"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - racing in the rain

so looks like this weekend's race will be in a rainfall. any tips?

make your tires about 5-10 psi lower than normal. And be careful in the turns.

Who uses race blades while racing?

Kool Stop salmon brake pads. Clear lens sunglasses.

Bob

P.S. *Health Insurance*

Good to haves:

Embrocation or vaseline
Rain jacket
Booties w/ tape around the top

Need:

Clear or yellow glasses
Lots of food and water
A good look at the course
Dry change of clothes

so looks like this weekend's race will be in a rainfall. any tips?

try and breath through your nose so you don't drown on the spray from the wheel you are sitting on. :)

wear glasses

brake before the turns and don't put too much weight on your hands while turning

avoid painted surfaces/manhole covers/grates/whatever

watch for gravel and sand accumulations in areas where water is streaming

be on the front early as there will most likely be a wreck in the last turn... if you're not on the front, be on the inside of the turn as those who crash will slide to the outside and even if you avoid the wreck, they may block your escape routes and end your race for you

have fun. if you're a good bike handler, you will be amazed at how poorly those around you handle their bikes. take advantage of this. you'll work less if you leave a big gap coming into the corner and catching back on on the exit

Who uses race blades while racing?

Not such a good idea. They don't keep the rain off you that well, because it's all coming at you from the guy in front of you. Plus, you'd have to ziptie them on your bike. There was a pretty bad wreck a couple years back in one race when a RaceBlade got loose in the pack.

Not such a good idea. They don't keep the rain off you that well, because it's all coming at you from the guy in front of you. Plus, you'd have to ziptie them on your bike. There was a pretty bad wreck a couple years back in one race when a RaceBlade got loose in the pack.

Good to know.

If I were to use them, they would not move as they would be ShoeGoo'd to the frame (as well as using the rubber bands).

Good way to test traction: after your warm up, get in a big gear and jump from a trackstand or a slow roll (don't fall). You'll get an idea of how hard you can accelerate and still maintain traction. It sucks losing traction coming out of a corner or when you skip off a Bott dot while still pedaling, so keeping cornering smooth is even more important.

Road race or crit? Not sure it makes a difference, but I think a good attitude is important, but I guess you wouldn't be racing in the rain unless you wanted to. Like doing any ride in the rain it's more fun if you think of it as fun, rather than as dangerous or a slog. Self-fulfilling prophecy kind of deal.

ah all great advice, thank you

it's the phoenixville fury road race... 1.2 mile 8% climb and a lot of descending that curves (scary)

it's only my 3rd race too, and i just moved up to Cs, ah well i'll try to make it fun ;d

Everything is more or less under my control though, besides being cold.. that would suck. Is it worse or better to layer on a rainy day? Temperature should be about 45F

repeats, and possible additions:

embrocation with baby oil on top of the embrocation.

vest/jacket for descent, or someone up there to give you a newspaper.

tire pressure.

cycling cap under the helmet.

clear glasses (but you've got that covered).

long fingered gloves.

st. christopher's medal.

Everything is more or less under my control though, besides being cold.. that would suck. Is it worse or better to layer on a rainy day? Temperature should be about 45F

Eh, 45F isn't that bad, even in the rain, wet clothes end up being more like a wetsuit and have something of a warming effect. Just watch out for the extremities, move your hand position more to avoid numbness, wear booties. I run a little hotter than some but I was comfortable in a plain jersey, no-sleave base, arm warmers, shorts, leg warmers, shoe covers, wool socks, long finger gloves in a couple wet 45 minute crit back in January. I wouldn't layer excessively unless you get cold easily.

Not sure what that means for a RR, but the wind could get to you on the descent so a packable wind vest or jacket could be a good idea (just make sure to either call out your number to the officials or take off your vest before the finish if it obscures your number).

repeats, and possible additions:

embrocation with baby oil on top of the embrocation.

vest/jacket for descent, or someone up there to give you a newspaper.

tire pressure.

cycling cap under the helmet.

clear glasses (but you've got that covered).

long fingered gloves.

st. christopher's medal.

embrocation with baby oil on top of the embrocation <- Can this stuff be picked up somewhere locally? My race on Saturday may be cold and wet. Mentally, I'm ready. Thanks to commutes and the whole "Screw it, deal with it" attitude.

Stay home?

Not getting paid to do this. If it's not going to be fun,and it's more dangerous than normal, why do it?

Stay home?

Not getting paid to do this. If it's not going to be fun,and it's more dangerous than normal, why do it?

I really want to race, and it's a home race for me because im from philly (i race with the BU cycling team). Anyone from the team who can make it to philly will be racing anyway, so hell, if they can i should be able to. And it should be fun : ) i just want to be prepared so i don't have to take any unnecessary risks.

