100 miles in Heavy Rain - Any Tips

Octopus1
Octopus1 Posts: 56
edited May 2013 in Road general
Hi All,

I'm doing the London Revolution this weekend and the forecast looks pretty bad. Saturday is heavy rain for most of the day.

Any tips for how to dress for this, I have a decent windproof/waterproof and some overshoes. Not worried about legs getting wet but the wind and the cold are bigger issues. Gloves - I have windproof but not waterproof (if there is actually such as thing)

Some sort of cap under the helmet is probably going to be a good idea as sunglasses are going to be obscured by the rain.

Thanks

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.
«1

Comments

  • hatch87
    hatch87 Posts: 352
    I doubt it will be that cold, a base layer with the waterproof should be sufficient. Wear to much and you will sweat so much you may as well not have a water proof on :)

    I advise on decent gloves though, I did a 60 miler in heavy rain and both of my gloves fell apart, all the stitching around the pads broke making an uncomfortable final hour.
    http://app.strava.com/athletes/686217
    Come on! You call this a storm? Blow, you son of a bitch! Blow! It's time for a showdown! You and me! I'm right here! Come and get me!
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    Get some embrocation for your legs. It’ll keep your muscles warm and add a little barrier to the rain. Make sure you put it on AFTER you’ve slapped on your bum cream and if you wear contacts get them in first too…your day could be ruined otherwise ;-)

    I find neoprene gloves work for me in heavy rain/sleet/snow. Your hands get wet inside but they stay warm – that’s what neoprene does.
  • marcusjb
    marcusjb Posts: 2,412
    As ever, layers. Rain is fine as long as the temperatures are okay - if it is even a little chilly, you can end up in a bad way very quickly in these conditions.

    Wear a couple of thin baselayers - even if they get wet, you should remain warm during the day. You can remove one if things aren't as cold/wet as expected.

    Gloves - layers again - thin merino glove liners help dramatically in these sorts of conditions. Cold hands can easily lead to a DNF, so make sure you have something sorted out.

    Make sure you use a decent amount of bum cream - chafing can be a real issue once your shorts are wet through.

    This time of the year is about the toughest to know how to dress - it's easy to get hit by hail and cold rain this time of year, yet ride in glorious sunshine for large parts of your ride. The coldest I have ever been on a bike is an overnight section on a 600 in May where we'd spent the day in 20 degree sunshine and then cold storms all night - it wasn't that cold, maybe 5 degrees, but having got really wet and not having any more layers to put on, I was in real trouble shivering away. Grim stuff.

    Good luck for the weekend!
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    Well the key is a decent breathable waterproof jacket which you seem to have covered (careful what you wear under it, if it's say 10-15c you might just need a winter base layer as even the best jackets still won't breath as well as a jersey.
    I'd wear 3/4 or longs if I were you, over 100 miles if you have bare knees then the windchill factor could be an issue (I generally don't feel the cold on my legs but I'd wear 3/4 on a mild but wet day), Castelli Nanoflex works well. At least get some knee or leg warmers, you can always take them off then if the sun comes out.
    I don't use peaked caps, can't say it would help massively in the rain but I would wear a skullcap.
    Gloves - make sure you have a liner glove as well (merino or silk) to help trap more warm air once your outer gloves wet-through. If you were looking at new outers than neoprene ones might be worth checking out, I never really liked them though
    Socks - I'd go with merino socks to as your feet are going to get wet regardless and merino tends to stay a bit warmer when wet
    Mudguards if possible, even just an ass-saver guard can help comfort a lot if it's stopped raining but the roads are still wet
    Carrying a small bottle of chain lube (wet) can help as well as on a 100 miler you could end up with a squeaky chain, assuming they won't have any to hand at the feed stops.
    I tend to use 50% more chamois cream on long wet rides to, may just be psychological though ;)
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Abort and go to the South of France instead?
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    nferrar wrote:
    Mudguards if possible, even just an ass-saver guard can help comfort a lot if it's stopped raining but the roads are still wet

    More than anything! But aim for Cruds as reducing spray over the feet makes a big difference. Tights over sealskins socks and decent overshoes will delay the inevitable ingress of water into the socks but make sure that once it gets there it stays there and can therefore warm up.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • neeb
    neeb Posts: 4,473
    If the temperature was going to be safely above 15C I'd say just get wet and keep pedalling, you will sweat buckets in anything that is 100% waterproof, even if it's supposedly "breathable". Looks like it might be borderline temperature-wise though, which makes it a little tricky. I might be tempted to wear a gillet that's waterproof and windproof at the front and carry a light waterproof as backup in case you start to get chilled.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    I rode a 60 mile sportive with my wife in early April - started fine and then progressed to heavy rain. The last 15 miles I rode as a single speed because my hands were too cold to operate the STIs properly. I also failed to appreciate the need for a more waterproof jacket than my packamac one.

