they will be able to help you.
If the storm worsens and your route is going uphill, it is best to consider retreating. Never leave the group when you get back on the road, everyone should go at the same speed, and you should be aware of the signs of hypothermia: confusion, chills, drowsiness, and lack of coordination; without forgetting to keep moving to get warm.
3. Stay warm with the right gear
In these cases you need to bring something to protect you from the rain. If you have a hood, use it to keep your head dry. It is also recommended to buy a space bag, (that shiny bag that rescue teams always carry) because you can wear it under your jacket to trap the heat.
You should also bring a disposable plastic shower cap and a pair of thin, disposable nitrile gloves (the kind you can wear while working on your bike to keep your hands clean), as they work as a vapor barrier liner .
4. Think like an adventure runner
With a long run that encompasses everything from rock climbing to gravel riding, he has a different perspective than many riders. The mentality of the cyclists is that the course is marked, there is neutral support and someone will come to help. However, you must think the opposite: you must have the mentality of an adventure runner , think that you are alone, first and foremost.
Suppose the worst could happen, so you will have extra gear everywhere, like the swimming cap and gloves, those extra things don’t have to take up a lot of space or weigh a ton, but you’ll be glad you tucked them into a corner of your backpack, if you have the misfortune that it is stormy while riding your bike .
conclusion
- If possible, find out what type of weather there will be on the day of the race, this is so you can take forecasts.
- You can buy the necessary equipment to drive in the rain at specialized cycling stores.
- Always have a plan B, the best cyclists stand out for it. Try not to let things take you by surprise.
Reference
- Lindsey, J. What to do when you get caught in a lightning strom on your bike. For Bicycling [Revised November 2017]