Thanks again for the advice guys, feel free to keep the discussion going :D

Yeah, this is probably going to be my first race so I'm keeping an eye on this thread as well.

Thanks for the advice so far.

Do you embrocate your entire body before hand to keep the moisture out?

embrocation with baby oil on top of the embrocation <- Can this stuff be picked up somewhere locally? My race on Saturday may be cold and wet. Mentally, I'm ready. Thanks to commutes and the whole "Screw it, deal with it" attitude.

a well stocked lbs? otherwise something like tiger balm might work.

Do you embrocate your entire body before hand to keep the moisture out?

legs.

Do you embrocate your entire body before hand to keep the moisture out?

If you are using a warm-up balm (Atomic Balm, Leg Salsa, etc) and not just vaseline I'd keep it away from the sensitive areas :p Legs only, don't rub your eyes or touch your face. If you gotta take a piss after do it carefully, unless you are doing a flying 1k and want to set some world records.

a well stocked lbs? otherwise something like tiger balm might work.

My LBS is not that well stocked. That's why I asked. I guess I need to order some as well.

Damn, I don't have a good rain jacket either...

This is going to be one heck of a weekend.

If the race starts dry, get ready to attack. When the rain starts, attack with everything you've got. Most people will shut down like a Flint GM plant.

If the race starts dry, get ready to attack. When the rain starts, attack with everything you've got. Most people will shut down like a Flint GM plant.

Exactly what I was thinking. Man, if the rain starts at my race I'm off the front quick. It's a 6 mile loop with a huge climb at the end. This should be fun.

dude this is lame, everyone who i am trying to get a ride down to greenville with is pansying out due to the abysmal forecast. 20% chance of rain... whatever! hopefully i will still end up going. if not i will sit around in nc feeling sorry for myself.

If you do Tiger Balm, wash your hands REALLY well before touching anything else that is your kit...rub even an atom of that stuff near your eyes and you are hurtin'.

dude this is lame, everyone who i am trying to get a ride down to greenville with is pansying out due to the abysmal forecast. 20% chance of rain... whatever! hopefully i will still end up going. if not i will sit around in nc feeling sorry for myself.


Greenville Forecast:
Windy with showers at times. Highs in the mid 50s and lows in the upper 20s.
Wind:WSW at 24 mph

:D

Racin in the sun....Sidney Poiter was awesome in that flick.

Good way to test traction: after your warm up, get in a big gear and jump from a trackstand or a slow roll (don't fall).

Another good way is to rear-brake heavily while pedaling lightly. As soon as the rear wheel locks up, you'll feel it clearly. This is good for braking traction tuning.

If the race starts dry, get ready to attack. When the rain starts, attack with everything you've got. Most people will shut down like a Flint GM plant.

this is the truth.

Atomic Balm is used by a lot of football teams etc. A large sporting goods store catering to such crowds might have it in stock. It's made by Cramer. Or Kramer. One of the two.

I find that if I'm racing in rain, I do one of two things.

One - If I'm weaker than the others then I follow and try not to fall. I'm pretty sure that I've fallen almost every single time I've raced "seriously" in the rain, i.e. I was in contention. I don't remember falling on my own but I've run into sliding riders and crashed due to that, or at least had to stop or get a wheel change or something. I'm too scared to go bombing though a turn and taking myself out. Literally too chicken. I did it a few times and now I simply can't.

Two - If I'm stronger then I lead and slow for turns. Since I'm in front, slowing for turns isn't a problem because the accordion effect works in my favor. I've fallen frequently even using this tactic because there are the inevitable bombers who come bombing into the turn at full speed, their brakes don't work, and the knock over a whole lotta riders like bowling pins. I've gotten knocked over a few times while sitting in the top 5 of a 100 rider field.

I have a feeling that if you're good on the climb, you'll be in a position to do #2. If not, then you're going to have to take massive risks to descend back to the group.

Based on all this, I look at rainy crits as training races. Rainy road races, I've never fallen but it's because I get dropped. Plus around here there aren't that many switch back type descents.

Some other notes.

Rainy races prompt the strong riders to go hard early. You'll see a break or at least a huge splintering of the field. "Early" is relative - might be on a minor hill, when there's a significant cross wind, something where in dry weather the guys just go, "ah, wait till later". In the rain it seems that racers pounce on every opportunity to hurt the others.

I rarely drink in rainy races, and when I do, I prefer something with sugar in it. Wet weather saps your reserves but doesn't dehydrate you as quickly. I don't have an insulated bottle, don't know how much they weigh, but one with hot tea (sugar etc) might be worth a shot.

