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Chris Elizaga
Washington Marketing Manager
Metier Motorcycle Lawyers
If you ride long enough, sooner or later you’re going to get caught in the rain. Maybe you didn’t check the forecast, maybe you thought you could outrun it, or maybe you just decided to ride anyway. Now you’re out there, the sky’s dumping on you, and you’ve got two choices: panic, or figure it out.
The first thing you’ll learn fast is that gear matters. A cheap rain suit stuffed under your seat or saddle bag will pay for itself the first time the clouds open up. Waterproof riding gloves keep your hands working when the temperature drops, and most of them have a handy little squeegee attached to the thumb to wipe your visor. You’ll also want good boots to keep your feet dry so you’re not riding with soggy socks for the next hundred miles. I have also worn plastic bags over my socks (and under my boots) in a pinch. Treat your visor with anti-fog spray and toss a small cloth in your pocket (maybe even in a Ziplock bag) or better yet, get yourself a pin-lock visor. You’ll thank yourself at the next stoplight when you can actually see where you’re going. Sometimes it really is slippery when wet, and staying ready can make all the difference.
Once you’re moving, the trick is to stay smooth. Every manipulation of the bike should be as smooth and deliberate as possible. Obviously, you don’t want to bounce the bike off the rev limiter and dump the clutch to get moving. Nor do you want to grab a quick handful of front brake to come to a stop. Ease into everything; speed, turns, braking, even lane changes. You don’t have as much grip in the wet, so don’t waste what you do have with jerky inputs. Corners especially require a little more respect: slow down earlier, lean a little less, and keep things predictable. Move with purpose, follow your own line, and stay aware of the conditions around you.
Watch the road itself, too. Painted lines, metal grates, manhole covers. Basically, anything shiny gets slick fast. Rainbow-colored streaks on the asphalt? That’s oil. Stay off it. And puddles? They might be harmless or could be hiding a nasty pothole. Pay attention to how the rain interacts with the road, and ride in the areas that give you the most traction.
Give yourself space. A lot of drivers lose their minds in the rain. Some slow way down, others speed up for some reason. Leave extra room and assume nobody can see you. Ride relaxed, take it easy, and trust your instincts.
The truth is riding in the rain just takes practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable and skilled you’ll become. Rain doesn’t have to shut down your ride plans, it’s just another part of motorcycling. Like they say, “if you don’t ride in the rain, you don’t ride.”
Chris Elizaga
A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Chris Elizaga has been riding since the age of 5, spending his youth racing motocross and trail riding with his Dad and brother. That early passion evolved into a career in the motorcycle industry. With experience selling and riding everything from iconic Harley-Davidsons to rare vintage Laverdas, Chris brings a deep knowledge and authentic insight to the world of motorcycling. In 2024, he took the roll as Washington Marketing Manager for Metier Motorcycle Lawyers-a position he loves-combining deep industry knowledge with a genuine dedication to supporting the rider community through strategic outreach and advocacy.
