Since it looks like the MonJune weather is going to continue, I wanted to share some tips for riding in the rain. I commute year round on a bike and have learned a few things.
Good rain gear is a must. Those clear plastice rain jackets are okay for emergencies but you need a good jacket and pants set to ride all day in the rain. Water proof breathable fabrics are nice but the breatability part is over stated. You need a jacket that has venting options like pit zips and back vents. Pants with zippers on the legs that can be partially opened are also really good.
A rain cover for your helmet is a really good idea. MEC makes a couple of versions that work well. They don't take up much space and are easy to put on and take off. The cover does block the vents of your helmet, so things can get a little warm.
While talking about head wear, I like to use a mountain bike helmet with a visor in the rain. Even the best glasses tend to fog up and get rain spattered. They can become a liability. Mountain bike helmets have visors on the front which can deflect a lot of the rain from your glasses or from your bare eyes. Rain hitting your eyes can get to be quite uncomfortable so the visor can be a very good thing.
Feet and hands can be the biggest challenge. For the hands I recommend neoprene gloves. You can get them at paddling stores, fishing supply places and dive shops. They keep your hands reasonably dry and warm. Wear them under your jacket sleeves so the water coming off the jacket does not get funneled into the gloves.
For the feet, neoprene socks in your regular cycling shoes work, if you can get them to fit. Lots of people buy cycling shoes that can only be worn with thin socks, so this might not work. They are available at the same places the gloves are. Shoe covers also work, though I find that they don't last very long. Another more expensive alternative is to get some winter cycling shoes. Good ones are water proof. Cheap ones leak. One last cheap alternative is to put plastic bags over your socks and in your shoes. Bring lots of bags because they won't last.
Underneath your rain gear you really need to wear wicking fabrics. That lack of breathability I mentioned, will cause your clothing to get damp. The ride jersey is a good choice but you might want some arm warmers to go with. These days I use arm and leg warmers, under my rain gear, a lot. They are easy to remove if you are over heating, easy to put on if you are getting cold.
Hopefully by posting this, lots of people will come prepared to ride in serious rain. With luck, by being prepared, we will chase the rain away.
Hehehe. Yeah, the plastic bag trick you used as a kid doesn't really work for riding ;) May keep the rain out, but your feet will still be sopping wet at the end ;)
In my original post I forgot to mention fenders. Fenders are definitely worth the weight penalty and the trouble of installation. A front fender in particular. The front fender will stop the incessant road spray coming up into your face. That road spray can induce madness on a long ride. Don't ask me how I know. It also helps keep your feet dry.
A rear fender is not as necessary but it does prevent the skunk stripe and keeps your road spray from hitting other riders.
Also, be very attentive around concrete (I speak from recent experience).
Asphalt tends to have a more broken surface, giving you better traction in the rain. Concrete, especially well finished concrete, doesn't let water move too far and can lead to traction issues (hydroplaning or slips if there is a little dirt/mud present) in the wet.
It also helps keep your feet dry.