Tights get really, really heavy. Since you'll be soaked anyway, use knickers or even shorts. I want to experiment with plastic or rubber sheets or something since they won't get heavy (no absorption) but they'll keep wind off and retain something, maybe. I have yet to do my experiments so no word on this yet.

Gloves are a good idea but they also get soggy, loose, and slippery. Figure out if your gloves get slippery because slippery is not good.

If you find your gloves are slippery, pick one position on the bars and hold the bars there most of the time. You'll find the tape is semi-dry under your glove and you have better grip. As soon as you move your hands it gets slippery for a bit. If coming up on a climb, pick the hoods. If not, pick the drops.

I wear a clear rain jacket and duct tape my number to the outside. I leave it on the whole race. This is only if you know it'll rain all the time. 20% is not a high probability at all. Unzip if it stops raining.

I tape the tops of my booties shut - black duct tape. 50 degrees you may not need full booties, maybe an aero rubbery cover that doesn't absorb water but blocks wind. Always tape.

I put my whole shoe in a plastic bag, then the bootie on top (or whatever cover you have). You can clip in and out of the pedals several times before you compromise the integrity of the bag.
http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-rain-gear-for-your-feet.html
Cannondale made some rain socks for a while. They resemble miniature garbage bags for your feet. They work too. I'm not clear whether they were meant to go inside or outside the shoe. I believe they were goretex (or at least they breathed).

RainX your glasses. If you have a second bottle, leave water in it. Use it to rinse off your glasses. Cold, yeah, but you'll be able to see for the next minute or two.

good luck at the race,
cdr

Stay home?

Not getting paid to do this. If it's not going to be fun,and it's more dangerous than normal, why do it?

On behalf of the eastern collegiate cycling conference....HTFU!

Don't listen to anyone who tells you to attack on the downhill please. PLEASE. I'm serious, we're going to leave you there if you attack on the downhill and then make love to a guard rail because you're an idiot.

Play it safe, ride within your abilities and remember that there is only one way to finish a race: upright.

Really good advice thus far. Let me add, from the OPs comments on another thread; get some new tyres, now! Beg or borrow them if you must. A puncture will end your race , and hurt your chances of starting the others too.

Be cautious on the downhill. This can also end your race quickly. Better to have 5 minutes of pain chasing back than a week of abrasion related pain!

Be prepared for huge changes in pace too. All the C races so far have been like that. I expect the big hill to scatter the pack. This is a good thing. Also, keep going. With these hilly races, you are almost never out of contention. Find a splinter group, organise and go. And don't crash into me (UVA rider :D)

Smile a lot. Look around at no one in particular and exclaim "This is freaking great!" Sing Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30p0PJrHrgE

Then attack like a rabid pit bull.

this is the truth.

+1

Bad weather is welcomed by men and feared by boys. It results in a "selection" like a climb, but doesn't discriminate against those that have a large "cottage of wattage". It tests a completely different scale that is not in the kW/kg charts.:D

Supplemental,

wool socks and base layers are awesome! Team UVA rolls that way.

before i forget - booties and/or socks over your shoes.

otherwise, you'll end up looking like this.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4189/feet1tc2.jpg

Racing in the rain is not for Wussy. Pcad is Wussy. Racing in the rain is not for Pcad. Unless it's an individual TT. Then it can snow for all I care, I'm racing. In fact, the crappier the weather the better.

If the race starts dry, get ready to attack. When the rain starts, attack with everything you've got. Most people will shut down like a Flint GM plant.

+1000

Some of my best results have been doing exactly this!

If you are in a group and there is a downpour, attack! ATTACK!

You want to be in a small group even if it is the chase group.

Never give up. Never give up. There can be 6 guys up the road but, in a race like this, the rate of attrition is very high. 1 guy could crash and 1 guy could flat. Now the break is only 4. Can you smell the podium?

The traction is better in heavier rain. Light rain brings up the oils and they float on the surface. Heavy rain washes them away.

Bring a trainer or rollers so you can get a good warm-up, hopefully under shelter. Don't hit the start line too dry. I know that sounds weird but ride around in the rain for 5 minutes just so you adjust and are ready to go. It also gives you a chance to make any final clothing decisions.

DO NOT BUY NEW TIRES NOW. You don't have time to ride the wax out of them before the race. Let me see...waxy tires, wet surfaces and oils. Oh yeah, those' ll stick.

Make sure your bike is CLEAN AND WELL LUBED the night before.

Buy some surgical gloves and wear them under a snug fitting, long fingered glove that will SHED water. +1 to the booty covers. Plastic and tape to taste.

