30-degree shift during ride - what to wear?

[Pedal Wench]

I have an idea of what to bring, but would love to hear some brilliant suggestions!

I'm doing a ride on Saturday that's going to be 27 degrees when we start, up to 58-60 degrees during the day, and potentially back to the 30's/40's when I finish. It's a brevet, so no SAG or drop-offs, and it's a loop, so can't stash stuff to pick up later.

I have a slightly oversized seatpost bag, but that will be filled with drink powders - everything needs to be carried on me, wrapped around the seatpost or hung off of aerobars.

What would you wear?

[OakLeaf]

Those kind of temps, I generally just deal with being a little overheated when it warms up. I think it depends mostly on whether you deal better with being too cold or too warm. #1 on my list would be a thin cap that will fit under your helmet without adjustment, and stashed in a jersey pocket when it's time to lose it. I'm always amazed at how much difference head covering makes. Light shoe covers, just to block the wind, shouldn't be overly warm when it does warm up. A microweight wool base layer under a LS jersey, and a windblocking jacket or vest (or convertible jacket/vest). Legs are my biggest problem. I don't own wool leg warmers, but if I were going to be doing that kind of ride at all regularly, I'd probably get a pair.

[Veronica]

I'd wear tights. I cover my knees when it's less than 60 degrees.

Veronica

[arielmoon]

I second Oakleaf's advice and add full finger gloves. I have a medium weight pair of tights that I wear over my shorts and I would probably leave them on and adjust the top layers as needed. I like my Underarmor coldgear as a base layer then my long sleeve jersey with a vest on top. Shoe covers and skull cap too.

[Ritamarie]

For spring rides where I have such a temperature change, I clean out my son's closet and wear his discarded long sleeve sweatshirts early in the ride. If it's nice, but just too small for him, I give it to someone at a rest stop who wants it (or more likely has a kid at home who will want it). If it's worn out and ready for the trash, I just toss it into a trash can when I am done with it. If you don't have a teenage son, just clean out your own closet.

[TsPoet]

wool buff. These things are wonderful, 2x longer than regular buffs, very thin wool. I stretch it up over my head when its cold, pull it down over my ears when it warms up a little, pull it down just around my neck when it's a little warmer, and finally I can just slip it off and throw it in a pocket if it gets even warmer.
makes a huge difference all by itself.

[shootingstar]

Interesting just reading the variations..depending on our different tolerance levels at different temperatures.

Would be wearing 1 pr. tights all the way. No other additional layers on legs.
Shoe covers helpful but if not, I would wear a slighter thicker pr. of socks, have 1 thinner pr. stashed away.

Thin/medium weight full-sleeved fleecy over long-sleeved jersey. Plus jacket on top. Would carry /wear a thin vest.

Long fingered gloves as backup.
Headband over ears, under helmet. Beanie cap not needed.

May not be everyone's choice but just moi.

[Pedal Wench]

What I wore...

Thin liner socks
chemical toe warmers
mid-weight wool socks
shoes
shoe covers
padded tights
knee warmers
craft base layer
very thin PI base layer
chemical body warmers (one front, one back - don't recommend the back one)
tyvek FedEx pouches
jersey
armwarmers
Sugoi jacket (from my team kit, not sure what model it is, but think it's just their winter jersey)
Polar buff around neck and face
Adidas thermal beanie
thin gloves
hand warmers
thick PI gloves

I was quite comfy, and shed warmers, FedEx pouches, arm and knee warmers throughout the day. Didn't put them back on after sunset, but I probably should have, as I was quite cold when I finished.

[Biciclista]

This is why i have a rack and panniers. I cannot predict the weather and i would rather be prepared.
30 degrees from start to finish is not unusual here.