Wet weather riding

I've never been comfortable riding in the wet, I even get a little apprehensive driving in it. I think I'm a "traction hypochondriac" where I can feel the slightest (sometimes imagined) loss of traction in the vehicle I'm driving/riding.
That being said, I may be forced to make a 5-6 hour ride today that will have a very good chance of rain near the end of it. My question is: what do you advise in regards to rainy weather riding? I am a total novice in that respect, and look to those that will share their experiences with me and others.

Thanks.

Keep speed down and light on controls I will assume are the basics.

 

rain suit , keep more distance for more stopping distance, watch out for bridge joints manhole covers and train tracks steel can be slippery when wet.
and stay out of the oil lane in the road where the cars drip oil down the center of the lane,

stay warm

 

Everything he said. I grew up in dirt so I am not afraid of slipping and sliding, however street tires are much different animals than knobbies. Also- I've learned (the hard way...) that tires on asphalt work better when they are warm, and in the rain they will most certainly never warm up completely.

 

yep, keep speed down a little more than normal, light on controls. And relax, as long as you have decent tires, you have more traction than you think

 

Tires are good, new rear (with 1200 miles on it), going to get rain gear now.

Awesome advice, it's appreciated more than you think!

 

As these guys said, avoid the slick spots like paint and manhole covers. I read somewhere (not sure where, so it might not be totally accurate) that you retain about 70% of your traction, even in the wet. It isn't as scary as some people make it out to be. One other thing to do, if you can, is to make sure that you are visible to other people. They don't always see you even in optimal conditions, this might be a good time to break out that hi-viz vest you have lying in the bottom of the closet.

 

RainX on your face shield.
Works great, sometimes you may have to briefly turn your head sideways.

However it doesn't do well after the rain stops and you get road spray on it, but if it is raining then rainX is heaven sent.

Oh and a full faced helmet is prefered.

 

Yep, all of that, above.
Dirty filthy rainy weather is about the only time I'll wear hi-viz, as it's justified. I'd rather look like Day-Glo Dave than have a busted leg.
Full lighting (not high beam, as it pisses people off) and ride for sure like you know nobody has seen you.
It's surprising how much car drivers' vision is cut down when the weather goes foul - just be more aware of that than they are; some of them drive around in a daze, and it only takes the one...

 

And above all, remember that you are even less visible. Ride defensively.

 

I have a good rain suit but never found reasonable priced waterproof gloves. I was going on a 3 week trip and need some gloves. I new it would rain and be cold in some places. I went to Home Depot and found some large black rubber gloves, put the jersey cloth gloves inside them. perfect! The rain coat sleeves covered over the rubber gloves about 4 inches. My hands were warm and dry. I did ride in 6 hours of rain at 56 degrees no problem.

 

Yea, be prepared (slippery spots, hi-vis*, slower corners/ accelerating, dress appropriate**, be the bunny) and you won't be scared, I recently have found riding in the rain to be a 'non-issue' as long as I know my end destination is warm and dry clothes await!

* I wear a hi-vis vest all the time
** love the rubber glove idea! All my riding gloves are leather and they get wet and cold.

 

Other than what's been said, I found putting the wind shield on my bike made riding in the rain a lot better, as I could see better. The face shield always gathered too much water, although I never tried the RainX trick.

 

When it starts to rain stop riding for a few minutes to let the rain wash the oil from the road. The road is slickest at the beginning of rain fall.

 

Made it to my destination! I really appreciate all the quick replies, great community of bike people here. I always wear a full face, especially with all the dirt and sand blowing here in AZ and now that the bugs are out, major through the agricultural area of El Centro, CA. And rain drops hurt!

Please know that your advice was read and followed, except I didn't buy a windshield... Lol

Cheers!