KidTruth

Important part bolded for the impatient.

Hey folks. I've got my first century this Saturday, and then the followup 80 mile ride on Sunday. I'm ready for the ride and the wind will be at my back, but now it looks like it's going to be raining hard the off and on both days.

This is Texas (the ride is the BP MS150 from Houston to Austin) so it'll be warm, about 70-80 degrees even with the rain. I was just going to wear waterproof sunscreen and no rain gear because in my experience rain isn't that big of a deal in a jersey that wicks and just bike shorts.. it feels like a swimsuit to me so I don't get bothered. Am I wrong? I've never prepared for a century in the rain. Do I want to bring along a parka even if I don't think it'll rain the whole way? We're going 100 miles in one direction so I would think I'd cycle out of it eventually.

I'd like a second opinion.. thanks.

elader

which way is the wind blowing? I did the MS 150 Houston-Austin one year with rain the first day. It actually wasn't bad. The second day is hillier and I would think more dangerous in the wet.

Just watch out for stupid people who stop on hills and such.

kwrides

I'll be there with you.

It looks like the weather Saturday is going to be about 70-75 degrees with wind out of the ESE at about 5-7mph, so at least it will be at our back. The rain chance grows as the day goes on, so my best advice is to finish around 1. With it that warm, I'll just be in my bibs and jersey. I may wear booties to keep my shoes dry for Sunday, but I haven't decided yet because it will make me hot. You'll roast if you wear a jacket at 70 degrees.

Sunday in La Grange looks to be clearing up at 65 degrees and 20% chance of rain in the am. Now for the down side...10-12mph wind in our face out of the NW.

Don't wear really dark sunglasses or you'll have trouble seeing if it REALLY pours, but bring them in case the heavens bless us on Sunday.

BE REALLY FREAKIN CAREFUL! There are 13,000 riders. 12,000 will be riding like idiots.

Who do you ride with?

Machka 

A parka in 70-80 degrees********** Nevermind the rain ...... you'll melt into a little pool of your former self!!

You do know what a parka is ... right?

Parka:


https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...45524442627223


https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...45524442626727


https://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...r-Big-Men.html

If it was going to be -40C/F, I'd recommend a parka.

In your case, a light waterproof-breathable jacket might be a better choice.

kwrides

Honestly, I think that even a light waterproof-breathable jacket is too much at 75. I'd sweat more than it will rain. ymmv

calyth

A light cycling jacket that isn't waterproof could be enough, depending on how hard the rain is.

Those type of jackets usually have a Durable Water-Repellency coating on it, so at speed, and for light rain, you can keep quite a bit of it off you before it would start soaking through and dampen your jersey.

I do use a waterproof-breathable jacket, but then I live in Raincouver.

Machka 

I've got a great waterproof-breathable jacket with a back vent and long pit zips ... so I can wear it in warmish conditions quite comfortably.

Once it is up to 80, I'd probably opt for a vest, or something like that, just to keep the chill of wind blowing against a wet jersey off.

10 Wheels

How are you going to keep your shoes from getting soaked?

kwrides

Good point...I may just zip the sleeves off and wear the vest...if it gets too hot, roll it up and pack it.

kwrides

Are you riding 10 Wheels?

I may wear booties...but I'm a bit worried about my feet roasting....

10 Wheels

Not riding the 150.
One guy from our group is driving one of the support trucks.
Another is riding.
I have 246 miles so far for the week.
Will try for another 2 days here of riding if the weather permits.

Have Fun, Be Safe.

kwrides

I'd like to ride with you guys some time...I'm just to lazy to drive over there. I'll make it happen this Fall.

H-Bear

The last time I saw 10 Wheels post that quote, my ride got popped with 15-20 mph sustained winds with 30-mph gusts.

Good times.

But seriously, I'm riding as well with Texas Children. You can purchase an emergency poncho for $1 at Academy. It's light weight, takes up zero room, and just throw it away afterwards.

Good luck!

bikeride

1) Put socks on feet.
2) Put feet in large sandwich bag with a small opening for venting. Position it in a certain way so it doesn’t get caught in the crank/chain.
3) Put shoes on.

Might feel weird at first but you'll get used to it. Your shoes will be wet but your feet will be dry.

10 Wheels

So how will you keep your SHOES Dry?

JoelS

I don't think you'll be able to keep your shoes dry. 2 pair of shoes would be ideal. If not, you'll just have wet shoes the 2nd day.

10 Wheels

I bought a XL rain jacket at Goodwill for $1.75.
Cut Off the Sleeves and use electrical tape to hold them on my shoes.

Randochap

As someone who doesn't function well above around 75F, I'd welcome the cooling effect of the rain!

Machka 

I wouldn't worry about it ... unless the temps are down around +10C or lower. If the temps are that cool, wear booties.

bikeride

Never mind

Mash Master

I will be in bibs and jersey, thinking about wearing my light windbreaker. not sure what I'll do. I don't mind if my feet get wet, the shoes will dry. Take the insoles out of the shoes and they dry pretty quick.

rooftest

Yeah - and your feet will be submerged in a bag full of sweat when you're done.

KidTruth

Love the advice guys. Meant to say Poncho and not Parka, sorry. Definitely not wearing the parka.

I think I will just wear very thin, nonabsorbant socks and have wet feet. There are holes in my shoes where water can drain out and they fit so snug that water doesn't really bother me. I will pack sandwich bags to put my cell phone etc. in and just be wet I guess.

I'm glad the wind is at our backs the first day. I thought it would be our second day as well.. le sigh. Oh well. I'm running down the checklist today to make sure I have everything.

I'm riding with Team Tenet, they have 4 hospitals in the Houston area. I figure i might as well be in with a hospital, will be good if I get injured =p

PurpleFender

I'm going to rough it and get rained on if it comes to that. I rode all the Conoco Phillips training rides and got poured on at least 3 times with NO rain gear and two front wheels(recumbent) spraying road water right into my face. A little rain on an upright? meh. I was thinking of wearing cold weather toe covers on my shoes to keep the soaking down, you could try something like that maybe.

I'll be starting with conoco Phillips and riding for team CGGVeritas. I'll be on a red Giant, if yall want to say hi, my name's Patrick :-) Be careful on the ride, there really are going to be a ton of newbs out there and some really erratic riding, just try to get past it! Oh, and keep to the left if you want to go down the hill before LaGrange fast, there are a TON of people who keep right and brake down that sucker (why!!!?)

Boudicca

If (when) your shoes get wet, take the liners out overnight and stuff the shoes with newspaper. They will be dry by the morning.

Another option is biking sandals with socks. None of that water sloshing around underfoot, and the socks keep your feet warmish.