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I’ve made a goal for this school year: to bike to work on Mondays. All year.

So, before the year actually gets underway, the weather today presented a bit of an opportunity in the form of a rainstorm. Let’s try out these fenders! Does this rain jacket actually hold up? Should I bike in these shoes in the rain? Will I get drenched? Am I insane?

The answers to those questions are presented below in list form:

1. No
2. No
3. Yes
4. Not totally.

Luckily wet jeans, socks and shoes are only temporary. Character lasts a lifetime.

How was the actual ride?

Well, I was cruising faster than normal due to the reduced traffic on my preferred bikeways. I did pass one other gentleman who was seemingly oblivious to the deluge. He was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, no helmet, and a european satchel slung over his shoulder.

Being outside in the rain on a bike sounds (aurally) amazing.

The branches that I typically will pass with a comfortable whisper collided with my helmet like I imagine salmon falling from the sky might sound as they hit the pavement. (Wet, slappy)

The fenders were amazing, not a lick of spray coming from below. My lights were flashing and generally making me look like a Christmas tree on wheels, so that was also a positive.

15 minutes door to door, and a big smile on my face when I arrived. (To the laughter of fellow employees)

Things to remember for next time:

Rain pants.

Rain boots.