Great Rainy Day Bike Rides Around The City

Photo via extranoise on Flickr.com

Well, it looks like the rain finally found us. No worries. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to hang up your bike, and wait for the next ray of sunlight. Biking in the rain can actually be pretty great. Full disclosure: I lived in Seattle for 10 years and pedaled my way through many a rainy day. But, honestly, riding in the rain can be fun.

On rainy days, there’s a stillness to the city not found on sunny days. Places that are normally overrun with people are suddenly yours to appreciate, and views that you’ve seen a thousand times look different, better, in the rain. Here are my picks for top rainy day bike rides. All the rides are low on cars and high on views. Grab a jacket, some rain pants, a good attitude, and take to the streets.

Beach Bound
Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach is a classic ride, but I find it especially great in the rain. The way the mist settles around the Eucalyptus is magic. Pedal your way slowly (definitely slowly on wet days) through Golden Gate Park and make your way to Ocean Beach. You might discover a few other rain seekers out there, but chances are the beach will be all yours.

Presidio View
One of the best spots in the city is Immigrant Point in the Presidio. Just like Golden Gate Park, a misty Presidio is a sight to remember. Pedal your way through the Arguello Gate and into the Presidio. Immigrant Point overlooks Baker Beach—a quiet, empty Baker Beach.

Wave Organ Listening
The Wave Organ in the Marina is always fun to check out, but on rainy days, when the tides are stronger and the crowds are slimmer, it’s even better. Pedal down to Crissy Field in the Marina. There’s a mixed-use path, so you can stay off the busy, wet road. Roll into the parking lot and settle into the sounds of the Wave Organ. High tide boasts the best acoustics.

Have other picks for rainy day rides? Add them in the comments below.

I like the spam better than the nervous nellies.

By DDD (not verified) on March 24, 2012

Given the above comments, it's a wonder anyone gets anywhere by bicycle in Portland, let alone any of the other myriad bike-happy cities that experience rain (abundant or not).

Using a reasonable amount of caution, gearing up (rainwear, fenders, lights), and sticking to major bike routes are all you need for a fine ride in the rain. Like the article says––ride slowly.

I enjoyed this little piece. Nice to see an article about cycling in less bike-friendly weather, and it's a lovely and unusual take on it! One thing I adored about commuting by bike in Portland was the quiet, contemplative feeling of cycling in the rain. It's harder to find that here in SF because the city is denser and less friendly to bikes (but getting so, so much better). I absolutely agree that the misty ride through GGP in wet weather is magical. Haven't tried the Presidio but look forward to it!

By Eva (not verified) on March 17, 2012

Put a helmet on.