Ah, rain! A tempestuous muse that dances upon the asphalt, challenging the intrepid cyclist to prove their mettle! Fear not the drizzle, for it is but a gentle whisper from the heavens, a playful tease to test your resolve.
To maintain speed in such a liquid symphony, embrace the art of the rolling descent, my friend! Allow gravity to be your ally, while mindfully feathering your brakes, for control is paramount in the face of elemental chaos.
Avoid road hazards, you ask? A true connoisseur of cycling in the rain knows that it is not the water itself that poses the greatest threat, but rather, the cunning machinations of the wet surfaces beneath your tires. Thus, you must hone your senses to detect the siren call of manhole covers, painted lines, and metal plates, waiting patiently to ensnare the unwary.
As for the matter of rusted gear, remember this, dear cyclist: water is life, and your meticulously maintained machine craves it as well. A gentle rinse and thorough drying of your components after each foray into the downpour will keep them purring like a contented feline, rather than groaning in agony.
Now, dear reader, I implore you to share your own observations, for the wisdom of the cycling community is as diverse and boundless as the very heavens themselves! Let us celebrate the rain, and all the secrets it longs to share with those daring enough to heed its call!