230k in miserable weather

mzgadzaj

Hi BB! Long time lurker, first time poster. Hello all!

This coming Saturday I have a 230 km ride scheduled, in, according to current forecast, quite a miserable weather - (light) rain most of the time, temperature range 11-16˚C, headwind 5-8 m/s.

I did this ride once before, though it was quite a few years ago, but the weather was a bit similar - heavy rain first 100 km, and one thing I remember most is being pretty cold (especially during the stops). Second half the sun started shining again, and it got pretty nice actually, but it doesn't seem it's going to be the case this year.

So, what I'm interested in is your advice re best clothing strategy for this ride.

I'm planning to take my s/s Gabba 2 (haven't ridden in it yet - just received it yesterday after a really nice sale on Ribble), Nanoflex arm warmers, an old Sportful Hot Pack jacket (just in case - it really helps on chilly mornings, and considering we're starting before 6 am - every little helps) and usual bib shorts. (Edit: I meant bib shorts, not tights. Was considering tights for a moment, but it'd be too much I reckon.)

Do you reckon I should take merino base layer, or just normal mesh should be enough? Any other things to consider?

luv2ride

I reckon you'll be spot on with the Gabba, arm warmers and hot pack shell. Personally I'd go mesh base layer rather than merino though as I find they retain sweat and leave me colder than a base that wicks better (and, for me, that's mesh). At least the windspeed doesnt look particularly high. Given the early start I'd personally also take a change of gloves. Although it was later in the year, the last time I did the Lionheart sportive I couldn't feel my fingers for the first 25km. I may have poor circulation in my hands but won't make that mistake again. If wet, another pair of gloves may be welcome halfway round...

slowmart

Weather forecasts from 3-4 days out are largely theoretical but whatever the weather you can't change it.

It sounds like your spot on with your suggestions and my personal preference is always merino. Again it's down to personal preference I wouldn't take a second pair of gloves as whatever your wearing will hopefully dry out when the rain stops and the heat your generating

Enjoy!

cougie

It's rarely as bad as the forecast.

I'm not a fan of gabbas - I'd go base layer long sleeve with a light gilet and a proper rain jacket in the pocket.

Good luck.

964cup

When we did LBL in April, I dressed pretty much as you suggest (albeit with knickers rather than tights). I had a wicking baselayer on under the Gabba and a gilet. Forecast for 6-10, it ended up being about 1 degree, with rain and some hail, into a headwind. The only real problem was gloves - I was wearing Castelli Nano XTs - and once they got wet through, I lost all the feeling in my fingers; that was very unpleasant. Doing anything like that again, I'd make sure to have warmer gloves available (Tempestas or Diluvios).

milemuncher1

Minimal removable warmers, for arms and legs, a decent pair of bib shorts, and a large dose of #5

mzgadzaj

Thanks for all the replies!

I have edited the original post, as I was (and still am) going to take bib shorts, not tights. Was considering tights for a moment, but it'd be too much I reckon. Still, my typing fingers apparently got influenced. Anyway, probably gonna take basic leg warmers as well just in case.

I haven't really thought about gloves. Not sure if it's going to be cold enough overall for full finger gloves, so I guess I'll just stick to my usual mitts. Might be a bit chilly in the morning, but once we start riding properly it should get ok I hope.

I'll stick to Gabba + addons then, especially that I don't have proper rain jacket. Yet. Though will be probably monitoring sales over coming weeks, as I wouldn't mind something like Fiandre No Rain or similar.

#5, yes, absolutely. Also #9!

Also, checking the forecast, it seems it's getting just a tiny bit better each day, which is nice.

pblakeney

It is all relative to what you are used to.
That would be summer conditions for some, deepest winter for others.

mamil314

Gabba is very good for riding in a drizzle or light rain, but not for strong rain. Also, extra layer is a must when stopping
in the wet for anything longer than a traffic light or you're risking chills and shivers

mzgadzaj

PBlakeney wrote:

That would be summer conditions for some, deepest winter for others.

Good point. And living in Paris, I'd rather lean towards "deppest winter" here.

My only alternative to Gabba would be dhb Windslam Blade jacket (jersey?), not sure though if that would be much improvement. Although I have used it throughout all the local winters so far without any issues.

pblakeney

mzgadzaj wrote:

PBlakeney wrote:

That would be summer conditions for some, deepest winter for others.

Good point. And living in Paris, I'd rather lean towards "deppest winter" here.

My only alternative to Gabba would be dhb Windslam Blade jacket (jersey?), not sure though if that would be much improvement. Although I have used it throughout all the local winters so far without any issues.

