Viet Nam belongs to tropical area, including: rainy season and dry season. Understanding the inconvenience while riding in the rain, Asama will give a short list of skills and stuff to stay upright and safe when cycling in wet, cold or other seasons.
Waterproof jacket
Jacket is the most critical item of clothing for battling the rain. Jacket needs to be absolutely waterproof underlines, breathable and thinner materials, which makes man comfortable so they don’t overheat. In the downpour, climate is wetter and colder, since jacket not only keeps your torso dry it will help your regulate your body temperature.
Cap hat
Air vents in helmet are useful in the heat, but not so much in the rain. Therefore, you should wear cap hat with short leak under your helmet. It not only shields your head but your eyes against the spray from the street and some of the rain.
Light
Rain and overcast sky all reduce motorists’ vision. Therefore, you need to install a light system to remark yourself on the route. LED lights are relatively cheap and work reasonably well, something to consider if your rides take place during early morning and evening. Most of bikes have clips that allow you to attach lights. You can set either on seat post or handlebar. It is great to hang extra turn light on rear.
Hit the brake
Adjusting and checking the brake is seen as habits for biker to stay safe. Especially, in the rain, a mixture of road grit and water will make rubber brake pads which is easy to be eroded. It can decrease your stopping power. So you must be more careful by pulling both brake levers lightly so that the brake pads are just barely touching the rim, which will allow you clear excess water from the braking surface. It will let you squeeze just a little bit before coming to a complete stop.
Chain lube
You will immediately take a bath and dry yourself after riding in the rain. Let’s do the same thing for your chain. A clean chain is better than to have the one be frozen up with rust. Further, your lube will penetrate into the link if the chain is absolutely dry. You just do it once a week which can protect it for the next ride and double its lifespan.
On guard
If you make a plan to ride anywhere, anytime, setting a chain guard and a fender is not foolish. It is not nice but necessary. These will not only keep that dirty water on the road off of your feet and back but protect the one riding right behind you.
Caution: slippery road and potholes
The road surface will be the slickest and most dangerous after the rain has begun. During this time, the rain will create a giant oil buildup in the pavement. To realize a place where the oil is accumulated much is keep an eye out for little rainbow patch on the street. Please do not hit the brake at there.
Aside from slippery, pay attention to potholes, manhole covers or even wet leaves. All of them become slick when wet.
Do not suddenly bash through puddles, it is a position that normally has a potholes. Not only does harm to your wheel but leads to accident.
Decrease your speed
Bad road condition and visibility won’t let you have as much time to manage any dangerous happens. You should adjust your speed limit and maintain air speed as slowly as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute when approach a red light or stop safe and then you start to brake quickly. It endangers you and others.
It’s hard to avoid the rain in Viet Nam but with some above tips which Asama has written so that you can enjoy your ride and stay safe. Some people hate riding in the rain, but others do not. However, do not let this stop you.