Tag Archives: rain

Cyclist loves the rain

March 14th, 2019

We are experiencing some idyllic days in Barcelona, with a spring weather which allows us to ride our bikes during long and nice tours. But, the cyclists who really respect our city and our nature, cannot forget the importance of the rain.

Photo by Sourabh Yadav in pixabay.com

The climate change is affecting our winter and as bicycle lovers, a clean and natural means of transport, we know that this spring environment, as pleasant as it might be, is a consequence of the pollution. Because of that, we are waiting for the rain with enthusiasm.

The rain is refreshing, especially in cities where we usually can find a concentration of the polluting particles and for us this is the best excuse for believing the Spanish expression: ‘against the bad weather, a happy face’ -which makes reference to the English expression: ‘if life gives you lemons make lemonade’-. We are simply attend to the meteorological news and before going out we make sure that we are using suitable shoes, and we have “made ourselves waterproof” and we follow some basic tips to pedal under the rain.

With these premises, we can pedal tirelessly and enjoy the rain in Barcelona.

Some tips in order to continue pedaling against the cold weather in Barcelona

2 de noviembre de 2018

This last week, in Barcelona and in Catalonia, the temperatures have suddenly fallen and with this descent the rain has come too. But this doesn’t to be a reason for stopping pedaling in the city.

Photo by Mabel Amber

In Barcelona, as a Mediterranean city, we have a really nice temperature which allows us to pedal without any problems, and if you don’t believe us, ask our neighbors in the north of Europe, where not even the snow can stop them.

For this reason, we shouldn’t stop pedaling during the cold days, because, in addition, with the movement and the sport that we do riding a bicycle, we will again feel the warm sensation that we usually miss. That’s why our first tip is that you should wear different layers, such as an onion, because, at the same time that you are feeling warmer your body will need you to remove some of these clothes layers.

Second tip, you should prepare yourself in order not to be surprised by the rain. Use waterproof clothes (also trousers) and also suitable shoes.

Third tip, something that you always have to keep in mind, whether it’s raining, snowing or it’s a really sunny day: you should keep your bike ready. Clean and greased chain, pumped up wheels (you can deflate a little bit your wheels if it’s raining in order to achieve a better adhesion, but not too much, because you could suffer a puncture), front and back lights and, in addition, it’s interesting to use a mudguard, because we will arrive at our jobs more decently.

If we follow these tips and we keep alert, we even will enjoy the cold and rainy days!

For the people who keep pedaling under the rain in Barcelona and in any single city

October 9th, 2018

Autumn comes with rain in the city, but for the people who love to ride a bicycle, this is an unimportance challenge, because, finally, the rain cleans and purifies the city. What else can we ask for the people who like to breath clean air?

Photo by ORNELLA BINNI on Unsplash

Dear city cyclists,

Today, this post is for thank you for keeping pedaling this raining days in Barcelona or in any single city. For understanding the importance of this meteorological phenomenon in the city. For keeping calm and patient with the other drivers. And for being alert with the segurity, because this is very important these days.

The rain in Barcelona is not so usual than in other cities, because of that, during the week days, when the traffic jams in the city is normal, the rain could be a nuisance. For this reason, we should keep this though in our mind: the water from rain cleans and purifies the environment because it drags away the damaging particles. And for everyone who breathes the city air daily this is the key.

In addition, if we have the suitable equipment (nothing very especial) and we keep alert, the rain won’t be and impediment to pedal.

Appropriate equipment, waterproof clothes, a footwear which resists rain without problems and all the elements which make you being more visible, especially for the motor vehicles: reflective clothes, the front and the back bicycle lights. A back mudguard will avoid you to arrive at your destiny with your back full of mud.

Get your bicycle ready, you can help to improve adhesion on the road by reducing the tire pressure (a little bit! If not, you will be in danger of getting a flat tire) and be sure that the treads of your tires are well marked. It is also important to maintain the chain clean and lubricated. And, specially (with or without rain), check if your brakes respond quickly.

The rainy days are perfect to show our skills with the bicycle. We are talking about reinforcing your concentration on the road. Brake before a curve and take it slowly. Keep a safety distance with regard to the other vehicles; avoid puddles, marks painted on the road and the multicolour marks that appear on the road (they are car oil).

With these tips, the only thing that we want to repeat again is: thanks for keeping pedaling.

Pedaling against cold weather in Barcelona

March 20th, 2018

Photo by Mabel Amber

The beginning of Spring has come accompanied by a cold snap and by a bit of snow. Here we are going to explain how you can manage this situation.

Today, the typical conversation about weather makes sense. From the start of the week the decrease of the temperatures has become noticeable and this Tuesday it has arrived accompanied by a snow alert at minimum levels.

This doesn’t mean that you have to leave your bicycle at home, if you usually use it as your habitual means of transport. With the correct kit, the bicycle will help you to keep yourself warm.

When you dress, you should use the onion trick, which means wearing various layers of clothes. You will start to pedal warm and at the same time that you get warmer, you will be able to remove the different layers of clothes. You should use a neck gaiter to protect your face, the wind is a bit cold.

Wearing waterproof clothes is very important, and this is not only important for protecting your torso; it is also for protecting your legs. Although at this moment it is not raining or snowing, if the streets are dirty, you will avoid mud splashing your clothes.

Finally, make you sure that your bicycle is in a good shape. A professional service is always useful. But, the most important thing is being sure that your chain is clean and lubricated, that the breaks work well and that the wheels are not deflated, because you could have a flat tire.

