26 August 2008

Rain, Rain Go Away

Rainy Day Rubber Boots Chic
We're going to reveal a shocking fashion secret. Right here on this blog. For all the world to see. In the closets of most Copenhageners - even the chicest of the chic - there is a rain jacket. Maybe even a pair of matching rain trousers. We don't talk about it much and it's rather uncomfortable mentioning it here but it is true nonetheless. It's our Inconvenient Truth.

It's traditionally a rainy climate in the winter. Drizzly, drab and pooey. Only when the forecast is for day-long rain does the rubber come out. Actually, the Danish Meteological Institute did a study a while back about the odds of cyclists getting rained on during their commute - which is really encouraging. Many Copenhageners aren't THAT fussed about getting bit wet. If it pours down all of a sudden, cyclists huddle together under awnings or trees. If it looks like it'll continue, they end up just getting back on the bike and riding away.

But just like in most regions, we are experiencing our own weather quirks thanks to climate change. At this time of year we are getting downpours. So much that the sewers in some areas can't handle the water.
Rainy Day Rubber Boots Chic
The other day it rained. All day. Pouring. Old man snoring and all that. And out came the dreaded rubber. However, some cyclists, as the two above, seem to make it work. Wellingtons and rain jackets are suddenly quite fashionable.
Friends
In light rain, there are options available for friends who are heading out together.
Brolley
Just keep your brolley close at hand.
Copenhagen Rain
It's an art form in Copenhagen, riding with an umbrella.

This Dutch invention would be great here in Copenhagen. An umbrella holder for your bike from Drybike.nl.

More rainy day cycling moods - with music.
Bicycle Air Bag
Not to forget the rain poncho airbag combo.

15 comments:

  1. We need those in Auckland, New Zealand. There hasn't been a dry weekend there since April!

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  2. I like the creative use of ponchos. I don't think I have ever seen a Canadian cycle with a poncho!

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  3. I tried to ride with an umbrella once, inspired by the lovely ladies of CCC. The wind caught the umbrella and almost blew me off my bike. Luckily, I was going slow enough that I could just put my foot down.

    I think it's extra difficult here in Bloomington because it is quite hilly. It's hard to ride one-handed down a big hill in the rain. I need that Dutch umbrella holder.

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  4. Poncho or rain jacket here. Or in many cases get wet and dry out later, we like to refer to that as wash and wear. LOL

    Aaron

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  5. Oh, I simply MUST have that umbrella holder! Quite ingenious!Here in Boston, we've been having quite some rain this summer, especially mid-afternoon "pop up" thunderstorms. A raincoat is not enough. I love your photos. So beautiful!

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  6. Heya!
    I was reading the Guardian, I found this http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/aug/26/canada and though of your blog. Somebody who loves bikes as well... in a different way though! :-)
    Greetings from sunny Lisbon
    Rita

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  7. Hi Zacaliciousness & Velomamma - I was just wondering if you'd seen this and, if not, I wanted to draw it to your attention: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7581764.stm

    Makes me want to give an evil-villan-esque muahahaha laugh and yell gotcha!! :)

    still cycling, still chic,
    Sarah

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  8. Love the pair in the box bike, that is classic.(Sharp Shoes too!) Reminds me of my two youngsters riding in the bike trailer one day and got caught in the rain, looked back and they were both wearing plastic trash bags they had pulled out of the groceries. While dad looked like a drowned rodent. LOL

    Aaron

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  9. It would be raining soon here in Indonesia. Rain jacket and trouser is always my weapon of choice

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  10. five stars video!

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  11. Ah, I miss my Dutch bike! It's so much easier to use an umbrella while cycling on a granny bike. I live in Dublin now and wouldn't dream of even trying (found you via today's Irish Times article, hello!)

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  12. thanks for the comments! grazie, giorgio!

    nice to see you here, backpedalbrakes!

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  13. I'm an umbrella man every time it rains. It's not half as hard as it looks. Wouldn't try it on the road, but around my town [live in England] we have adequate cycle paths.

    I've been told I look like Mary Poppins with it... ;-)

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  14. Too bad that the umbrella holder doesn´t really work, it does what it´s supposed to do, don´t get me wrong, but the tiniest but of wind pushes the umbrella (and by default the bike) to the side. I always hold my umbrella in my hand.

    There is a windproof umbrella, though. Some Dutch students invented it. Link: http://sc.sbcommerce.nl/prodimg/images13/16209_1.jpg

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