    So - as you've considered jackets - advice from me would be to have a spare pair of gloves (or two) in a pocket so you can change into dry at a suitable stage - it'll make a huge difference to your comfort.
  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    I have toured over 100 miles in cold pouring rain a bunch of times. It's unpleasant but tolerable. A good waterproof will be key. Nothing is truly waterproof and breathable but get the best you can (not cheap) and make sure it has pit zips - they are very useful for letting out the steamy build-up inside. Have good - and I mean good - waterproof gloves. THat is very important. Nothing worse than cold wet red fingers. I used a pair of Endure Deluge gloves once on a 90 miler in cold pouring rain and was absolutely miserable - they soaked up water like a sponge. These days I use Gore Bike Wear MBT gloves - bulky to be sure, but very effective.

    Yes, mudguards by all means.

    As for lower down - I am in two minds on waterproof trousers. I have a pair of3/4 length Endure eVent ones which work very well and on long tours I use them and have been glad to have them handy. I guess on 100 miles I would consider wearing a pair, especially if the temperature looks like it will be low.

    Overshoes are also a very good idea. Cold wet feet are no fun.

    If you can get yourself comfortable (and breathably) cocooned,the hundred miles should be no problem.
  • CiB
    CiB Posts: 6,098
    I did a 100-miler a couple of years back that included going through the Peak District (into Buxton, on through Glossop into Ashton & beyond) and it lashed down for a good hour so of that. Didn't make a lot of difference to the ride really - it was in June so it was warmer than February and wet is wet - it doesn't hurt, doesn't do any damage (except for ruining my works phone) and once the weather picked up I dried out pretty quickly. If it rains you'll get wet unless you go for complete water-proofing. Up to you as to how far you want to do that.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    After being caught in a downpour at the weekend - I'd err on the side of caution. I didnt cape up until it was clear the rain wasnt stopping and by that time I could barely get the jacket on. And no chance of getting my gloves on.

    Foolishly I'd gone out dressed for spring and it was winter temps with all that rain.

    Hopefully the forecast will be wrong and it'll be fine for you.

    I'd also think about having a light on the back if its likely to be gloomy.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    Keeping warm is more important than dry IME, particularly hands and feet. Neoprene gloves and booties are ideal for these types of conditions. I wouldn't worry about covering your shins, just your knees as the spray from the wheel will soak the bottom of your legs. If riding in a group, peaked cap and glasses is essential for keeping the muck out of our eyes. On top, I'd wear a number of thin layers to try and find the right amount of warmth / windchill prevention. Clip on guards like Raceblades help to keep the spray off your back too. Finally, pay attention to your drink and nutrition - the effect of wind and rain can make a hunger knock even more dramatic and unpleasant. Stopping for a hot drink and food at 70 miles will likely have a bigger impact on your average speed than persevering without and crawling back at 10mph.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • cookeeemonster
    cookeeemonster Posts: 1,991
    F**KING F**K F**K F**K F**K!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm doing this ride also and have been checking the forecast constantly...only today does it say heavy rain!!!

    Bloody hell. If it was warm I'd have no problem dressing - waterproofs are not necessary at all as you sweat buckets...but its of course an inbetween temperature.

    I've got waterproofs but might sweat buckets...or not. No idea how fast my workmates will ride :(

    bollox :)
  • pilot_pete
    pilot_pete Posts: 2,120
    Forget trying to keep dry, it will be a losing battle. As stated above the wet is not harmful, it is the cold that will get you.

    I use a thermal base layer (Under Armour Cold Gear) below 12 degrees C. On top of this I wear a summer jersey down to about 7 degrees C and below that a winter long sleeve jersey (Roubaix lining). I wear Roubaix shorts (Assos early winter) with roubaix leg warmers and neoprene (BBB) overshoes. I carry a very thin WINDPROOF top layer jacket which packs into a jersey pocket. Meraklon liner gloves (fantastic, even when wet for a fiver) underneath one size too large winter gloves.

    I accept that I am going to get wet. I ride at a speed that keeps me sweating and thus warm. Hands and feet are the hardest things to keep warm. I can't stand a beanie under my helmet no matter how cold it is!

    Get the nutrition right, eat enough fuel and drink enough to replace salts etc and as long as you are fit enough you shouldn't have any problems. As pointed out, a hot cuppa (with sugar!) at some point well through the ride will help. Trick is don't stop for too long as you will get cold(er) if wet, and put the spare layer on if you do stop to keep the wind out and you will be taking good care of yourself. Many years in the Army taught me the benefit of being disciplined when it comes to personal care in harsh conditions. It is all too easy when cold and wet to not 'bother' with the food, the drink and extra layers etc, just plodding on in a vain attempt to get it over with. Good self discipline will see you through.

