Weather Whims
The old saying —you know, the one that says if you don't like the weather in Chicago, just wait ten minutes— means that bike commuters here won’t have an easy time planning for what’s to come. Yesterday’s breezy and mild morning turned into driving rain by late afternoon, and that’s just how it goes here. Even if from the get-go you only plan to commute in fair weather, our Midwestern climate is likely to throw you a curveball as often as not.
Rightly or wrongly, many decisions about our social engagements, recreational activities, fitness and transportation are influenced by the weatherman. Our outlook is subject to the whims of the elements. Our media both assume and dictate that people respond in predictable ways to the weather: if it is cold, we're supposed to feel lazy and crave comfort food; if it is sunny, we're to attack life with zest and vigor; if it rains, we're to stay indoors with a cup of tea and a good book until the skies clear.
But weather isn't good or bad; it just is. We can learn to enjoy different types of weather at different times of the year. For urban cyclists who ride year-round, or at least commit to a somewhat regular schedule, climate control has as much to do with gear as it does with attitude.
And here is where cyclists have an edge. Your attitude is practically guaranteed to change as soon as you get on your bike. If you ride out and the skies open up, you're not going to get very far thinking about how hard it’s raining and how miserable you are. If you’re close to home, maybe you’ll turn around. That’s fair. But if you’re already well into your journey, you might just clench your teeth, brace yourself and take a determined plunge. And there is nothing like that can-do feeling of independence to give your attitude a healthy boost. By the end of the ride, you may even feel like that was really fun, even if very wet. On my best rainy rides, I've felt like a kid who got away with splashing in a puddle.
On the practical side, you may find that having a good rain suit and fenders on your bike helps your attitude remain positive throughout your ride. Similarly, a waterproof bag will protect your papers and belongings, so you don't have to stress about them as you battle the elements. A dry change of clothes is essential. Shivering in wet clothes all day might spoil your outlook on life.
It's not just cold and rain that keep people off their bikes. In summertime, you're more likely to be concerned about sweat and grime when you're on your way to work. Take a clue from a Japanese restaurant with their pre-meal steaming washcloth treatment. Make room in your bike bag for a small zip-lock bag filled with a washcloth (a worthwhile upgrade to the baby-wipe type disposable cloths), and a small bottle of refreshing cleanser, such as witch hazel. Now, given some hot running water, your washcloth and five minutes at the sink, you'll come out looking clean, smelling fresh and feeling great.
Since we can't change the weather, and sometimes we can’t even adequately plan for it, we might as well adjust the way we respond to it. Tomorrow, we’ll go over some key garments and pieces of equipment to help you handle weather’s surprises.