What's good and easy to roll up and put in the back of your bike shirt wen it stops raining. That is better than a garbage bag, but doesn't take a week's wages. Weather is not looking so goog right now for the weekend.
I have asked a a couple of professional cyclists/coaches about the predicted weather for this week and all have all said that if it is 29 degrees (as forcast) and raining let it rain and don't bother with rain gear, even if you have it. At those temperatures, even the most breathable gear will end up making you wet anyway and will block the benefitcial wind from cooling you. The new science is all about keeping core temp cool. The rain will cool you down and let you keep riding. If the temp is 22 degrees or below then rain gear and the evaporation will chill you too much.
However, and I would have never thought of this, if it is raining, clear eye protection to keep spray and rain out of your eyes.
Having done the Ride for Heart last weekend, in the driving rain, the worst part was my feet. Felt like my shoes were filled with water, and my feet were floating in them. I am heading, right after work, to MEC to buy covers for my shoes. The $40 will be totally worth it.
I will second that - the water in the shoes was the worst part of last weekend. I have always scoffed at shoes covers but think I might head in the direction. Water was spraying up from the wheels directly into my shoes and the water was swishing back and forth was I pedaled. Not a great feeling, especially while so cold.
Fact of the matter is that you are going to get wet, but if I can prevent water buildup in my shoes it would be a huge help.
My ride for heart problem was cold feet, and they never quite warmed up. I recommend wool socks, which stay a little warmer when wet, and perhaps plastic bags over them if it really starts to rain hard. You may look stupid, but you will feel much better.
The alternative are goretex socks. Expensive, but possibly worth their weight in gold if the weather is cold.
thanks for the advice. I just bought feet water proof sock covers. They go right over your socks. The shoes will get wet but not my feet. That is all that was left at the store.
I ended up using a $14.99 rain jacket from Marks Work Warehouse. Packs up small enough to fit in a jersey pocket and saved my life in the cold and rain. Doesn't breath and flapped a bit in the wind though.
I'm definitely getting rain gear, slick tires, and a very pricey, comfy bike seat for next year's ride. Ah, stubborn meets M200. Stubborn looses.
I am actually thinking of going riding on Monday or Tuesday, now that...certain parts of the anatomy hurt less.
I'm wondering if the M200 will be the same course every year. Has the K200 always remained the same?
There have been some changes to the K200 route each year, though much of it remains the same. I wouldn't count on significant changes to the M200 unless there is construction.
Slick tires: absolutely. Very pricey, comfy bike seat: depends. The seat doesn't have to be pricey, it just has to suit you.
I'm definitely getting rain gear, slick tires, and a very pricey, comfy bike seat for next year's ride. Ah, stubborn meets M200. Stubborn looses.
I am actually thinking of going riding on Monday or Tuesday, now that...certain parts of the anatomy hurt less.
I'm wondering if the M200 will be the same course every year. Has the K200 always remained the same?
There have been some changes to the K200 route each year, though much of it remains the same. I wouldn't count on significant changes to the M200 unless there is construction.
Slick tires: absolutely. Very pricey, comfy bike seat: depends. The seat doesn't have to be pricey, it just has to suit you.
And a soft, cushy saddle does not automatically translate into more comfort. The saddles that come with high end road bikes are VERY firm.
The discomfort that you feel comes from your body not being accustomed to the seat, poor bike fit, and not wearing the proper clothing.
Getting your bike fit correctly makes the biggest difference in your comfort. Spending more time on the bike will get your body accustomed to the seat. And wearing high quality cycling shorts with a good chamois can save your delicate bits...
I had Descente Endurance Bib Shorts, Chamois Cream, had the seat adjusted, and spent a lot of time in the saddle. It was day two, mid-afternoon when I wanted to die.
I'm going to anatomically correct, not necessarily a cushy seat. I didn't realize until late day two when a rider called out that I should stand now and then going down hill. I was sitting every moment. My own fault. I trained alone, was on the course alone. At least I'm learning. FOr next June, I'll be so very very wise. One hopes. and possibly using my usual chamois cream. I switched day two. Realized my error but my usual was in a gear bag somewhere.
__________________
Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
I had Descente Endurance Bib Shorts, Chamois Cream, had the seat adjusted, and spent a lot of time in the saddle. It was day two, mid-afternoon when I wanted to die.
I'm going to anatomically correct, not necessarily a cushy seat. I didn't realize until late day two when a rider called out that I should stand now and then going down hill. I was sitting every moment. My own fault. I trained alone, was on the course alone. At least I'm learning. FOr next June, I'll be so very very wise. One hopes. and possibly using my usual chamois cream. I switched day two. Realized my error but my usual was in a gear bag somewhere.
The seat is just one of many parts that need to be correctly fit to your body and riding position. Angles, heights and lengths of any component that your body touches can impact the way you feel in the saddle... or maybe your body was just sore from sitting!
If you're in south Etobicoke you're welcome to train/ride with my group... we're pretty easy going; we just love riding.
And on the topic of rain gear - I love my Sugoi Hydrolite jacket: http://www.sugoi.com/can/eng/Products/Bike/Men/Details/1463-71102U-HydroLite-Jacket
-- Edited by twinpro on Saturday 19th of June 2010 01:51:48 AM
Hamilton. I had a few donations, but just enough for a sleeping bag and stuff. I knew I'd need a raincoat and stuff like that, but just didn't have the money. I'll bookmark that site and when I can, get the jacket you recommend.
Someone, recommend the best slick tires for a mountainbike, because I'm just never going to be able to afford a road bike. They don't allow layaway long enough.
__________________
Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
Hi Ricky, my current tires are knobby 2x 2.1, so I think anything is better. Pieriks here were going to put them on and I didn't....dammit. I honestly didn't think slicks would make a difference. I hit those lovely Halton Hills and was telling myself off out loud. "Oh, I don't need slicks...." Where in Burlington IS MEC. I may try to get out there with my cousin on the last day of the month.
__________________
Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
Will do. Have to just find the place in Burlington. I make a habit of refusing to ride in the rain. I had no choice during the RTCC. Next year, I'm going to be more prepared.
__________________
Never Give Up; Never Surrender! Strength in Numbers. Livestrong!
