Rainy Season Cycling Guide: A Complete Safety and Training Handbook for Taiwan’s Plum Rain and Typhoon Seasons

Introduction: A Cycling Life Dancing with Rain

Taiwan receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 2,500 mm, ranking among the highest in the world. With the plum rain season from May to June, the typhoon season from July to September, and the northeastern monsoon bringing winter rain to the north, more than one-third of the year sees precipitation. For cyclists, waiting for dry weather to train is simply unrealistic. Learning to train safely and effectively in the rain is an essential course for every Taiwanese rider.

The Physics of Wet Roads

Why Are Wet Roads Dangerous?

Understanding the sources of danger on wet roads is key to effective prevention:

1. Reduced friction: The friction coefficient of dry roads is approximately 0.7-0.8, dropping to 0.3-0.5 on wet roads, and as low as 0.1 on certain road surfaces
2. The first rain is the most dangerous: In the early stages of rainfall (the first 20-30 minutes), oil, dust, and water mix on the road surface, forming an extremely slippery film
3. Hidden hazards in puddles: Puddles may conceal potholes, debris, or drainage grates
4. Impaired visibility: Rain affects the visibility of both cyclists and motor vehicle drivers
5. Delayed tire grip: On wet roads, tires take longer to establish traction

High-Risk Surface Markers

The following surfaces become particularly dangerous when wet, with friction dropping to nearly zero:

• White painted lines (zebra crossings, lane markings)
• Manhole covers and drainage grates (metal surfaces)
• Tile and marble surfaces (sidewalks, arcade fronts)
• Wooden boardwalks (common on riverside bike paths)
• Painted road surfaces
• Leaf-covered roads
• Railroad tracks

Wet Weather Riding Techniques

Braking Technique

Braking distance on wet roads is 2-3 times that of dry roads:

• Brake early: Allow double the braking distance you would normally leave
• Apply progressively: Apply brake force gently and gradually increase it to avoid wheel lock-up
• Disc brake advantage: Disc brakes perform far better than rim brakes in the rain. Rim brakes lose 40-60% of their stopping power when wet
• Rim brake technique: Keep lightly brushing the brake pads to wipe the water film off the rim, so you have sufficient braking power when you need to stop
• Front-to-rear ratio: Use slightly more rear brake (60:40) to reduce the risk of front-wheel skidding

Cornering Technique

Cornering in the rain is the most common time for crashes:

1. Complete braking on the straight: Finish slowing down before entering the corner
2. Reduce lean angle: Keep the bike more upright, using body weight rather than bike lean to turn
3. Widen the cornering radius: Take a wider arc; do not cut the corner
4. Avoid hazardous markings: Avoid running over white lines or manhole covers during the turn
5. Pedal smoothly: Maintain gentle pedaling force through the corner; avoid sudden acceleration or braking

Straight-Line Stability

• Relax your upper body: Tension leads to bike instability
• Look ahead: Scan the road further ahead to spot puddles and obstacles early
• Maintain a steady cadence: Keep a smooth pedaling rhythm and avoid sudden power surges
• Keep both hands on the bars: Be ready to brake at all times; do not ride one-handed

Complete Wet Weather Gear Guide

Bike Setup

• Lower tire pressure: Reduce by 10-15 PSI (approximately 0.7-1 bar) to increase the tire contact patch
  • Road bikes: recommended 80-90 PSI
  • Wide tires (28-32C): reduce to 70-80 PSI
• Fenders: Front and rear fenders significantly reduce spray, keeping both rider and bike cleaner
• Replace brake pads: For rim brake models, use rain-specific brake pads (wet-compound material)
• Lights: White in front, red in the rear; use flashing mode even during the day to increase visibility

Rider Gear

Item	Recommended Choice	Notes
Jacket	Lightweight waterproof cycling jacket (Gore-Tex or eVent)	Breathability is crucial; fully waterproof but non-breathable will leave you wetter
Trousers	Waterproof cycling trousers or waterproof leg warmers	Prioritize protecting the knees and front of the thighs
Gloves	Waterproof full-finger gloves	Maintain grip strength; add insulated versions in winter
Shoe covers	Waterproof shoe covers (neoprene versions are best)	Not perfect but will delay water ingress
Eyewear	Clear or yellow lenses	Increase contrast in low-light conditions
Visor	Small visor under the helmet	Effectively blocks rain from flowing into the eyes
Vest	Reflective vest	Significantly increases visibility

The Truth About Waterproofing

In continuous rain lasting more than 1-2 hours, almost no gear can keep you 100% dry. The goal of waterproof gear is not to stay “completely dry” but to “delay the soaking” and “maintain warmth.” Accept the fact that you will get wet, and focus on staying warm—that is the right mindset.

