Dear Miss Spoke:  Do you recommend riding in the rain?

Sincerely,
Soggy in Seattle

Dear Soggy:  Back in the day, I used to be much more hardcore than I am now, riding in not only rain, but also snow and ice.  When the bike path became impassible from the snow, I would take to the streets as soon as they were plowed.  I'm not sure I would recognize my old self if I ran into me on the street.  Nowadays, I've become much more of a fair weather biker - easier, safer, less bike maintenance required.  I'm still badass about the cold though.  Bring it on, and I will just put on more layers.  Just this very morning however, I ended up riding in the rain by mistake.  I got up in the morning and checked the weather on my iphone.  Clear skies, sunny and 61 degrees. When I got all geared up and loaded up and left the house with my bike, it was completely overcast and raining.  Only then did I realize my weather app was still on the last place I searched - in California, 3000 miles away!  I was committed by then, so off I went.  And I was immediately reminded of both the pros and cons of riding in the rain.  Big plus for me is that the bike path is practically deserted - a little drizzle is great for clearing out the riff-raff.  A minus is the dirt and grime built up on both me and my bike by the time I got to work.  I had to admire the one other biker I saw on my route though.  While I was being careful not to skid on the wet payment in my bright reflective clothing, this guy zips by, runs a red light and weaves between cars to make a left turn.  All while wearing... a camouflage jacket.

All this to say, dear Soggy - do not fear a little rain.  If you feel like riding, go for it, a little drizzle never hurt anyone.  Just leave your camouflage at home and lube your chain afterwards.

Sincerely,
Miss Spoke