Mountain Biking

Mountain bikers have enormous fun chasing down mudtrails, crossing rivers and jumping off special ramps into lakes. Cycling in the rain is great fun with the right gear.

If you're into mud and spray, take the mudflaps off and speed down some muddy field track. Try it some time. You might enjoy it.

A Tip for Aspiring Underwater Cyclists

Remember that chains and bearings do not like water. Unless your bike has sealed bearings, like good mountain bikes have, it is perhaps better to find other ways of suddenly ending up in the water with a big splash.

In any case, careful cleaning and lubrication of your chain is required afterwards! It is also quite easy to hurt yourself, unless you know what you are riding into.

Recommended Clothing

T-shirt or cycling shirt, cycling tights, anorak with rain pants, socks and shoes with a good grip are a good start. When these clothes get wet, they still protect you from windchill and sunburn. The key is to pick clothes that dry quickly and feel good even when wet.

Reader Story: Ryan from Salisbury, England

Hey, let me tell you about the time I had a right old blast on my mountain bike! It was one of them days when it's chucking it down and the trails are all muddy and slippery. I love cycling in this weather. There's nothing like it!

So, I grabbed my trusty steed, a bit of a beast really, with its fat tyres made for tackling any terrain going. I took the mudflaps off earlier because I wanted to feel every splash and spray on this ride. You know, it is like riding through a waterfall!

I headed out towards them mudtrails in the forest, where the ground was all squelchy and soft from the rain. The trails were twisty and turny, perfect for weaving in and out through the trees. I could feel my bike slipping and sliding, but that just added to the thrill!

Next up, there was this river crossing. It was no little stream but a proper raging torrent after all that rain. But you know what? That didn't stop me from riding straight through it. The water splashed up and soaked me in good, but I loved every second of it!

Then there were the jumps into the lakes. Oh mate, those ramps are a treat! They were just high enough to give me that rush of adrenaline as I launched off and flew through the air. Splashing down into the lake was always such a blast. It felt like I was some kind of water-riding, muddy superhero!

So there we have it, mate. A tale of one bloke, his mountain bike, and a whole lotta wet fun in the rain. I wouldn't change a single drop for nothing. Cheers to getting covered in mud and spray, and cheers to riding through life with a smile on my face!

My Clothing Tips

Now let my tell you a bit more about those wet cycling clothes and why they feel so darn good in the water. The chill from the rain and the wind make me feel alive, but once I start pedaling, I warm up real quick. Soon my shirt is plastered to my back and my tights are glissening wet. You know what? It feels great!

So, I often wear my usual cycling gear, a pair of baggy shorts or some cycling tights. They are made from this soft fabric that allows for plenty of movement when I'm pedaling. I prefer a soft saddle over chamois leather inserts.

On top, I like a long-sleeve shirt with built-in ventilation. It helps keep me cool in the heat and wicks away any sweat, but it also does a grand job at retaining body heat when I got all wet from the rain.

Now, as I'm riding, the water splashes up onto my clothes, soaking them through and turning me into a muddy mess. But instead of feeling heavy or uncomfortable like you might think, it feels... well, man, it feels downright invigorating.

You see, the water acts as this natural coolant, chilling me down when I'm working hard on them trails. It makes me feel alive and energized, like nothing else could touch me.

The fabric of my anorak, shirt and shorts is also super quick-drying. As soon as I start pedaling, they'd start to dry out real fast after the rain stops. It was like being reborn every time I hop back on my bike!

And don't even get me started on the feel of the wet sports clothes against my skin. There's nothing quite like it. It's this wild, primal sensation that makes you feel connected to nature, to the elements in a way few other things can match. It's why I love cycling in the rain so much!

So there ya have it, mate. That's why those wet cycling clothes feel so good in the water. They keep me warm when I need it, cool me down when I'm working hard, and make me feel like being one with nature as I tackle the muddy trails!