    I never bother with waterproof jackets, and only ever wore them in the Army when I was sitting around in a wood in pouring rain because as soon as you start exercising you are inducing even more sweating if wearing one and thus defeating the object of the waterproof layer. Accept you will be wet, keep the wind chill at bay, ride at a suitable pace to keep your internal temperature up, keep the extremeties warm, wear layers which can be added/ removed and importantly CARRIED if you remove them, be disciplined with personal care and bobs your uncle.

    When you finish you want warm dry clothes, ideally a shower and a bit of fuel/ hot drink.

    PP
  • pilot_pete
    pilot_pete Posts: 2,120
    Oh, and a good set of guards will make it a much more pleasurable experience! :wink:
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    Mudguards and decent waterproof kit.

    I rode 95 miles across the Highlands last Friday in the p!ssing rain and wind. All my kit was breached by about lunchtime and by 5pm i pretty much had hypothermia (blue lips, slurred speech, loss of hearing....the works!)

    Even the best gear has it's limits....
  • ju5t1n
    ju5t1n Posts: 2,028
    I wouldn’t wear long or even ¾ length tights, they’ll just soak up the water and can actually make you feel colder. I rub some Vaseline on my legs so the water runs straight off them. Works a treat.
  • pilot_pete
    pilot_pete Posts: 2,120
    ju5t1n wrote:
    I wouldn’t wear long or even ¾ length tights, they’ll just soak up the water and can actually make you feel colder.
    Not decent quality Roubaix lined warmers/ tights...
    I rub some Vaseline on my legs so the water runs straight off them. Works a treat.
    :roll:

    PP
  • Buckie2k5
    Buckie2k5 Posts: 600
    umbrella_embed_1486877a.jpg
  • Buckie2k5
    Buckie2k5 Posts: 600
    omg.... uberhood. someone has too much spare time

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwul8HMpCP8&feature=player_embedded
  • bernithebiker
    bernithebiker Posts: 4,148
    Buckie2k5 wrote:
    omg.... uberhood. someone has too much spare time

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwul8HMpCP8&feature=player_embedded

    Imagine how many tailwind KOM's you could get with that.......
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    I'm a wimp evidentially. My plan is to bail if heavy rain really materialises. Getting caught out in the rain is one thing but planning to ride for 100 miles through heavy rain (with inevitable heavy wind) is making the turbo look appealing.
  • cookeeemonster
    cookeeemonster Posts: 1,991
    Stueys wrote:
    I'm a wimp evidentially. My plan is to bail if heavy rain really materialises. Getting caught out in the rain is one thing but planning to ride for 100 miles through heavy rain (with inevitable heavy wind) is making the turbo look appealing.

    NO!

    You will complete it - and come on here and tell everyone how hard you are, how it was the heaviest rain known to man, how the winds blew cars off the road and how you, one man, beat it all!
  • ck101
    ck101 Posts: 222
    Use guards and don't ride on anyone's wheel without guards.
    A spare dry cap and gloves for the mid way stop will make things more bearable. Some at my club take a spare base layer also.
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332

    NO!

    You will complete it - and come on here and tell everyone how hard you are, how it was the heaviest rain known to man, how the winds blew cars off the road and how you, one man, beat it all!

    Definitely plan A. Absolutely. I'm not thinking at all about a plan B involving the tacx, my new etape RLV, coffee and an afternoon in front of the giro. No sirreee :D

    The forecast will probably change at least 10 times by the weekend. If it stays as is until Thursday evening I'll get twitchy.
  • thegibdog
    thegibdog Posts: 2,106
    Yep, forecasts get unreliable more than a couple of days ahead - it will have changed by the weekend. And, if not, be prepared to get wet whatever you wear and take solace in the fact that at least it won't be too cold and that a circular route means you won't have a headwind the whole time.

    I rode almost 120 miles into a cross/head-wind in this weather http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTPdEKGEBs and it was the hardest day I've ever had on the bike. Glad I did it though!
  • navrig
    navrig Posts: 1,352
    All the best advice has been given.

    Just make sure you have something you can clean your glasses with because they will get wet and dirty. Just avoid scratching the lenses - wash before you wipe :shock:
  • djone101
    djone101 Posts: 29
    I did a couple of very wet sportives last year and found I got lots more punctures than on dry events. It seems the water acts as a lubricant letting small flints and stones into the tyre that normally wouldn't get through - admittedly this was mostly country lanes but make sure you're suitably stocked with tubes or repair patches etc.

    Good luck...
  • edten
    edten Posts: 228
    maybe already suggested but

    No.1 - plenty of chamois cream - wet shorts rub along the seams. 100 miles in wet shorts with cream could be pretty painful.
    no leg or knee warmers, if they're wet and theres any wind theyll get cold plus contribute to more water in your shoes.
    waterproof socks - sealskins. if your shoes are soaked at least your feet will by dry(ish)

    bike wise use some wet lube, not dry lube otherwise you might be facing a noisy ride.

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.