Inspired by [MENTION=363494]Ghazmh[/MENTION], I took off at 1pm in "light rain" and 48 degree weather. Dressed mostly for the temperature, and observed what effect the rain had on the various articles of clothing. The merino base layer fared best, performing the old "warm when wet" trick. The polypropylene pants worked pretty well, absorbing water and maintaining some insulating power, but I may have something more water-resistant at the back of the closet. The Sport Hill Symmetry II jacket, an absolutely reliable windblocking layer on a cold day, was really not coping with the rain. I have an old Gore-tex rain parka I could try next, although I'm not really sure it breathes well enough for cycling. Thick merino hiking socks under my summer shoes worked well enough, but I'm going to need to settle on winter cycling shoes and start tweaking saddle heights.

That said, it was a dandy little ride, up to Lexington Center and back via the Minuteman on my Rawland Nordavinden, which is now owed a cleaning and chain lube application. Hurray for fenders! I set out from East Arlington, noting that the Town trees have suddenly dropped their leaves, and I have some raking to do.


One advantage of this weather: you can have the bike path all to yourself.


The Mile 4.0 Cairn Builders have a Flood Myth now.


Arlington's Great Meadow, Lexington: a good day to be water.


Home again, seeing the world soft-focus.


rod