Riding in the Rain Question of the Day

[rockstar]

After getting caught in a heavy rainstorm over the weekend and riding for sixty miles or so on an Interstate, this question in the group was asked.
If the rain is coming down so hard, is it safer to ride in the tire grooves that are flooded and risk hydroplaning or ride down the middle where all the oil build up is?
No one could agree which was safer so I'm putting out to the rest of you Nomad professionals for your opinion. Remember, stopping at the bar 'til the sun comes out is not the right answer.
Let me know what you think.

Rocky

[Sin City Stan]

If it rains hard at all the oil floats right off.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I usually ride in the tracks of the vehicles ahead of me. Just the way I do it. Not saying it is the best or worst way.

[ringadingh]

It all depends on the road and how its crowned etc. I usually stay in the tire track section most times.

[Bull Durham]

Same here, I always try to stay in the "tire grooves". I think you are saying that if there is a lot of water in the grooves, you have a chance of Hydroplaning. But for me, if I'm worried about Hydroplaning because of the amount of water in the grooves, I'm not going to be going very fast to have a chance to Hydroplaning.

Also, because of the shape of motorcycle tires, there is less chance to hydroplane then with a car. I have hydroplaned before on a bike, was not a fun feeling, but it happened because I was young and dumb, going to fast for conditions.

[cactusjack]

Since we can go weeks or months with no rain here, the oil and grease tends to build up on the asphalt. I doubt we get enough rain to wash it off. I stay to the left or right of center in my lane, especially at intersections.

We also have "cement turds" out here in the suburbs. Gobs of dried concrete that drop off of cement mixers from the residential building boom of a few years back. I usually watch for those at intersections too. Some of them are pretty big and they're hard to see when it's dark. They can startle the bejeezus out of you if you're not ready for them.

[deacon1984]

As the rain hits the road, the oil will begin to float on the surface of the water. It will be in the grooves, and much as the middle of the road at that point. I read once that when it begins to rain, you should pull off for a little while to let the rain wash off the oil that has accumulated. Of course, I have never done that.

[Cajunrider]

Motorcycle training courses here recommend riding closer to the center of the highway. They are normally crowned in the center allowing the oil and water to drain towards the shoulder of the road.

[MarkG]

I normally ride closer to the center. Primarily because I can see it and believe I have a chance to avoid potholes or other hidden items under the water. I think the oil in the middle is more of a myth than a reality with drain plugs often to the side rather than the middle of the cars. Besides nobody down here drives properly in the lanes, they are always one side or the other. I pretty much assume there is oil all over the lane. That said, after slowing down to a reasonable speed, I ride where the bike seems the most controllable.

CJ mentioned the lack of rain down here and it is a real problem. For the first several minutes after a rain starts the roads are actually slicker than ice with the oil and grease buildup. After that, it settles down when grime starts to wash off.

[markclark57]

Hmmm, Seattle. . . rain oh yea, prepared for that. I regularly ride "wet". GYTT and rain gear are a regular for my commute. I generally stick to the part of the pavement that can be seen through standing water for the above mentioned hazards.
Jump to the surprise, thinking of moving to Phoenix soon. That will change some of the rules. . . ;-)

[markclark57]

By the way, I've found that a full face helmet and "Rain-X" are close to a miracle.

[cnc]

It all depends on the road for me and the amount of water on it. If it is raining hard enough that the tire tracks have a build up of water then I stick closer to the middle. As others have stated I believe any oil in the center gets washed away after a while. One thing for sure, if I'm on a cement slab highway in the rain I stay away from the tire tracks, as they are often worn very smooth and the center has a little rougher surface which should have more traction in the rain.

[minst7877]

I stay on the highest crown I can get to as the oils and other debris will be washed into the lower recesses.

DC

[usranger74]

Thanks for the question. Enjoyed reading the responses,

[coacha]

I stay in the tire tracks and run like the dickens...they have a new invention called a towel that I find works very good to dry me off when I am wet, lol.