Originally Posted by
Rick@OCRR
Good timing on this post! Thanks for all the good advice. I'm heading into a ride (well, it's timed so kind of a race) with a 70% chance of rain and a high temp of 48 Deg. predicted at 5,000 ft. of elevation but we're going to 8,400 ft. so it will likely be colder there (at the finish line).
Then we have to descend back into Redlands, about 40 miles and to about 1,000 ft. of elevation. Climbing I generate some good heat. Descending, not so much . . . not much at all. Should be mid 40's at the start in Redlands (5:30 AM) get a bit warmer through Beaumont and up Oak Glenn (steep climb that one).
May be cold on the Oak Glenn descent but should be okay (mid 50's) climbing up Damnation Alley to Forest Falls, then the temps should start dropping again and probably rain falling by Angelus Oaks. From there it's only 20 miles and 3,400 ft. of climbing to the finish line but I expect ever falling temps as I climb. Could be snow at the summit.
Hopefully I'll make it by the cut-off time (3:30 PM) but should have some epic (if not tragic) stories to tell after it's all over.
Rick / OCRR
Rick's situation is one of the few that might find me riding in the rain by choice. You registered for a big ride, paid your money, and now, rain is in the forecast. The other is if I'm on a tour. Rain or no, you go.
I checked the weather this AM, and you might be in luck, Rick. It looks to be dry until 7PM Saturday or so.
BTW, the reasons I avoid riding in the rain aren't just the discomfort or the extra risk of slippery surfaces and lower visibility. It's all that and the fact that the bike will be a mess at the end of the day. Last time I rode in an all day rainfest, cleaning the bike up and getting all of the water out of it was a real PITA.