300K Forecast

[betagirl]

Saturday's forecast:

Showers
High 56°F
Precip Chance: 60%
Wind: NW 9 mph
Max. Humidity: 59%
UV Index: 5 Moderate

*sigh. At this point if that doesn't change, I can't bring myself to do 180 miles in the rain after the last Brevet. Tell me I'm not being a wuss :D

[maillotpois]

I went back and forth on the 600k. Chance of precipitation started at 60/40 (Sat/Sun), and then went down to 30/10.

I originally told myself I wasn't going to do it if it rained, because I didn't really have anything invested in it, and didn't want to be miserable. Then I resigned myself to the fact I wouldprobably do it, and since I was bringing along the kitchen sink anyway, I brought rain pants/booties. Boy was I glad I did! We had a soild hour or two of some of the heaviest rain I have ever ridden in. And then it stopped, and I had something like 200 miles more to ride, and you know what? I dried out.

It may be miserable for some of it, but be prepared (jacket, pants, whatever) and just take a shot at it! If you do, and it does rain, and you stick it out, this will be one of your best "mental toughness" rides ever!

[Lise]

Hmmmm. OK, class, is betagirl a wuss? NO! I say, you do whatever you think you will enjoy; bike riding is not supposed to be torture. L.

[betagirl]

Ok, damnit I'm going to do this ride on Saturday. I'll probably be a popsicle when I'm done, might be slightly delusional, and certainly will need to have my head examined.

Going to the LBS tomorrow to pick up some better rain gear, since all I have is a rain jacket. I suspect if I can stay dry I'll be slightly less miserable.....

What's with this stuff being so dang addictive anyway? :o

[maillotpois]

Atta girl!!!

Nanci told me "Be prepared for rain and then be pleasantly surprised when it is sunny." (Or something like that.) So that's what I did. Sounds like that's what you're doing, too.

For the record, you would not have been a wuss if you didn't ride in the rain... :)

[Nanci]

I'll tell you why to do it: because when you're done with the whole series, you will have a very high standard of "bad" told hold up other events to. Like when I did 3-State 3-Mountain and people were whining about 2 miles of 7% grade and a quarter mile of 22%, like it was going to ruin the whole ride for them. Um, you want to do something hard? Just sit on your bike on level ground for 27 hours. Plus, you will not _believe_ your level of fitness when you're done!! 100 mile mountain Century with 9600 feet of elevation gain? It's like it didn't even happen!! Plus, on practically every ride I've done this year, the bad weather predictions have been greatly overestimated. Plus, 180 miles of rain is a thousand times better than 180 miles of wind- look at the bright side! Make sure you do _something_ to keep your feet dry. And put your dry things you carry with you in ziplocks!!! Even putting your feet in plastic bags inside your shoes will help. Duct tape around your ankles? A helmet cover would be an excellent investment if you don't have one. It's great just for keeping warm, too, when it's not raining. I use mine all the time, and it takes up no room at all when I want to take it off.

Good luck- I'll be riding in 85F sunshine for my 200k...Wish I could split the difference with you!

Nanci

[betagirl]

Thanks ladies

I think the key will be staying warm. I froze my arse off on the 200k. I'll be wearing a shell this time, only had arm warmers and a sleeveless base layer on under my jersey. Windbreaker over that. I was overheating a bit before the rain hit. But hey, if it never rains I can always strip at a gas station or something. Good idea on the bags in the shoes. My worst bits were my feet and hands. The rest of my body was numb, but I couldn't really tell until I stopped. I'll try to get some toe covers and some waterproof gloves. I think this time I'll be overprepared, where last time I got caught with my pants down so to speak.

Nanci - try to send some of that sunshine my way, k? Have fun on your ride.

I'm sure the ride report will be nothing but entertaining :D

[maillotpois]

Oh gosh - second the ziplocks. I had everything except my clean shorts in ziplocks for the 600k. SO the second day I had wet, clean shorts. Brr!

[bikerchick68]

my wettest, coldest ride ever was in Ireland on a self guided bike tour... the very best part of that day? IRISH COFFEE at the end...:D That made the whole day worth it... I think I had 4... but can't recall 100% ;)

nothing quite like Irish Coffee... I'll be hoping there's some waiting for you at the end if it rains! :)

[betagirl]

It just keeps getting "better":

http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/wxdetail/USWI0183?dayNum=1&from=weekend

Hourly Forecast

6am 42°F
Feels Like 40°F
Showers

9am 46°F
Feels Like 43°F
Showers

12pm 50°F
Feels Like 47°F
Showers

3pm 52°F
Feels Like 49°F
Showers

6pm 53°F
Feels Like 50°F
Showers

9pm 49°F
Feels Like 45°F
Showers

Chance of rain 70%. Wind N at 9.

