It’s February yet again, and I find myself in not-so-sunny Left Coast for the Tour of California. Leading the camp has given me insight as to just how differently the same folks can approach riding in the same weather. Riding in the rain doesn’t have to be all that bad, however, if you are prepared and execute properly. Here’s how I do it.
1. A Quality Base Layer: We are riding in temps right around 50-degrees. As such, it’s not that cold…unless you get wet. Assuming you have all the proper outer gear (see below), then avoid the temptation to just throw more clothes at the problem and use a proper base layer to establish your warmth. I personally use some underarmor performance gear, and have both long- and no-sleeve options.
2. All Zips: What you put on above your base layer is important, and ideally it will be all zipper-able. In other words, you’ll need to be able to regulate your temps as your rain gear will put you into new temperature spots that you have to have the ability to handle. I personally roll with a short sleeve jersey and a nice wind proof vest.
3. The Rain Shell: This is the piece-de-resistance…but it must be used properly. You need to get it on as soon as the rain gets serious; once you are soaked there’s no point! Staying dry is key on a moderately cool day, as the wet gear quickly gets cold…and damp…and clingy. This saps valuable energy from you body, as it’s forced to regulate your temperature in addition to riding. At the same time though you need to be cautious…work too hard in that shell and the sweat build up will soak you from the inside out. To that end I recommend having a full slicker and one that you cut the sleeves off of (heck, they are only $15 a piece!), this way you have all the bases covered.
4. Head/Hands/Feet: Despite the fact that this is towards the end, it’s perhaps one of the most critical points. For any cyclist, the first place cold will manifest itself is in the extremities. In the case of a wet day the likelihood of a temperature problem increases significantly. We eliminate this issue in two ways. First by wearing booties; a neoprene outer cover that slips over your shoes. Second, by wearing quality gloves (and maybe some liners to help with insulation) will make sure that you can continue to operate your brakes and shifters, as well as eat. All pretty good things, I think.
5. Other Items: Depending on the severity of your weather, the temperature, and the overall distance you want to ride, you might want to consider a few more clothing options. A helmet cap can keep your dome dry, making that base layer functional. A full-on rain suit with pants and jacket can keep you bone dry, but is a bit restrictive in terms of how hard you ride.
Execution is just as important as the equipment you choose. You could be the best-dressed roadie within 300 miles, but if you ride like a bonehead your day will still be miserable. Help yourself out by following these basic guidelines.
- Steady Pacing: Keep your nose on the dial and make sure your effort is moderate regardless of the terrain you are on. Avoiding the overheating / wet baselayer situation will go a long way to making your rainy ride comfortable.
- Minimal Stopping: Do your best to have everything you need so you don’t have to stop. The minute you interrupt your body’s work of moving forward and start standing around, well, you will start to get cold. No two ways about it…stopping for a minute could be the worst decision all day.
- Extra Layer: I make it a point to carry at least one other layer for my ride in the pocket of my jersey. This gives me an option to get just a little bit warmer if I need to deal with a descent or some windier conditions.
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This post was inspired in part by the crap weather from the first few days of our camp. Part of our incredible camp series, the Tour of California Camp puts our athletes on the course just before the peloton, allowing them to experience the same climbs, sprints, rabid fans, and weather as the Pro Peloton.
If you’d like to track my personal progress through the TOC camp, please follow me here: www.twitter.com/pmccrann. You can track the camp here: www.twitter.com/teamen as well as on our blog: www.endurancenation.us/blog.
Hi, I'm Patrick McCrann. 
