Wetter weather can put a damper on cycling.  Here is a summary of Tips for Riding in the Rain, by Active.com…

 

Dress to stay dry.

A waterproof vest or jacket with a dropped skirt in the back and a hood is critical for heavy conditions. Wear a wicking underliner made from wool or polypropylene and wool socks.

 

Oil and water can be slippery hazards.

Keep an eye out for little rainbow-edged patches on the street!

 

Avoid puddles.

As fun as it may be to bash through puddles, avoid them.  More than one cyclist has broken a wheel on a submerged pothole—or submarined into a construction pit that appeared to be a harmless stretch of standing water.

 

Brake early on wet roads.

A mixture of road grit and water turns out to be the fastest method to erode rubber brake pads. Pads that last a full season in the dry will run metal to metal on the rims in a month of wet-weather training rides. Also, most rims require a full revolution before the brake pads squeegee the water from the braking surface and begin stopping. Plan ahead and brake early.

 

Use heavy chain lube.

It’s better to have a chain that requires cleaning than to have it freeze up with rust. Remember, your lube won’t penetrate into the links unless the chain is completely dry when you apply it.

 

Let everyone know you are there. 

Use lights to let motorists know you’re there.  Heavy rain and the glare from auto headlights reduce motorists’ vision, so it’s a good idea to ride with a bright LED lamp on the seatpost and handlebar.