WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

We have written about this ‘smell’ a few times.

Petrichor is that earthy, pleasant scent that develops after rain has fallen on dry ground, especially after a warm, dry period. It's a distinctive aroma often associated with the fresh scent of the earth.

The term "petrichor" was coined by scientists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Grenfell Thomas in the 1960s. They used it to describe the smell of dry soil when it first comes into contact with water, or in our case macadam.

Sometimes you can smell the rain before you are even in it, and sometimes it can be a sudden occurrence, like coming around a mountain to be met with the wet.

There are some riders who will do anything to stay out of and away from riding in the rain. As if a bit of mizzle is some sort of monster – the Petrichorsaurus.

Ah yes, a big beast, or not, that will roar into your riding day and cause all sorts of moisture-laden mayhem.

Nobody prefers wet over dry – and we know we are easier with the wet when we start in the dry – starting off in the pouring rain is just a bummer on every level.

Still, for those of you who will not ride in the rain, no matter what, the question is - why?

Is it because you are worried that your bike will get dirty? Well, we have no answer for that; or is it that that wet pavement simply gives you the willies? Hmmm? This we can talk about.

Be Prepared. Always.

Suitable riding gear is key to piloting well in bad weather. If you are cold and wet, or worse – your head and body will not be in the game.

There are plenty of pants, jackets, gloves, and boots that can handle a good dousing without giving up the ghost. If you have a full-face helmet, consider adding a Pinlock anti-fog insert to your shield. Even simple rain gear can be the difference between carrying on safely and somewhat comfortably and sitting in a WaWa or Royal Farms singing old Doors' songs.

So, you have the gear, but do you have the skill?

If you are a competent rider in the dry – then we say yes. Yes, you do have the skill.

The most important word to remember in the rain is ‘smooth’.

As Reg Pridmore has drummed into our heads… it is all about smooth – in the dry and especially the rain. Roll on and off the throttle in an easy and determined manner. Your machine’s throttle is your friend, so don’t upset it with abrupt and jerky throttle control. A happy bike is a happy ride, and rider.

Braking also needs to be as smooth as you can muster. Easy to say.

But let’s practice. Go get a small, soft orange or tangerine (better). Practice slowly and steadily squeezing the fruit, and then releasing in the same manner.  Soft squeeze, hold…. then equally soft release. Do this 101 times. Then eat the tangerine.

The exercise will not work if you have scurvy. It’s a terrible disease that sailors could have avoided if they had practiced their Braking in the Rain exercises more often. 

Learn to use your engine as a brake, especially as you are setting yourself up for some curves – again in the smoothest fashion.

Pick and choose your bike's placement, avoiding shiny pavement and steel grating, as they are points of enhanced gravity and could bite the smoothest rider. Be situationally aware of everything. Your eyes should always be on the move taking in potentials, and the downright craziness that will be trying to get around in the rain too. If you are on heightened Rain Alert – then know everyone on the road most likely is as well. Stay sharp.

You want to be noticeable too.

All that Sade’ Smooth Operator smooth stuff might get tossed out or, or through, the window, when Granny or Texting Tessa, makes that left turn in front of you. Stay sharp. Stay ready. Stay calm. 

Your bike is far more capable than that Camry.

Conspicuity is important. Bright riding gear and extra lighting will make you stand out in a sea of cars, trucks and crazed squirrels. Dark riding gear is…well, dark.

Well-armed with proper gear, skill, and a pure heart you can ride forth into the storm and slay the dreaded Petrichorsaurus... and the people go Hazzah!