It’s Not Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Riding in the Rain

Let’s face it — if you ride motorcycles long enough, you’re going to get caught in the rain. No matter how closely you check the forecast or how well you plan your routes, Mother Nature will eventually sneak up on you. And when she does, it pays to be prepared — not just with the right gear, but with the right mindset and habits.

I've been riding motorcycles for nearly 20 years, and I've ridden through everything from light mist to sideways downpours. Early on, rain caught me completely off guard. Now? I expect it. And I’ve learned a few things the hard way — including one particularly humbling moment I won’t forget.

☔ The Day I Learned Patience (the Hard Way)

Back in the early days of my riding career, I was still on my trusty little Ninja 250 — a bike that taught me more than a few life lessons. One day, I was riding home when a sudden storm rolled in. The roads slicked up fast, but I was impatient. I wanted to get home, and I wasn’t about to slow down.

As I approached a stoplight, I grabbed the front brake too hard — and just like that, the tire locked up, the bike slid out, and I went down. No serious damage (aside from a bruised ego), but it was a wake-up call: rain changes the rules, and you have to respect that.

🧠 Why You Should Ride in the Rain (Sometimes)

Most riders dread riding in the rain, and for good reason — it’s less fun, it’s less comfortable, and it’s definitely riskier. But here’s the truth: if you want to be a well-rounded, confident rider, you need to know how to handle wet conditions.

Getting comfortable riding in the rain doesn’t mean loving it — it just means knowing how to stay safe, stay calm, and keep rolling when the skies open up. The more you experience it, the less intimidating it becomes.

✔️ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts of Riding in the Rain

Here’s some wisdom I’ve picked up over the years:

✅ Do:

• Check the forecast, but also prepare like the forecast is wrong.

• Carry rain gear (jacket, pants, waterproof gloves) — even if it’s just a lightweight packable set.

• Bring extra dry socks — they make a world of difference after a soggy ride.

• Slow everything down — braking, cornering, accelerating.

• Increase your following distance — wet roads mean longer stopping distances.

• Use smooth, progressive inputs — treat the controls like you’re wearing gloves made of glass.

• Ride in car tire tracks — they’re usually drier than the rest of the lane.

❌ Don’t:

• Jam the brakes — especially the front. Use both brakes and ease into them.

• Ride over paint or metal (like crosswalks, manhole covers) when wet — they’re slippery traps.

• Assume new tires are grippy — rain + new rubber can be sketchy.

• Forget your visor or face shield — riding blind in the rain is worse than the rain itself.

• Panic — stay relaxed and trust your skills.

🧤 Final Thoughts

Riding in the rain will never be ideal — but it doesn’t have to be scary or miserable either. With the right prep and a little experience, it becomes just another part of the ride.

So next time the clouds roll in, don’t panic. Take it slow, stay dry, and remember: it’s not always sunny in Philadelphia — but that’s okay.