The ONE good thing is that the wind is a) light and b) will be a tailwind on the way back. So it's just a matter of staying dry. I'm going to need those Irish Coffees. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

[Nanci]

It'll be ok. You only have to do it once. If you have spare gloves, those might be nice to carry in a ziplock. Or, optimally, waterproof gloves.

[betagirl]

I'm heading over to Performance today to get some waterproof gloves and socks/shoe covers. And a new rain jacket. Probably some rain pants. That'll be cheap :D

I will bring an extra pair of gloves though. And socks. Wet feet are the worst.

[Nanci]

That's pretty cool you can go to a Performance store. I'd be in so much trouble...There's no REI here, either.

Nanci

[KSH]

Betagirl... you are not being a wuss for not wanting to ride 300K in the rain.

You did it once... you don't need to do it again.

Doing a 300K should be a little bit fun... and it won't be in the rain.

Look, you do this for fun... not money from a sponsor... so don't worry about passing.

[DeniseGoldberg]

Do the ride if you really want to - but you shouldn't feel bad about passing on it due to the weather forecast. 50 degrees isn't that warm, and add rain to that for what could be miserable riding conditions. I've ridden in the cold rain before, and if I have a choice I won't ride in those conditions. (Yes, you're right, I must be a real baby!).

You should view any decision you make - to ride or not to ride - as the right thing for you. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks...

--- Denise

[Barb]

I'm in the same boat with a much shorter ride on Sunday. It's supposed to be rainy and cold over 24 very hilly, very muddy dirt roads. I have a terrible cold and my only rain gear is definately not breathable, so I will be wet if I sweat! Wah Wah wah! It's Mother's Day, shuouldn't it be sunny and warm? Shouldn't I be able to ride and go to brunch?

[Geonz]

If there's something else you could be doing htat would be more fun (and it sounds like root canals might be in that category), then that might be what to do.
If you have a really bad time ... will it keep you from having good times later? Will you feel like you're not cut out for this stuff? Or will the getting tougher and stretching your limits be a motivator? Or, flip a coin :-)

[Nanci]

With a brevet series, you kind of have to go no matter what, because they are set up in a series of increasing distance, usually about four weeks apart, so if you miss the 300k in your area, you have to travel further, maybe really far, to get the 300k. You _could_ just skip it, but then you wouldn't qualify for a 1200k race, if that was your goal, (Boston-Montreal-Boston is held this year, and next year will be Paris-Brest-Paris, which is only held every four years) and even if you didn't want to qualify for a 1200k (and who knows, but the time you're qualified, you might want to do it, even if you didn't think it was possible back when you did the 200k) you still would probably want to earn the Super Randonneur Award by doing the 200k, 300k, 400k and 600k all in one year.

[betagirl]

Nanci is right about why I want to do this ride, even though the weather is going to be bad. I'm not sure if I'll finish the whole series this year moreso because of scheduling conflicts, but would like to. I'm going to miss the 400k with this group, and the nearest other groups that do brevets are out of St. Louis or Ohio, each a good 4 hour drive. At least these are only 2 hours away :D I'll have to figure out the 400 in another spot. I also have a conflict for the 600k.

I spent today thinking about this ride a lot, and talked to several people about it. Fuji Girl and I had lunch, and I think she thinks I'm crazy :) But she was supportive as everyone else has been. My friend had a good point when I emailed him like "god the weather sucks for saturday." He replied "welcome to the life of a randonneur. Do you think they only ride when it's 70 and sunny?" I've decided that rain tomorrow will be better than the horrific headwind I had on the 200k. I should have a tailwind on the way back if the route is similar, which I'm under the impression it is.

So I went to performance and got some gear, which I think will make this a more pleasant experience: good rain jacket with hood, rain pants, new tights, 2 pairs of wool socks, shoe toe covers, and water resistant gloves. I also got some Gu, which I didn't have on the 200k. For those shopping for that kind of gear, good time of year to get it. It was all severely marked down.

