adxm

So my first double century of the year is coming up on Saturday, and what do you know, it looks like the first rain of the year is as well. That's right, I've been back down in San Diego since just after New Year's, and it hasn't rained once. I've made it 15 doubles with no rain in the past two years (ah, California), but I think that's going to end now.

For all of you long distance riders: what do you wear in rainy weather? I want to travel as light as possible, and this looks like a fast course, so I should only be out for about 10-11 hours. I think it's going to be low 50s for most of the day, and showers, no heavy rain. I've heard of using sandwich bags over socks to keep your feet dry, and was thinking just of a light jacket shell over thin base layer, jersey, and shorts. Maybe arm warmers too. I usually run pretty warm. What would you do?

Pico

You must be doing Butterfield aka Butterflood. I'm doing it too.

I am getting a little concerned about the weather. The forecast keeps getting worse every time I check it.

Machka 

You don't have much time to get anything!

For rainy weather ... which I seem to have ridden an incredible number of miles in over the past three years ... I use:

- a helmet cover with brim and neck protector
- waterproof, breathable jacket with long pitzips
- waterproof gloves
- rain resistant tights
- nylon or neoprene booties

I'm cold when I ride. I did a century last Sunday at about 50 degrees, in bright sunshine, and I wore about 5 times the amount of stuff you are suggesting.

However, you know your comfort level so I'd suggest doing what you are planning to do, but also bring a large, heavy-duty black garbage bag to put on over your light jacket shell, to keep you as dry as possible. If I were you, I'd also wear tights. "They" recommend wearing tights, or leg warmers, when the temperature drops below 65 degrees to protect your knees. Being out in 50ish for 10-11 hours in the rain could get quite chilly, even if you do run pretty warm.

longarms

I'm concerned about the weather usually as well...this saturday calls for some weather. Last time I rode in the rain was in December, I usually put some sort of plastic bag over both my feet, and just hang on for the ride. Motorist traffic is often a bigger concern so keep your lights on.

adxm

I don't know if I'm ready for this whole randonneur thing Machka, I don't think my philosophy of carrying as little as possible will hold up so well on a 600k...

I'm trying to imagine myself riding in a big black garbage bag. I really hope it doesn't come to that! I might grudgingly wear leg warmers though...definitely some toe covers. At least a rear blinky will be important too, for the lower light and more dangerous traffic conditions. My racing cut jerseys are not designed to carry all this stuff in them!

Yep Pico, it's definitely looking like Butterflood II. I missed last year's, and was figuring it couldn't happen 2 years in a row. If it has to rain, I hope it's intermittent showers like the reports are suggesting. Another main worry is flats... oh we're gonna have a blast =).

botto 

not into the rando-thing, but i did train through two wet scottish winters.

sounds like you're planning on wearing too little on top.

if it's in the low 50's then i'd wear:

base layer
ss jersey (this is might be too much, but better safe than sorry)
ls jersey
outer shell (or maybe just a vest)
tights, or if you feel really hardcore knickers (keep the knees covered).
booties.
long fingered gloves.
cycling cap, under the helmet
glasses

if you have some kind of embrocation, then that might be an idea. it may make the tights a bit nasty, but you're legs will have an extra layer of protection.

if you can cope with it psychologically, then it shouldn't be too bad. 50's is warm, at least to me right now

amhall

This may be overkill for your ride; however, I find that a thin sock liner under a thicker sock helps keep my feet warm. I wear booties on top of that as well. You can get sock liners at camping stores/ REI etc. I also have poor circulation in my feet

DesFlurane

The plastic garbage bag is an ace idea. Wore one before the start of a cold century last November.
Once riding I tend not to feel the cold but before the start it really cut down on the windchill.

Machka 

Yes, wear the leg warmers and toe covers ... you won't regret it!

Do you have a rain jacket of any sort? That would be my choice over a garbage bag ... but if you are out there shivering as the wind blasts against your rain soaked jacket and jersey, that garbage bag might seem pretty welcome because it will at least block the wind.

Do you have a seatpack? I'm assuming you are carrying spare tubes, tools, and food ... right?


Incidentally, on my century on Sunday at 50 degrees, I wore a long sleeved polypro base layer, a long sleeved coolmax jersey, a long sleeved fleece jersey, a lined fall/spring jacket, shorts, tights, knickers, and a light pair of sweats. I had a headband on over my ears (that's something you might consider as well), a neck gaiter, ski gloves, thin socks, heavy wool knee-length socks, shoes, and neoprene booties. When the temperature finally made it to 50 degrees, I removed the neck gaiter, put on lighter gloves, and unzipped my jacket. And that's what I was comfortable in!!

Old School

Breathable shell on top, preferably with zippers to adjust for body heat. Wet clothing plus wind chill while riding will be a recipe for disaster. If your core gets cold, you will be one miserable masochist!

squeegy200

I've not done this in awhile. But if I had to do this again, in addition to what is stated above, I would highly recommend clip-on fenders.

botto 

VERY good point

adxm

Heh yea, in fact I'm gonna go to the midsize so I can fit towo tubes, and definitely ziploc the minitool and tubes to keep them dry. Flats can be an issue with wet roads. Food's no problem: there are checkpoints/rest stops every 40 mi or so, where I can refill my gel flask and load the waterbottles with Sustained Energy. Its gonna be a liquid diet day tomorrow.


Wow. On early morning rides I've been going out when the temperature's around 40 (it does warm up significantly from there) with just mesh tank top base/jersey/shorts/arm warmers. That sounds like what I would wear to go skiing, except I don't really have a clear idea of what knickers are .

The only thing that always gets uncomfortably cold is my fingers. I got some long fingered gloves but I'm afraid they're too heavy duty. I really should pick up glove liners... Now the forecast is just 40-50% for showers. Although traveling over 200 miles gives lots of room for weather variation. I guess I'll see tomorrow morning.

Thanks everyone for your input! I'll let you know how it goes.

Machka 

Well .... I'm cold when I ride, and always have been. I don't start feeling warm out there until the temp is above about 80 degrees.

And knickers:

https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1140226614859

Except mine don't have padding.


All the best on the ride!