Riding in the rain

My only experience thus far is getting caught in a downpour for about 5 miles a month ago, and another 3 miles home on wet pavement. I'm a novice on the bike, but I think handled it ok (except for being really nervous when traffic passed). Oh, and in my first sprint ever the roads were wet from rain early in the morning, but little if any standing water. So, for me, riding on wet roads, no big deal except slowing down to turn and being more careful. That said, I don't think I would choose to ride in actual rain or standing water yet. I'll be watching this thread with you to see what more experienced cyclists have to say.

Providing it is warm I really enjoy riding in the rain. Need to make sure you don't brake too hard and pay more attention for slippery patches on the road surface. I'm lucky in that I normally bike at a local park so motor traffic is less than on the highway.

I rode in the rain yesterday afternoon. I agree that it was pretty enjoyable. I went for a 30 mile ride and the last 10 miles was in light rain to heavy downpour conditions. It was about 85 degrees out so it just felt great.

As for handeling. Just slow down a little bit, watch your cornering, don't take turns at top speed and give your breaks a few taps before you really need to apply the brunt of your breaking pressure. It will help dry up the contact area a bit.

Have fun. Riding and running in the rain is great and feels nice too, especially when it's hot.

I rode in the rain a couple of weeks ago and it was actually quite fun.
I did however have my first "I can't get outta my pedals" fall since I thought my brakes wouldn't work so well on wet tires. WRONG! They stopped on a dime and over I went! Actually, I was quite relieved, all my biking friends kept teasing me about when was I gonna fall!
I admit to feeling like an a$$ though when I started questioning people about what to do with your bike when it gets wet (dry it off is all I got). I am avoiding my LBS now because I think I may have reached my dumb question quota!

Just allow yourself more time to stop and take the corners slowly. Be careful of painted lines and also metal drain covers as these become very slippery.

As long as your careful riding in the rain can be fun. I much prefer it to riding in strong winds.