The final reason I'm doing this damn ride is because I'm stubborn. I have a real hard time saying "I can't" especially when others are rooting for me to do something. I know how good it's going to feel when I finish, and while I'm half dreading this I'm also half excited for the challenge. It'll be 20 miles longer than my longest ride to date. I'm sure around mile 120 I'll be cursing at myself for doing it, but hey I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. Like Nanci and others have posted, these rides are more about mental stamina than physical. I know my body can do the time on the bike. If anything, in theory, I should be able to finish this in 12 hours without that wicked headwind. I did 160 in 9.5, but had pretty good weather. It rained a little, but it was warm.

I've decided to bring my iPod with me (I know the debate about tunes on the road) for when I find myself out there alone. I may need to pull out the reserves for that time when I feel the sanity slip a little. I know it'll happen :D

Thanks everyone for your support. I'll post my ride report when I'm done, hopefully Sat. night but probably Sunday.

Betagirl, certifiably insane brevet rider

[maillotpois]

Good luck. I think you'll do great. I'll be making sacrifices to the weather gods for you.

[Lise]

I was driving home from the clinic today (raining, 41 degrees), and thinking of you out on the road tomorrow. If you stay dry --and it sounds like you're well out fitted for that-- then you should be warm enough. You know how to stay fueled and how to pace yourself. It's an important ride in the series, so it makes sense to me to do it.

If you like the Gu, let me know. I bought a case of Accel-Gel, a protein/carb version of Gu last year when I was training for the marathon. It will take me years to go through this much of it, and I'll happily pass some on for you to try if you like.

Where is the Performance store? I just cannot picture it. I may head over there and check out the deals! :rolleyes: (oh, yeah, like I need to shop more!)

All of us at TE will be thinking of you throughout the day, and eagerly awaiting your report! Good luck, tailwinds all the way. :) L.

[betagirl]

Hey Lise, thanks. It'd be nice if that stalled front would mosey on east (no offense ladies out east) :D

Performance is on the corner of Halsted and Diversey. There's a strip mall on the southwest corner. They have a parking lot so you don't have to try to park on the street. I assume you'd drive so you can carry you stash home.

Everything was marked down. I got the rain jacket for 25 bucks (normally 45) and pants for 20. They had some great cold weather gear, but I tried to stay focused and just get what I needed for tomorrow. Man that was tough :p

[betagirl]

Ok I came up with my song list for the iPod. I think these have "I'm riding 180 miles in the rain" covered :D