Race with your ears more. You can hear the riders close to you more easily when it is wet.

I don't subscribe to the lower tire pressure theory. 5-10 psi won't make a dint in the size of the contact patch to any noticeable degree. It just means more casing deflection. I like my casing undeflected, please, but that's just me. Decide that one for yourself.

Have a wash kit with towel, easily eatable food and a clean, dry jersey waiting at the finish. Immediately after the race get a hot shower (if possible) wash up in a sink or just pour water from a bottle onto a face cloth. Then change into warm, dry clothes with a rainproof/windproof layer.

Your body uses more energy when it's cold. You will need to eat more during the race. Don't stuff more than normal food down your hole for breakfast. You need to have it mostly digested before the start. Eat more early in the race and immediately after.

Never, ever, ever give up. These races can turn epic.

before i forget - booties and/or socks over your shoes.

otherwise, you'll end up looking like this.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4189/feet1tc2.jpg

well all is washable.. it's already wet anyway :D, less weight to rotate?

and pcad has grazed a thread i created, i am humbled.

@ acorn_user, i don't know, it will be hard to not crash into UVM guys, you have too many effin people ;D


Thanks for all the advice again (great post cdr, add it to the "new to racing" thread!), and yeah im gonna go scout for new tires, see some of you on saturday

hah will the attacking tactic work if the rain turns from "rain" to "downpour" :) ?

Aw crap!
I just put krylion carbons on my cannondale and I was going to be riding on that. I still haven't ridden them out yet. So guess riding on those is a bad idea since they still have the wax on them.

I guess I should just ride my trek then? But I don't have any miles on that thing and I think that my ergo's aren't exactly even so I have just a little more weight on the left one making me feel like I'm always leaning left. Correction for this is to just ride in the drops. I think I'm going to have to dial my fit for the bike and just use the trek.

I know this is an entirely different can of worms but what's the easiest way to take the fit of one bike and take it over to another bike that's about 1.5-2 cm bigger... I'm going to get my girlfriend to help me eyeball fit and other things tomorrow on the trainer because I don't want to take my good bike out in the rain when I have a fall back. Plus I did framesaver my trek so all should be good :)


AHHHH!!!

hah will the attacking tactic work if the rain turns from "rain" to "downpour" :) ?

The harder the rain, the harder you race. Pray for a deluge.

hah will the attacking tactic work if the rain turns from "rain" to "downpour" :) ?

Even more effective.

See ToC for more details.

well all is washable.. it's already wet anyway :D, less weight to rotate?

and pcad has grazed a thread i created, i am humbled.

@ acorn_user, i don't know, it will be hard to not crash into UVM guys, you have too many effin people ;D


Thanks for all the advice again (great post cdr, add it to the "new to racing" thread!), and yeah im gonna go scout for new tires, see some of you on saturday

incorrect.

This stuff is pure inspiration.

I'm going to pray for rain now. I want to charge off the front like a madman. All these days of riding in poor conditions to and from work may have helped me mentally. I'm all over this.

Rain is the best news I (or any tough cyclist) can receive before a race.

If you don't know how to corner (you probably don't, ask some more experienced teammates) then chill it on decents, it won't make a big difference in the end.

NEVER, EVER use tiger balm as embrocation. Don't ask me about it. We're done talking about it.

Attack. Survive. Attack. Repeat until you are alone with the rain and XXk's to solo to the finish.

Aw crap!
I just put krylion carbons on my cannondale and I was going to be riding on that. I still haven't ridden them out yet. So guess riding on those is a bad idea since they still have the wax on them.

Go after them with some sandpaper to get the mold release off them and to rough them up a bit.

before i forget - booties and/or socks over your shoes.

otherwise, you'll end up looking like this.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4189/feet1tc2.jpg

That is much cleaner than I was after this evening's ride. :D (BTW, those socks are not black so I'm thinking this is a stock image and isn't a botto shot!) The rain was bad enough today that I poured water out of my shoes after taking them off, but the wind blowing both leaves and twigs onto my face and the close lightning was even more unnerving. I've been in much worse, though. I have been on rides where whole trees have been uprooted right in front of me. Strong tropical storms and hurricanes do happen around here.;)

I'm beginning to think that maybe I am occasionally worthy of the HTFU wristband that a friend of mine bought me. I wore it today.:)

This stuff is pure inspiration.

I'm going to pray for rain now. I want to charge off the front like a madman. All these days of riding in poor conditions to and from work may have helped me mentally. I'm all over this.

+1000

Get EXCITED when the weather turns bad. If you are prepared then your odds of winning have just gone way up!

Best of luck.:)