2-up sport touring the twisties and Bad weather.....?

[Spiffious]

So, friday of this week, the wife and I Were planning departure from southern PA, down the skyline drive/BRP on the SV1000(T).  We would be staying at a hotel around Roanoke friday night, and continue the BRP to our destination SW of Asheville, NC the following evening.

Now, the question of weather comes up.  The current forecast is for "scattered showers, 60% precipitation" friday, and "Isolated thunderstorms 30%" on saturday pretty much the whole way down.  We have rain suits, but are not really prepared nor experienced enough in this type of touring to push it in the rain.  The questions is weather we delay a day, and burn the highway down on saturday... or leave saturday in the truck with the bike in the bed for this trip (week at a resort, and riding the mountains, dragon, etc)  I really would love to take the bike though, and It really must be a 2day trip on the bike... but I am concerned about the weather.

Anyone have any feedback or experience in this stuff?  My concerns are being miserable/soaked/cold, and also slick unfamiliar twisty roads in the mountains with my wife on the back.  Am I being paranoid and the weather should be fine, or am I in for it?

(ps, this is the wife and I's first long tour like this)

[JoelCool]

We have rain suits, but are not really prepared nor experienced enough in this type of touring to push it in the rain.

For me, this pretty much sums it up.  Touring in the rain is entirely possible - BUT, if you're not comfortable with it, then it becomes a big deal.  Don't push yourself beyond what your comfort zone is.  Practice some around town riding in the rain with your wife on the bike.

[Rincewind]

If you have the rain gear, but don't have the experience, well then now is your chance to get experienced.  

60% chance means it probably won't rain anyway.  

[Scratch33]

Depends much upon your wife's tolerances IMO.  If you think she'll be miserable, stick the bike on the P/U.

[forester]

If you have the rain gear, but don't have the experience, well then now is your chance to get experienced.  

That's pretty much my feeling on the matter.  Now, just remember that you have to take it a bit slower on the curves and when approaching stops, etc...

I've ran all kinds of miles in the rain (and worse) on multiple types of roads with several different bikes.  I've also ridden that area down there - and it's MUCH better in the dry than in the rain, but if I were you, I'd take the bike. Chances are you'll experience a little of both with that forecast.

[frankt]

Tough call, if you put the bike in the back and the weather turns out nice you'll be kicking yourself. But if the weather is crappy and you both get wet and cold, well, you'll be kicking yourself. Who is doing the kicking? Being under time pressure to get somewhere is not the best conditions to practice riding in the rain. Check the weather again on Thursday and make the call.

If you do end up riding in the rain it's not really that big of a deal. You have to have the right gear, you mentioned rainsuits, but what about boots and gloves, are they waterproof? Having wet feet and/or hands is miserable and you can get hypothermia quickly due to wind chill factors. Take a spare set of gloves if you need to. Plastic grocery bags on the feet will keep them dry too.

Slow down, leave more room ahead, slower entry speed on corners. At higher speeds, watch for puddles or tire ruts with water that might cause hydroplaning. Stay relaxed, you'll want to tense up in the rain, you need to stay relaxed so you don't wear out and can respond quickly to situations. Wife has to stay relaxed on the back too. Whenever possible, stay away from painted lines and man hole covers, they are slippery.

Biggest mistake people make, they're afraid the tires will slide out so they very slowly and carefully drive off the edge of a corner. As always, look where you want to go and make the bike go there. Today's tire technology is really incredible and stick to the road under incredible conditions.

Best of luck with your decision.

[Spiffious]

thanks for all the replies so far.  To clarify on experience:  I have ridden plenty in the rain locally, and one 400 mile day in WV in the rain.  This, however, is my first trip of this distance on this bike with a passenger.

We both are wearing waterproof hiking boots (don't have the $$ right now for nicer motorcycle boots)  As far as gloves, that is something we will still need.  I am leaning towards taking the bike.

