@ Burton: we have been drenched enough times to know that plan works best (C) Really heavy rain is much easier to deal with from inside a rest stop) but we really like to ride in the rain.
@ andrewclaus: (Some cyclists use ponchos effectively but there's a learning curve I haven't been able to surmount) we do worry about this. The idea of a pocho seems good, planty of vantilation while keeping dry but I keep thinking of the pocho getting cought on something while trying to get on or off the bike quickly.

Maybe its time to dig a little bit deeper in our pockets and invest in beter quality rain gear and stop looking for a cheaper alternative.

Thanks for the repies guys.