Rainy Season Biking in Bellingham

Jeff Westcott has been car-free in Bellingham for the past year. His blog is b-hamster.blogspot.com.

So far, 2008 has been a banner year for cyclists in Bellingham. The numbers of riders have surged due to many reasons: the rapidly escalating price of gasoline has prompted many to give up four wheels for two and shed a ton or two of steel, plastic and rubber in the process.

Also, the addition of a few bike lanes in Bellingham edged a few more people from their mobile terrariums; they can feel the wind and sun and rain on their faces throughout the day on their bikes versus having to wait for the weekend’s activities of kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, etc.

But for new riders, the rainy season looms on the horizon like a foreboding weather system moving in from the southwest. It’s easy and pleasurable to jump on your bike on a beautiful warm morning with gulls crying overhead and another perfect day beginning in Bellingham.

But what about that 7 a.m. meeting you have in February and the rain is beating sideways against your bedroom window when you awaken at six, and the sky pitch-black? The warmth of a vehicle seems quite tempting. But once up and about and on your bicycle, it is no less invigorating than skiing a powder day at Baker, or crossing Rosario Strait with shortened sail and a brisk 30 knot breeze.

Although Bellingham employers are quite laid back, showing up in mud-speckled, drenched khakis to a business meeting might be pushing it. So some cycling rain gear is a requirement to keep you in good standing at the workplace, and to keep you biking and fit through the season traditionally prone to lethargy and reduced physical activity — not to mention that spare tire that somehow makes its way from your car to your hips.

Below are three types of biking gear that will fit the bill (and your budget).

J&G Cycles (http://www.bicycleclothing.com) makes their rainwear (and other items) in Oregon by cyclists for cyclists. A durable entry-level rain suit will run you less than a hundred bucks.

With the mild Bellingham climate most of the winter, perspiration can sometimes get you wetter than the drizzle if you opt for the less expensive gear. Even with the armpit vents, the non-breathable suit will create significant bodily moisture. For this reason, a breathable rain suit is wise. Unfortunately, this will set you back another ninety bucks — it’s well worth it, for you and your co-workers.

Another place to purchase some inexpensive gear is the old standby, REI (http://www.rei.com.) Their Novara line is sometimes on sale, so you can get a set of breathables for around a hundred bucks. Not on sale, you can add another $50 to that. But that’s the lower-end gear. Although REI also has a better quality line, the lower-end line too seems to be well stitched with durable materials and good ventilation.

And if you haven’t eaten into your “economic stimulus” check (yeah, right), you can go for the higher-end gear from companies like Patagonia, Marmot or North Face. These can be purchased online, or locally from stores like the Sportsman’s Chalet on Holly or Fairhaven Bike. Depending on the style and brand of clothes, this will run you approximately $175–$250.

For at least four months of the year, your rain gear will be your steady companion — if you are not wearing it, you’ll probably have it with you. Realize you’re buying these clothes specifically for biking, so your preference might be for purchasing gear made specifically for biking (like J&G or Novara) versus multi-use outdoor gear. But if you plan on riding through the Bellingham rainy season, you’ll get every dollar out of it. And love every minute of it. §