Post-Ride Bike Maintenance

Essential Cleaning After Every Wet Ride

Riding in the rain damages the bike far more than dry weather. Here is the maintenance checklist after every wet ride:

1. Rinse the frame: Rinse the entire bike with clean water to remove sand particles and salt from dirty road water
2. Clean and lubricate the chain:
   • Clean the chain with a chain cleaner or rag
   • After drying, apply wet lube
   • Wet lube is stickier but has better water resistance
3. Inspect the braking system:
   • Rim brakes: check brake pad wear (wear rate in the rain is 3-5 times faster than in dry conditions)
   • Disc brakes: avoid touching the rotors; check brake pad thickness
4. Bearings: Check the headset, bottom bracket, and hubs for unusual noises (signs of water ingress)
5. Seatpost and frame: Invert the bike to drain any water accumulated inside
6. Drivetrain: Check that the shift cables move smoothly; apply waterproof lubricant if necessary

Regular Deep Maintenance (Every 2-4 Weeks During the Rainy Season)

• Full bike deep cleaning and waxing
• Disassemble the headset and bottom bracket and re-grease
• Replace the chain lubricant with fresh product
• Inspect the carbon frame for cracks (moisture can accelerate fatigue)
• Replace shift and brake cables (especially on internally routed models)

Adjusting Your Training Plan for the Plum Rain Season

Plum Rain Season Characteristics (May-June)

Taiwan’s plum rain season follows a recognizable pattern:

• Afternoon thundershowers are more common
• Early morning (5:00-8:00 AM) is often the best window
• Continuous rainfall can last 3-7 days
• Clear weather can appear during rain breaks

Flexible Training Strategies

1. Monitor the weather forecast: Use the Central Weather Administration’s hourly rainfall forecast to find “rain gaps”
2. Highly flexible scheduling: Do not fix “interval training on Tuesday, long ride on Thursday”; instead, adjust dynamically based on the weather
3. Be ready to head out at any moment: Leave immediately when the weather clears; keep your training gear ready at all times
4. Mix indoor and outdoor sessions:
   • Rainy days: trainer intervals, strength training, flexibility work
   • Clear days: outdoor long rides, recovery rides
5. Accept training volume fluctuations: Weekly training volume during the rainy season may be 15-25% lower than in other seasons—this is normal

Typhoon Season Precautions (July-September)

• 24 hours before a typhoon hits: Stop all outdoor riding completely
• During the typhoon: Train indoors or rest entirely
• After the typhoon:
  • Only head out after confirming the roads are safe (there may be rockslides, fallen branches, and flooding)
  • For the first 1-2 days, choose familiar and safe routes
  • Watch for rockslides and slope collapses in mountainous areas
  • Riverside bike paths may be flooded or covered in thick mud

Safety Rules for Riding in the Rain

Pre-Ride Checklist

• [ ] Check the weather forecast (are there thunderstorm warnings?)
• [ ] Lights have sufficient battery
• [ ] Brakes function properly
• [ ] Tires have adequate tread (slick tires are still safe in the rain, but pay attention to tire pressure)
• [ ] Carry your phone and inform family of your route
• [ ] Wear high-visibility clothing

Handling Thunderstorms

If you encounter a thunderstorm while riding:

1. Immediately seek safe shelter (inside buildings, gas stations)
2. Stay away from open areas, large trees, and metal guardrails
3. Do not take shelter under bridges (risk of lightning strikes and flash floods)
4. Put down the bicycle (metal conductor) and crouch low
5. Wait until the thunderstorm has completely passed before continuing

Conclusion

Taiwan’s rainy season is a major challenge for training plans, but it is also an excellent opportunity to hone your skills and mental toughness. By mastering wet-road riding techniques, preparing waterproof gear, maintaining your bike properly, and flexibly adjusting your training plan, you can continue to improve throughout the rainy season. Every rider who completes a training session in the rain deposits a valuable contribution into their bank of physical fitness and willpower.

Related Reading

• Rainy Day Cycling Safety Guide: Survival Rules for Slippery Roads
• Road Bike Safety in the Rain: Strategies for Slippery Surfaces
• The Complete Guide to Riding in the Rain: Gear, Techniques, and Safety Precautions
• Cycling Safety During Taiwan’s Typhoon and Plum Rain Season: When You Should Not Ride