First Wet - Rain riding after a long dry spell - Printable Version +- Pacific Riding School Forums (https://www.pacificridingschool.com/forum2) +-- Forum: General (https://www.pacificridingschool.com/forum2/forum-13.html) +--- Forum: Tips and Tricks (https://www.pacificridingschool.com/forum2/forum-12.html) +--- Thread: First Wet - Rain riding after a long dry spell (/thread-307.html)

First Wet - Rain riding after a long dry spell - Cableguy - 07-31-2013 During long periods of dry weather, oils and other fluids from automobiles dry and build up on roads. The so-called “first wet” is indeed the most hazardous. That’s when rainwater cleans the roads, loosening the surface oils (and in time washes them away), creating nasty, greasy driving surfaces that often catch motorists off guard. After an especially long dry spell, the first half hour on the roads can feel like black ice when drivers/riders hit the brakes. The dangers also exist for motorcyclists and bicyclists, especially with those same oils getting washed onto tracks, manhole covers, painted lines, etc. When the rain finally comes, be cautious. If possible, wait a few hours before driving/riding. Increase space cushioning and allow extra room to brake.