A Pinoy Biker’s Philippine Rural Adventures

I have been waiting for the rain to catch me on my way to the office ever since the rainy season began. I was hoping I would have the luck this afternoon, but no, all that fell was a little drizzle, not even enough to wet my nose. When I left the house, the skies were leaden, a good omen for expected rains. But as I pedaled through the streets, only little raindrops fell. Although some parts of the streets had puddles, which obviously means that rain had just fallen where I was passing, all that became wet on myself were the hems of my biking pants.

I have actually prepared a post about biking in the rain, but the opportunity has not presented itself. Long have I waited for the rain to catch me so I would have a reason to post it. But waiting time is over.Let me say my piece about biking and rain right now.

Biking and rainwear don’t mix. I mean, if you are going to bike in the rain, what is the reason for wearing rain gear? You don’t want to get wet? If that is the case, then don’t ride at all. For me there is no point in donning rainwear during a ride under the rain. Getting wet is all part of the beauty of biking. Water running down your forehead to your nose, trickling down to you chin; having to squint to avoid getting rain on your eyes; feeling the cold overwhelming the heat generated by your body as you pedal ahead. Oh this is fun!

Worried you’ll spin out of control if you have to break abruptly? Again, stop biking in the rain and head for the nearest shelter! That’s the easiest and right thing to do. But you’ll miss out on the thrill of going through puddles, getting so much wetter and accumulating more muck on your gears. You’ll never experience the anxiety resulting from doubt whether the puddle is not deep enough for you to pass over it, and if it is, would you stumble and kiss the ground? Or perhaps, you are not willing not go through the agony of deciding whether that piece right ahead of you is just a crumpled newspaper or is actually a small rock or something solid that could stop you cold in your tracks? Oh how easy it is to just stay dry and warm in a corner instead of biking under the rain, right? Coward!

I don’t want any raingear getting in the way of me enjoying the rain as I bike. I am not as reckless as this would sound, but I prefer that raindrops fall on my face, arms and legs, refreshing, cleansing and rejuvenating me. Dangerous? Yes, I am not saying it is not. But staying indoors at this point is not for me. A bike ride is a bike ride, no matter where, when and how it is made.