Riding a Metric Century in the rain?

[islandgirl2]

I am signed up to ride the Reston Metric Century tomorrow and it looks extremely likely it is going to rain. Initial forecast were calling for 40% chance of rain later in the day, but now it looks more like 80% chance and the rain is likely to start before we even start the ride. (I was hoping to start by 7am.)

I thought I would get other people's advice on riding in the rain. I have never trained in the rain, I have never even been on my bike out in the rain, so I am definitely worried. I really want to ride tomorrow though, I have been looking forward to this for a while. I am planning on a full century next month, but this one was part of my training plan.

Does anyone that has rode a century in the rain have any tips/suggestions? Would you do the ride regardless of the rain? Weather reports are calling for scatted Thunderstorms too.

I also don't have any rain gear. Do I need to worry about the rain and how it might affect my bike?

Thanks for any replies....

[OakLeaf]

Bring plenty of spare chamois lube.

If you have a Garmin cadence sensor, take it off.

You may want to cover your computer with a plastic bag and rubber band.

Remember that braking and traction are reduced, just as they are in any wheeled vehicle. Remember that the roads are slickest when it first starts to rain, since the oil will float to the top of the rainwater.

I'm assuming temperature won't be an issue (if it is, one word: wool). Riding in a warm rain is actually very pleasant. It's only cleaning your bike up afterward that s*cks.

[redrhodie]

Some painted lines on the road can be slippery, as well as anything metal like sewer caps, so try to avoid them. Wear a cycling cap under, or visor on your helmet to keep your glasses dry (if you wear them) and bring something to wipe them with. The worst part of riding in the rain for me is when I can't see, and the bike cleaning, of course. Otherwise, riding in the rain is really fun. Oh, and bring extra socks in a zip-lock bag! If it's raining hard, your shoes can fill up with water, and that's pretty unpleasant. Afterward, stuff your shoes with newspaper to help them dry faster and keep their shape.

[indysteel]

+1 on metal things being slippery when wet. I went down hard once on some RR tracks in the rain.

[Catrin]

I found today that when I stopped the bike my sunglasses immediately fogged. They cleared as soon as I started up again, but it was something of a surprise. The visor on my helmet was very helpful though.

[HillSlugger]

I did a metric in the rain in June. You've gotten some good advice about avoiding the painted lines and metal covers. Try not to take your turns and stops too fast. Also, add some lights, front and back. Oh, and watch out for the other guy.