With these tips you will be able to arrive anywhere and you will avoid the typical traffic jams of these days when everyone takes car.

Those of us who use a bicycle in Barcelona love the rain

February 13th, 2018

Photo by Di Zhang

There are a lot of reasons for using bicycle as the usual means of transport, but one of the most important ones is the reduction of pollution. And which is the other element that helps to clean the city? The rain.

If we usually take the bicycle to move around Barcelona, it is possible that when you wake up in the morning and you see that it is raining you feel a bit irritated. For this reason, we suggest you to focus on this idea: rain is an indispensable factor to reduce pollution in the city, so don’t consider it your enemy, consider it your ally.

The water from rain cleans and purifies the environment because it drags away the damaging particles. And for everyone who breathes the city air daily this is the key.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its report WHO, GBoD 2016, estimates that “some 3 million deaths a year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution”. This profound exposition to a high level of pollution could cause: an increase of allergy among the population; a development of cardiac illnesses; respiratory diseases, etc.

So, take advantage of every rainy day wearing the suitable bicycle equipment for these days and enjoy this phenomenon, which is very necessary for life.

Finally, it will rain in Barcelona, are you ready for continue pedaling?

October 17th, 2017

These autumn months haven’t been so wet as always and, although some people appreciate the convenience that this means when you have to take the bike, we need to be aware about the importance of the rain in the city.

Photo by Liv Bruce

Rain is an indispensable element for life and, specially, in the city, this is a key element for cleaning the accumulated pollution. If you are a person who pedals through the streets of Barcelona daily, breathing a clean atmosphere is very important for you. So, when the autumn rain will arrive, the best we can do is waiting for them with excitement and ready.

Remember wearing the appropriate equipment, waterproof clothes, a footwear which resists rain without problems and all the elements which make you being more visible, especially for the motor vehicles: reflective clothes, the front and the back bicycle lights. A back mudguard will avoid you to arrive at your destiny with your back full of mud.

Get your bicycle ready, you can help to improve adhesion on the road by reducing the tire pressure (a little bit! If not, you will be in danger of getting a flat tire) and be sure that the treads of your tires are well marked. It is also important to maintain the chain clean and lubricated. And, specially (with or without rain), check if your brakes respond quickly.

The rainy days are perfect to show our skills with the bicycle. We are talking about reinforcing your concentration on the road. Brake before a curve and take it slowly. Keep a safety distance with regard to the other vehicles; avoid puddles, marks painted on the road and the multicolour marks that appear on the road (they are car oil).

With these preventive measures you will arrive dry and happy to your destination 😉

Do not be held up by the rain in Barcelona, continue pedaling thanks to our tips

May 2nd, 2017

During April and May the rain is unavoidable and, although for some people this can embitter his/her walking, we want to recall its profits for the city and some of the tips, which will allow us to ride the bicycle without worries.

Fotografía de Lauren Ellis

Cities like Barcelona usually have problems regulating the pollution levels. A key element for this regulation is the rainwater, because it reduces the air’s polluting particles and it levels the temperature.

In addition, if the city is sensitive to the benefices of rain, it can take profit from other characteristics. With rain it is possible to generate electric energy to illuminate the city. We can irrigate our plants and crops and facilitate the life of the nearby fauna. And as far as the level of the domestic consumption is concerned, we can take advantage of this water to fill tanks and cisterns.

If all these advantages are not be able to raise your spirit during rainy days, you can try going out and pedaling. Adequate equipment: waterproof and flashy clothes and shoes which facilitate the visibility for the rest of the other vehicle drivers; a ready bike with branded wheels, a clean and lubricated chain and good brakes plus; and all your senses on the road. These three key elements will allow you to enjoy your trips on rainy days, while the others stress themselves with the unavoidable traffic jams of these days.

In the end, you will miss these rainy days.

Autumn is back again and we don’t want you to stop pedaling around the city

October 11th, 2016

Photo by Lauren Ellis

Although the rain can be a bit annoying, the autumn’s temperature is perfect for circulating around the city by bicycle and for taking advantage of the weekends for doing excursions. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to follow some safety tips which we want to remind you about.

You always have to be a prepared person

You should always take a comfortable raincoat with you (there are some of them that you can use that over your trousers) and a good footwear for circulating on bicycle, especially, and for any other occasion where you could be surprised by a rainstorm. So, keep it in a comfortable backpack and take it everywhere.

Pay more attention to the safety rules

When it is raining, inside cars people use to lose vision, for this reason it is even more important for you to have front and back bike lights, put emphasis on your safety signs and be sure that the other drivers pay attention to your next maneuver. Even though all these things seem a lot of bother, but if you drive a car or another vehicle, surely, you will have the same problems.

And, of course, don’t forget your helmet at home!

Photo by Briana Blum

Improve your adhesion to the road to the maximum, avoid slipping!

When it is raining, it is the only occasion where we can reduce the pressure of our wheels (only a little bit, because you could get a flat tire). It is also important to keep in mind that the zebra crossings and the other painted signs on the road could be very slippery, so try to avoid crossing them directly or if you can’t avoid it, cross them very slowly. Sometimes the cars lose oil on the road and this is very dangerous too. When it is raining, you can identify the oil stains easily, they are multicolor marks that appear on the road.

As you can imagine, neither is it advisable to go through zones with mud, unless you want to arrive at the first meeting of the morning with your whole back decorated.

If you keep these three tips in mind, you will enjoy one of the best seasons for doing sport or for going from one place to another avoiding sweating.

Enjoy the autumn in Barcelona or any other city!