*********************************
"Come Original" 311
"I Ran" A Flock of Seagulls
"Livin' On The Edge" Aerosmith
"Los Angeles is Burning" Bad Religion
"Bodhisattva Vow" Beastie Boys
"Jimmy James (Original Version)" Beastie Boys
"Sure Shot" Beastie Boys
"Jack-***" Beck
"Smiling" Beta Band
"What's My Age Again" Blink 182
"Heart of Glass" Blondie
"Hook" Blues Traveler
"Song 2" Blur
"Bad Medicine" Bon Jovi
"Wreck of the Sloop John B" Catch 22
"Butterfly" Crazy Town
"Hits From The Bong" Cypress Hill
"Insane In The Brain" Cypress Hill
"Punk Rock Girl" Dead Milkmen
"Personal Jesus" Depeche Mode
"Hit the Hooker" Eazy E
"Here Comes the Rain" Eurythmics
"Epic" Faith No More
"She Drives Me Crazy" Fine Young Cannibals
"Don't Treat me Bad" Firehouse
"All My Life" Foo Fighters
"Do You Want To" Franz Ferdinand
"Well That Was Easy" Franz Ferdinand
"Land Of Confusion" Genesis
"Baila me" Gipsy Kings
"Feel Good Inc. (Album Crossfade)" Gorillaz
"Basket Case" Green Day
"She" Green Day
"Garden Of Eden" Guns N' Roses
"Welcome To The Jungle" Guns N' Roses
"Middle of Nowhere" Hot Hot Heat
"Jump Around" House of Pain
"Lust for Life" Iggy Pop
"What's on your mind" Information Society
"PDA" Interpol
"Po Lazuras" James Carter and the prisonner
"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" Janet Jackson
"Big Pimpin" Jay-Z
"Manic Depression" Jimi Hendrix
"Folsom Prison Blues" Johnny Cash
"Ring Of Fire" Johnny Cash
"Gold Digger (Featuring Jamie Foxx)" Kanye West
"Corners Of My Mind" Korn
"From Your Heart" Korn
"Full Of Sorrow" Korn
"Help Me Stay alive" Korn
"Tear Me Down" Korn
"Fool In The Rain" Led Zeppelin
"Hey Hey What Can I Do" Led Zeppelin
"Trampled Under Foot" Led Zeppelin
"When The Levee Breaks" Led Zeppelin
"Cult of Personality " Living Colour
"Hung Up" Madonna
"I Am A Rock" Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
"Nobody Does It Better" Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
"Nothing Compares 2 You" Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
"Seasons In The Sun" Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
"Sweet Caroline" Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
"Safetydance" Men Without Hats
"Battery" Metallica
"Billie Jean" Michael Jackson
"I'm Just a Singer" Moody Blues
"America" Neil Diamond
"Done Too Soon" Neil Diamond
"Medicine" Orbit
"Hey Ya!" OutKast
"Starry Eyed Surprise" Paul Oakenfold
"Life On A Chain" Pete Yorn
"Strange Condition" Pete Yorn
"Fallen Angel" Poison
"500 Miles" Proclaimers
"Firestarter" Prodigy
"Smack My ***** Up" Prodigy
"Fat Bottomed Girls" Queen
"Seven Seas of Rhye" Queen
"Under Pressure" Queen/David Bowie
"It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" R.E.M.
"Renegades of Funk" Rage Against The Machine
"Blitzkrieg Bop" Ramones
"I wanna be sedated" Ramones
"Rock -N- Roll High School" Ramones
"Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" Ramones
"Surfin' Bird" Ramones
"Teenage Lobotomy" Ramones
"The KKK Took My Baby away" Ramones
"Beat on the Brat" Ramones
"Happy Happy Joy Joy" Ren And Stimpy
"Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" Roadtrip Soundtrack
"1812 Overture" Tchaikovsky
"A Day In The Life" The Beatles
"A Hard Day's Night" The Beatles
"Don't Pass Me By" The Beatles
"Helter Skelter" The Beatles
"Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" The Beatles
"Rocky Raccoon" The Beatles
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" The Beatles
"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" The Beatles
"The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill" The Beatles
"Dry The Rain" The Beta Band
"Touch of Grey" The Grateful Dead
"Mr. Brightside" The Killers
"By The Way" The Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Pula!" Tihuana
"End of the Line" Traveling Wilburys
"How do You Want it" Tupac Shakur
"Beautiful day" U2
"Jumbo" Underworld
"Born Slippy" Underworld
"Girl, you'll be a woman soon" Urge Overkill
"Panama" Van Halen
"Missing (Todd Terry Club Mix)" Various
"Heroin" Velvet Underground
"We Like to Party" Vengaboys
"04 - Linus and Lucy" Vince Guaraldi Trio
"American Music" Violent Femmes
"Girl Trouble" Violent Femmes
"Kiss Off" Violent Femmes
"Bananas and Blow" Ween
"Hash Pipe" Weezer
"Island In The Sun" Weezer
"My Name Is Jonas" Weezer
"Say It Ain't So" Weezer
"Surfwax America" Weezer
"Undone - The Sweater Song" Weezer

[Lise]

Performance is on the corner of Halsted and Diversey. There's a strip mall on the southwest corner. They have a parking lot so you don't have to try to park on the street. I assume you'd drive so you can carry you stash home.
Of course I know where that is--I just never tuned in to what that was! Thanks for the 411.

[DeniseGoldberg]

I will definitely be thinking of you and sending warm thoughts your way tomorrow. Good luck!

--- Denise

[Dianyla]

Hey beta, have you ever heard the Johnny Cash cover of Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus? It's wild.

Best of luck for tomorrow! :)

[betagirl]

Man I remember days when I'd be getting home at this hour, not getting up :D (It's 3:33 AM).

It's 43 degrees and cloudy here. Did my last ditch weather check for where I'm going:

Showers
High
50° F
Precip: 80%
Overcast with rain showers at times. High near 50F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.

I'm ready :D I feel like a woman on a mission.

Have a great Saturday all. Enjoy your rides :)

[Lise]

Go Beta!

You're well into it by now, and down here, at least, it's not raining. Hope the weather, or at least the weather-proof gear, is holding up for you. May the only winds be at your back! :D L.

[bikerz]

Way to go Beta!

I'm trying to figure out where you are in your play list (hopefully you are closer to "Happy Happy Joy Joy" than "Fool in the Rain"!:D ) - but keep singing!

[SadieKate]

Z, on your bike!

I can't wait any longer.:p