At one time or another, all motorcyclists get to experience the `rain suit boogie'. Riding in the rain is an unavoidable part of biking, however if properly prepared, one that can be enjoyable. Obviously the risks are greater due to reduced traction and visibility, however a few basic rules will help manage that risk.

Your first line of defense is not to ride, if that's not an option, then it falls to your rain suit. A rain suit must do more than keep you dry. It must keep you warm, visible and fit in such a way as to reduce fatigue. Over sized garments that flap in the wind not only fatigue the rider but also act as a distraction. Brightly colored garments with reflective stripes and/or markings increase your visibility and your safety.

Gloves become even more important in wet weather because they provide better grip and reduce hand fatigue, especially in city traffic where your hand controls could be operated more than ten times a minute. Your brain controls your body and your hands control three of the main components (throttle, clutch and front brake lever) of your motorcycle. A neuromuscular delay caused by hand fatigue or a slippery control could cost a split second in reaction time. Remember that staying warm is an important part of safety also. Hypothermia affects the rider's judgement. When your body is cold your eye/hand coordination is slowed, as well as your ability to think clearly.

You motorcycle plays the other major component in the `rain game'. Tires that are worn below acceptable trend depths dramatically affect the ability of the tire to squeeze water away from the roadway and the tread face. With only the palm sized tire print we have between us and the road we have to manage our traction `print' continuously to give us that safety edge. Tire maintenance, air pressure and visual inspection, are NOT something to do when it rains, it's done BEFORE it rains. Controlling the bike in a water environment depends on the smoothness of the operator. Smooth, deliberate steering inputs though the use of counter steering and gradual, even pressure on the brakes provide the most effective and safe operation of the motorcycle. Speed, the final element, is one that must match the conditions your riding in. Wet pavement doubles your stopping distance, `fraction' traction is greatly reduced and maneuverability is lessoned. Smoothness is EVERYTHING in the rain.

And last, but not least, is your eye protection. Windshields help in wet weather, however they are not a cure-all as they accumulate water and distort light. Eye wear should fit snugly and be free of scratches and/or blemishes. Your visual lead is your safety net, the farther ahead you can see, the more time you have to react to it. Remember, it's what you DON'T see that can hurt you.

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