You know what’s coming: The next six months involve a lot of rain and colder weather. So here are some tips for getting ready — and helping others:
🥾 Waterproof Your Shoes
To keep your feet dry and make your boots (and shoes) last longer, you can waterproof them. (Yes, all kinds of shoes can be waterproofed, it turns out.) Older waterproofed hiking boots might need a new coating too. First step: Clean your shoes. Second step: Find yourself some spray waterproofing. One more thing: It’s better to do this before the rain starts, so shoes have time to dry for a few days. (Hat tip to Giulia Fiaoni, a City Cast Portland senior creative producer, for this hack.)
🚲 Your E-Bike Needs Different Winter Care
For all the new e-bike enthusiasts out there, contributor Brianna Wheeler offers some advice for year-round riding: Make sure your e-bike battery doesn’t get below freezing (bring it inside or get it a cozy to keep it insulated). Get tires for the winter weather, or at least reduce the air pressure in yours slightly for better traction. Plus, don’t forget you’ll need fenders to avoid getting splashed by your tires.
🌧️ Get Yourself the Right Gear
As you might expect with Portland, there’s some local companies that specialize in rain gear. Showers Pass has some excellent rain jackets (and pants). Portland Gear has bags to keep your stuff dry.
🧦 Donate to Others
All of us who can go to a warm, dry home can remember to be grateful and lend a hand. One way: Socktober with Street Books. The nonprofit is seeking donations of new socks. (Thanks to City Cast Portland podcast host Claudia Meza for this reminder.)
📲 Your turn: What preparations do you make for the rainy seasons? Please send us your tips — and we’ll share them with other readers.
