1st event advice needed please

[Miranda]

This w/e will be my first organized event. Ride plan, TBD: either metric century for 67mi, or maybe full 100mi-- probably the metric.

OK... I'm excited and nervous both! Need some misc. advice from my wise TE pals...

1) Do I pack my rain jacket or not?

Weather forecasted atm: 50% chance of rain, high temp 90 degrees F, high midwest humidity, wind speed in the teens mph.

After much reading here, I ordered the Showers Pass Elite II jacket from TE. FedEx shows it will be here today (hope it fits!). I picked this one because it's said to have a nice ventilation system for one thing.

With the high temps, will I even want the jacket on if it's raining? Or not? Part of me says, "... rain might feel good = no jacket", and the other part of me says "...wet chaffed skin / clothes for miles is not good = jacket". Hmmm???...

2) How many tubes / CO2s do I pack?

Routinely, I carry: 1 tube / CO2, and inflate head, patch kit, etc. Basically covers one flat incident. Should I double up? Or is one enough?

3) Are cycling tank tops allowed? Or sleeveless jerseys?

I never really thought about this until I read Bici Mags FitChick's book... at her 1st race she showed up either sleeveless or tank top. The officials said it was against event rules... they made her a jersey w/sleeves outta an event t-shirt to ride. I read nothing against this in my event... just didn't know what was the norm.

4) Should I use the iPod at all or not?

OK... I have read many heated debates on here re: music on rides, or no music. Not stirring the debate itself up, BUT... I personally use right ear bud only on my long rides in the country etc. Sometimes when I'm tired, it's my motivation to pull through. If any other cyclists / traffic are near, I do not use it. I just didn't know if peeps take the tunes on events sometimes or not. Btw, riding alone day one of the event. Thus wondering if I will miss my musical company.

In short, I want to be prepared... but not feel like a total pack mule either. Just looking for some thoughts on a happy balance.

And, Btw... I feel like this is such a big day for me... I've come full circle from sitting here at my computer, ready to stop cycling because I had things bleeding on my body... my first post on TE, "someone please help me!"... all my advice here since has been wonderful... I could not have gotten this far without you, TE!

TYIA!
Miranda

[Veronica]

Sleeveless jerseys are allowed at rides, not races.

If it's warm, I'd bring the jacket just in case, but probably not put it on. No matter what the manufacturer says I have yet to find a jacket that actually ventilates well enough for me. I'd rather ride in a jersey and wool arm warmers.

I wear my Thumps (sunglasses with an MP3 player) during rides since I'm usually climbing by myself.

Have fun!

Veronica

[sfa]

For me it would depend on the type of rain predicted. If it's a 50% chance of a steady downpour lasting a good portion of the ride, then I'd bring the jacket. That kind of rain can make you miserable and cold really fast, no matter what the expected high for the day is (keeping in mind that the high for the day might hit at 10 a.m. and then go steadily downhill, or might be the high predicted after the rain is over). But if it's 50% chance of passing showers, I'd skip the jacket unless it's very easy to pack. If it's a jacket you can ball up and stuff in a jersey pocket easily, then it would be worth having.

I wouldn't bring the iPod, but that's just me--usually I know no one at these sorts of events but always end up talking to other participants as we go. If I'm riding alone and need music to keep me going (which happens often enough) I sing out loud. Funny how no one ever wants to do these events with me......I can't imagine why...........

If the ride is supported and you know there will be patrols out to help with mechanical problems, then I'd bring just the usual tire changing stuff. Chances are you won't need it at all, and chances are if you DO need it, you'll only need it once. The very small chance that you'll need more than one spare is so tiny that it's only worth considering if you are going to be completely alone with no support. But there will be other cyclists around, and cell phones, and likely mechanical support, so probably not worth doubling up.

Have fun!

Sarah

[RolliePollie]

I'd bring the jacket because if you don't bring the jacket, it will pour, and if you do bring the jacket, it won't rain.

Good luck!

[SadieKate]

Regarding the iPod: always check the ride regulations. Some rides are specifying no iPods.

And the flat equipment? Get a pump. I don't get many flats, but when I do it is always on an organized century* and sometimes both tires at once.

*Unless I remember to bring aka_kim along.

[Eden]

Rain jacket - I probably wouldn't - on a 90 degree day, unless you expect the temps to drop significantly if it does rain, getting a little wet could be very nice. I recall riding in the rain when I lived back east as being refreshing in the summer time. If its a passing shower, you probably won't stay wet long.

I usually carry one tube plus, one or two co2's and a patch kit. I have a very tiny pump in addition to CO2 - it won't get my tire up to 110psi, but will give me enough to limp by with in a pinch.

Do not take your I-pod to a charity ride - especially as it will be your first one. These events tend to be crowded and chaotic and you will want to have every wit you have available to keep yourself and everyone around you safe. If it is a large event it is unlikely that you will ever find yourself alone even if you are not setting out to ride with anyone else..... In any case, it is just impolite to use one - it makes everyone around you nervous.