When in doubt, pocketable layers are the solution.

mzgadzaj

PBlakeney wrote:

When in doubt, pocketable layers are the solution.

Yes, that's the idea with the hot pack shell.

mellex

mamil314 wrote:

Gabba is very good for riding in a drizzle or light rain, but not for strong rain.

Really? I've worn mine it truly Biblical conditions (anyone who rode this years Mad March Hare will know what I mean), and it has kept me warm and dry.

I'd definitely take be taking the Gabba and a short sleeve merino base layer. I also swear by Seal Skin socks if the roads are turning to rivers.

mzgadzaj

No Seal Skins in my possession, but I might dig out my Northwave Fahrenheits a bit early this year for this occasion - they might look a bit funny with bib shorts, but surely will keep my feet toasty warm.

cycleclinic

thats good cycling weathert. your attitude to the weather will determine how much you enjoy the ride.

homers_double

Despite the fact that they make your fingers look like prunes, the "disposable petrol station gloves" tip was a godsend on one very wet ride.

ugo.santalucia

mzgadzaj wrote:

This coming Saturday I have a 230 km ride scheduled, in, according to current forecast, quite a miserable weather - (light) rain most of the time, temperature range 11-16˚C, headwind 5-8 m/s.

Forecasts are unreliable, even at closer range than the one you are looking at. Sometimes a single drop and a grey cloud ends up being 10 mm of rain, other times a double drop and a black cloud ends up being 1 mm of rain. Sometimes it doesn't rain at all and other times it rains a lot despite a dry forecast.

Decide on the day, be sensible and ideally make sure you can dress or undress as the weather changes.

Gary Chaplin

I've just done the Rapha Manchester to London - 350km

The weather was similar to what you describe, although it was a 24kph headwind. Started at 11 degrees, got up to about 17.

I had ProTeam base layer, mid weight jersey, arm warmers and a rain Gilet.

The Weather was worse than forecast, and I wish I had taken a lightweight rain jacket, not so much for wet protection, just to keep warm - but once on the move, you soon warm up.

The only addition might be knee warmers if you are prone to knee pain, and oversocks if your shoes are highly ventilated.

pblakeney

Stuff that can be added to standard bibs, base and jersey, or removed as conditions change. Overshoes, knee warmers, arm warmers, pocketable rain jacket and a cap.

mzgadzaj

So, thanks again everybody for great advice! The ride is done now - first half was sunny-ish, and then rains started after 130 km, with strong in-the-face wind all the time. Merino base + Gabba 2 + Hot Pack shell + arm and leg warmers + cap worked very well. Really glad I took long fingered gloves with me following the advice received here (even though they were just cheap thin running gloves from Decathlon), as they helped a lot in the wind even when wet, and I've been using them all the time. Also took my North Wave Fahrenheit winter boots, and all was fine until it started raining, then progressively they've filled with water and my feet started getting cold when not working very hard. So for the next such ride I've just ordered Woolie Boolies and perhaps will also try my luck with drysuit ankle seals I've seen mentioned here on several occasions. Most probably I will have another opportunity to test it all in 2 weeks when I'll be in the UK for L'Etape London...

cld531c

mzgadzaj wrote:

So, thanks again everybody for great advice! The ride is done now - first half was sunny-ish, and then rains started after 130 km, with strong in-the-face wind all the time. Merino base + Gabba 2 + Hot Pack shell + arm and leg warmers + cap worked very well. Really glad I took long fingered gloves with me following the advice received here (even though they were just cheap thin running gloves from Decathlon), as they helped a lot in the wind even when wet, and I've been using them all the time. Also took my North Wave Fahrenheit winter boots, and all was fine until it started raining, then progressively they've filled with water and my feet started getting cold when not working very hard. So for the next such ride I've just ordered Woolie Boolies and perhaps will also try my luck with drysuit ankle seals I've seen mentioned here on several occasions. Most probably I will have another opportunity to test it all in 2 weeks when I'll be in the UK for L'Etape London...

Well done (and nice cap!!!)

mamil314

Were you miserable?

mzgadzaj

mamil314 wrote:

Were you miserable?

No, not really, sorry to say that. There were moments when my feet felt cold, but then I just had to start working harder for a while, and all got sorted out soon. Apart from this it was quite ok really - great fun, beautiful countryside, and don't even get me started on when we finally reached the sea! That warm feeling of fulfilment inside. I didn't even mind the weather that much, it was just part of the overall experience. Guess it needs to try harder to make me really miserable.