Here is the weather forecast for roanoke:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/tenday/USVA0659?from=36hr_topnav_allergies

Would I expect much of the day to be ok, with occasional showers, or more permanent wet roads and precipitation in that area?

[OrangevaleFJR]

The first time my wife and I rode in the rain it was on our first really long 2up trip. We rode from Orangevale, CA to Fort Collins CO in three days. We had proper gear (like you) and it was fun. The rain unleashed the smells of the flowers and sage and we had one of the best experiences of our lives. Since then, Sherri has been my pillion for 20k miles and just passed MSF and is starting to ride her own bike!

Rain? Go for it, it is really not a big deal and gives you something to talk about.

Make sure to wear enough layers underneath to remain warm.

A glove with a built in squeegee on the left index finger is nice, or get these
http://www.aerostich.com/product.php?productid=16506

[basco]

If you have the rain gear, but don't have the experience, well then now is your chance to get experienced.  

60% chance means it probably won't rain anyway.  

+1 one that. Get the experience. You will be more confident. Just be careful when it just starts raining and remember your stopping distance is longer.

[Pelagic]

The only things to remember when riding in the rain are;

• Slow down
• Relax your grip a little so you don't make any sudden moves
• Remember that paint stripes are slippery and
• Tar snakes are pretty greasy too
• Slower is safer but those
• Railroad crossings (the black rubber ones) are slicker than snot!
• Oh, and did I say, 'Go Slow'?

Do it! You will return home with the satisfaction of knowing you've conquered the weather as well as the road.

Good gear helps. If you're warm and comfortable you'll be better focused on riding safely and the rain will become a non-event. I went from Calgary to Jasper in 41 degrees and thundershowers but it wasn't a problem because Gore-tex kept me dry and fleece kept me warm. Good rain gear can't be underestimated as a safety item. (And those three fingered rain covers at Riderwearhouse are the BEST!)
Jim

[lorenzo]

If you have some time flexibility, then go ahead with your trip and be prepared to hold up in a hotel if the weather is more than you want to deal with.  As long as you have decent rain gear and keep dry, you'll see that riding in the wet isn't a very big deal.  

[Mr.Awesome]

I'd say go for it. I have ridden the BRP in the rain and it is not that bad as far as the rain goes. Fog and low clouds on the BRP are another story. The grass comes all the way to the edge of the road as well so stay in your lane, you'll go down quickly on wet grass if you wander to the edge. Ride safe and enjoy.

[BigBore4ST]

So, Friday of this week, the wife and I Were planning departure from southern PA, down the skyline drive/BRP on the SV1000(T).  We would be staying at a hotel around Roanoke friday night, and continue the BRP to our destination SW of Asheville, NC the following evening.

Now, the question of weather comes up.  The current forecast is for "scattered showers, 60% precipitation" friday, and "Isolated thunderstorms 30%" on saturday pretty much the whole way down.  We have rain suits, but are not really prepared nor experienced enough in this type of touring to push it in the rain.  The questions is weather we delay a day, and burn the highway down on saturday... or leave saturday in the truck with the bike in the bed for this trip (week at a resort, and riding the mountains, dragon, etc)  I really would love to take the bike though, and It really must be a 2day trip on the bike... but I am concerned about the weather.

Anyone have any feedback or experience in this stuff?  My concerns are being miserable/soaked/cold, and also slick unfamiliar twisty roads in the mountains with my wife on the back.  Am I being paranoid and the weather should be fine, or am I in for it?

(ps, this is the wife and I's first long tour like this)

I just got back from this trip.
We rode to Little Switzerland (not far from Asheville) on Friday 5/4 and stayed til Sunday.
The weather sucked. 40% - 60% chance of rain means 100% in the mountains. If it wasn't the rain, it was the fog, or both at the same time.
Still managed to put on a total of 650 - 700 miles for the weekend though.
Riding the twisties in the rain is NOT for the faint of heart. Nor is it for those without the proper gear.
Suggestions........
Good tires.
Good rain gear.
Slow down.
Stay off the painted lines on the road.
Be careful!

