First century -- what to wear?

I'm riding in my first century on Saturday along Maryland's Eastern Shore. The weather is predicted to be in the low 70s with a 60 percent chance of rain. Ugh. I've never ridden in the rain (fine time to do it for the first time). Do I need to bring some kind of rain jacket? And what do I do with it (assuming I even had one) when it's not raining and I don't want to wear it? My seat bag isn't big enough to hold one more thing, and clearly tying it around my waist won't work very well on a bike.

You know, I'm fairly confident I can make it the 100 miles. It's just all the little things that are starting to worry me now. What to wear, will I have enough time, how crowded with the SAG stops be and will it be hard to get in and out of them in a timely manner, what if I get lost, etc., etc., etc. OK, I'll stop obsessing now.

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Originally Posted by Rakekay

I'm riding in my first century on Saturday along Maryland's Eastern Shore. The weather is predicted to be in the low 70s with a 60 percent chance of rain. Ugh. I've never ridden in the rain (fine time to do it for the first time). Do I need to bring some kind of rain jacket? And what do I do with it (assuming I even had one) when it's not raining and I don't want to wear it? My seat bag isn't big enough to hold one more thing, and clearly tying it around my waist won't work very well on a bike.

You know, I'm fairly confident I can make it the 100 miles. It's just all the little things that are starting to worry me now. What to wear, will I have enough time, how crowded with the SAG stops be and will it be hard to get in and out of them in a timely manner, what if I get lost, etc., etc., etc. OK, I'll stop obsessing now.

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Rakekay - I cant help you one little bit Im afraid as I am yet to do a century but I just wanted to say I will be sending good vibes your way for a great ride.
Please post an after ride report as I would love to hear how it all goes for you. Im looking to do a century early next year and all the things you are worried about are things I have been thinking about myself.
Good luck and keep those pedals moving. :)

rakekay... when it's raining you will feel colder even if the temps are still fairly warm just because your skin is wet and you're moving... if you can find a rain jacket or vest that is waterproof it will help keep your core (lower back mainly) warm... If you don't need it roll it up as tight as you can, rubberband it and put it in your middle pocket of your jersey. As to getting lost... again thinking ahead for rain... ziploc bags! Carry your cell phone in a ziploc and also the ROUTE sheet in a ziploc! That way it stays dry... :) I rode all over Ireland last year with the maps in a ziploc and it worked out well...

if you are riding with friends, be sure you plan ahead in case you get separated... such as exchanging cell #'s and meeting up at SAG's... be sure you have (I keep mine in... a ziploc! LOL) a photcopy of your ID and medical insurance card in your seatbag as well... just in case... I've never needed mine yet, but if I ever do at least I know it's always there!

If it is colder than 60 degrees, be sure to wear a covering over your knees as well to protect the joint... either tights or knee warmers...

looking forward to hearing about your century! Rain or no rain I bet you'll have a great time... :) go get 'em!

RakeKay--bring a lightweight rain jacket. You will definitely want it if it starts raining and it can double as a windbreaker. If you don't need it, most organized rides will have bags available at at least one rest stop for you to put stuff you don't need in and they'll transport it back to the start (just don't forget to pick it up!)

[QUOTE=Rakekay... My seat bag isn't big enough to hold one more thing, and clearly tying it around my waist won't work very well on a bike.
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That's what the pockets in your jersey are for! Bring your smallest rain jacket, so it will fit in a pocket when you don't need it.

Try to get as much sleep this week as you can - it sounds like you're gonna be too nervous/excited to get much sleep the night before your ride! Just relax - and take a good rest at around 65 miles - I always get pretty grumpy then unless I get really good food at that point.

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

That's what the pockets in your jersey are for! Bring your smallest rain jacket, so it will fit in a pocket when you don't need it.

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Unfortunately all my jerseys are sleeveless, and I don't think that will work for Saturday's weather. Might be time to go shopping.

Oh, it's ALWAYS appropriate to buy new jerseys! Big pockets are essential on crossover seasons. Although, this might be a good time to look for arm warmers too.

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Originally Posted by Deanna

RakeKay--bring a lightweight rain jacket. You will definitely want it if it starts raining and it can double as a windbreaker. If you don't need it, most organized rides will have bags available at at least one rest stop for you to put stuff you don't need in and they'll transport it back to the start (just don't forget to pick it up!)

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hmmmmm i wish a couple of the centuries i did would offer this! but in the 11 centuries i've done this year... not one has offered to take stuff back tot he beginning for me! :(

now on the doubles i know they will transport your lights for you from one rest stop after sun up to another just before sun down... but i regular centuries... i've never seen it.. so don't plan on it! however.. you can put it in your jersey pocket!

i don't like stuff in my rear pockets.. or rather.. don't like bulky stuff like jackets, etc... don't mind bars, etc... so i got a cute little handlebar bag that will hold my jacket... arm warmers.. even holds two propel bottles filled with gatorade (when the jacket is not in there!)

i LOVE my little handlebar bag (topeak brand... small, but little thing...)