In the morning, after getting out of bed, you turn on the radio. After playing the latest hit song, the host moves on to the weather forecast.
“Cloudy skies with a 40% chance of showers this morning. The risk increases to 60% this afternoon…” he announces in his deep voice.
Since you have set out on a cycling trip with luggage transportation from one accommodation to another, a small concern crosses your mind.
Will you have to ride in the rain? Will you be able to change your route when a stage is planned and an accommodation is waiting for you at the end of the day?
Don’t worry. Rain is not necessarily the enemy of cycle tourists. With a little preparation and the technological tools available today, it is possible to better deal with the whims of the weather.
Mobile phones now make it possible to track weather conditions almost in real time. Weather apps, precipitation radars and alerts help anticipate showers and, sometimes, adjust your departure time or route accordingly.
40 to 60 kilometres per day
At Voyager à vélo, a golden rule is to avoid planning stages that are too long between accommodations.
The ideal distance? Between 40 and 60 kilometres per day.
Why? Because a cycling trip should not become a simple race against the clock. You need to keep time to enjoy the scenery, discover attractions, take a break at a café, restaurant, winery or microbrewery.
This reasonable distance also becomes an advantage when the weather deteriorates. In case of persistent rain, the next destination remains relatively close, making it easier to manage the situation and maintain the pleasure of riding.
Good preparation makes all the difference
The weather remains unpredictable, however. Good preparation can turn a rainy day into an enjoyable experience.
The first piece of advice from Voyager à vélo: properly protect your personal belongings. Clothing, electronic devices and other important items should be placed in waterproof bags before being stored in your bike panniers.
Rain is often accompanied by a drop in temperature. It is therefore important to have suitable clothing, including a lightweight, breathable rain jacket that is easy to put on at the first drops. Waiting until you are completely soaked before protecting yourself can make the day much less enjoyable.
Your extremities also deserve special attention. Wool or fleece socks can help retain warmth, even when humidity sets in.
You should also plan to bring spare clothing. A dry shirt and socks easily accessible during the lunch break can make all the difference between an uncomfortable ride and a day that remains enjoyable despite the rain.
Adjusting your riding in the rain
Rain also changes riding conditions. The road surface becomes more slippery and tire grip decreases.
Cyclists must therefore adjust their behaviour. Braking gradually helps reduce the risk of skidding. It is also preferable to anticipate stops, maintain a greater distance from other road users and avoid taking corners too quickly.
The goal is not to break a speed record, but to enjoy the journey. Ride at your own pace, take breaks when needed and give yourself time to warm up.
After all, a cycling trip is not measured only by the number of kilometres travelled. It is also enjoyed through unexpected moments, even when a few drops of rain become part of the adventure.