Don't get scared when the front and rear slide a little bit at the same time. Just surf that pig.  

[servicerifle]

Mr. Awesome hit on my major concern:  fog.  I don't think you'll be endangered by rain if you just take it easy, but if you get weirded out you can always come off the BRP and take some highways and interstates.   Fog can be really thick though, and deserves lots of respect on its own.

[Dave B]

I personally enjoy riding in the rain (if the temp's not too low), but solo.  However, a long, wet slog can put the passenger in a foul mood.  If both of you can maintain a sense of humor about, it shouldn't be difficult, but have the discussion before you're too far from home.

db

[Lon]

Now, the question of weather comes up.  The current forecast is for "scattered showers, 60% precipitation" friday, and "Isolated thunderstorms 30%" on saturday pretty much the whole way down.  We have rain suits, but are not really prepared nor experienced enough in this type of touring to push it in the rain.

Riding in the rain is different from dry.
Riding with a passenger is different from riding solo.

Take it easy.  Don't expect more than about 250-300 miles out of your passenger if she's not used to it.  It's surprising how tiring it is to sit back there for 6-8 hours.

I've done the whole-day rain thing, but not with a passenger.  If you've got dryer-able textile gear, no problem: get to a hotel, and toss gear in the dryer if possible; otherwise hang over shower curtain rail when you get to the hotel.

If you've got leather, it'll take awhile (days) to fully dry.  Most motorcycle rain gear is meant for some showers - and is more like 99% waterproof.  2-3 hours of riding in the rain, and your gear will often get a bit wet - plan accordingly.

[Lawn Dart]

Hi Spiff,

I've done a lot of commuting with my wife.  In fact, on our first date together we endured 120 degree temps in the valley, tight twisties, rain, hail, and ultimately, a 120 degree ride home.  

And we barely had any gear!

It really does depend on your wife/SO and her tendency towards discomfort.  My wife is a remarkable woman who absolutely enjoys being on the bike and being a part of the environment.  We have ridden 750 straight miles in pouring rain (last years WCRM ride home) and have hammered the twisties hard enough to chase down sport-bikers.  A standard ride is 400 miles and takes most of the day - and the wife loves it.  

Do we ride ATGATT?  Hell yes.  Do we both have electrics?  Yeppers.  Do I have a custom saddle designed to coddle her behind?  Absolutely.  Have I done all I can to make her comfortable on the back of my RSL?  Yes.  Do I run an Autocom so we can talk on the ride?  Yep.

Have we crashed together?  Yes, twice, at speeds of under 5mph.  Have I had mechanicals on a ride?  Yep.  And she still rides pillion.

The rest is all her.  She loves riding and being pillion.  This year we have a 5000 mile, two week tour - all two up.  We will encounter beat roads, gravel, dirt, rain, heat, asshat drivers, and likely some LEO's.  

She revels in the freedom of riding.  And who am I to argue?

[Mr.Awesome]

Mr. Awesome hit on my major concern:  fog.  I don't think you'll be endangered by rain if you just take it easy, but if you get weirded out you can always come off the BRP and take some highways and interstates.   Fog can be really thick though, and deserves lots of respect on its own.

Not trying to freak you out, just giving you something to think about. Both times I have ridden the BRP north bound at the northern end I have experienced scenes like this.


Riding in the fog is a lot more mentally draining and frustrating than the rain.

[Spiffious]

Well, the weather situation seems to be improving a bit.  Friday calling for possible thunderstorms, and Saturday seems to be clear.  What kind of conditions usually end up with fog down there?  How difficult is it to get out of (ie, differant route) if necessary?

We should be arriving at front royal between 8-9am friday to begin our ride down.

[servicerifle]

Cold temps & rain at lower elevations.  I doubt you'll have many problems.  Get a VA and NC map so if things do get socked in you can find your way to lower elevations.  The fog's not usually that bad...it's not like it's the Cherohala or anything!