Rain??? Ugh!

[Crankin]

OK, I'm a former Zonie, and though I live in an area where it does rain, I avoid it like the plague. The only times I've ridden in the rain is when I got caught. Would not normally start a ride in the rain, unless it's just a drizzle.
That said, I spent at least 75% of my tour this summer riding in pouring, torrential rain. It sucked. I can't see, my clear glasses get totally fogged and beaded up with rain, and when I the them off, the rain hurts my eyes.
However, you can stay warm and dry if you have the right gear. At the temperatures you are expecting, hypothermia is a real concern. I know some people here don't wear anything special to ride in the rain, but I have been very close to hypothermia after riding in conditions like you describe, to the point, that when I got back to my car, I put the heat on, stripped, wrapped myself in a beach towel that was in the car, and shivered for the 9 mile trip back to my house.
I'd wear a light weight wool base layer, with a rain jacket that has pit zips, waterproof gloves of any kind, and wool socks. If you can, get a helmet cover! It will really make a difference. Also, some toe covers for your shoes.
Yeah, and afterwards, take the innersoles out of your shoes and stuff them with newspaper. I used that trick at least 4 days on my 6 day tour in August.

Be careful. People in AZ freak out when they drive in the rain, the roads get greasy, and there's crap in the shoulder. Allow plenty of time for braking and cornering.

[AZchick]

Yup Surfer... same thing here.. it does become slick if it hasn't rained in awhile. Luckily (?) it rained here twice this past weekend... and these are rural roads we're riding Saturday, so hopefully the surfaces should be cleaner.

[AZchick]

Thanks Crankin... I really need to get a base layer anyway.. I'm gonna hit up the bike shop this week and see what I can find that will help.

[spokewench]

Ok, I've been cycling for 8 months here in sunny AZ. This weekend is my very first big charity ride and it's supposed to rain! I have a bike that cost a bit of cash, plus I've never ridden in rain... never had to.
Is it bad for my Specialized bike? My shoes? Cleats?
What do I wear?
Are there tips to be safe riding in rain?

At least you are two hours south of where I live. We had 5 and 6 inches of snow the last two nights and were down to I think 9 degrees last night. Just be happy that you can ride

[AZchick]

Yuck! Snow!!! C'mon down here and ride with us spokewrench! (on a sunny/warm day)

[azfiddle]

Yeah, but Spokewench can gloat in July and August when we have to get up at 5 am to beat the summer heat!

[AZchick]

hahahaha... Yes!!! Those days are still fresh in my memory... along with the humidity!!!

[marni]

Thanks Crankin... I really need to get a base layer anyway.. I'm gonna hit up the bike shop this week and see what I can find that will help.

as always the two magic words are wool underlayers. Wool breathes very easily. I wear a wool underlayer anytime it is under 70 degrees here in Houston. Have gotten caught out in a rain storm unprepared only once- I spent three days recovering from hypothermia. The temperature was 55. Keep your core warm.

marni

[AZchick]

I really need to find some wool in the next three days.

[Crankin]

Go to REI or any other outdoor store. This does not have to be cycling specific.

[AZchick]

I got wool!!! Yeah for REI! Got weatherproof gloves and wool socks too. I kinda want it to rain now... At least I'll be warm.

[marni]

believe me, too warm is better than being cold, you can always shed a layer or unzip if you get too warm, but it's hard to warm up once your core temp starts to drop.

[withm]

believe me, too warm is better than being cold, you can always shed a layer or unzip if you get too warm, but it's hard to warm up once your core temp starts to drop.

Exactly. It's much easier to STAY warm than to GET warm.

[spokewench]

Exactly. It's much easier to STAY warm than to GET warm.

I've never had great clothes to ride in the rain like the Pacific Nwesterners we have on this forum, but I swear by the cheap clear plastic raincoats with velcro on the front that they sell in bike stores. You may get hot from within, but at least it will keep you warm.

[PamNY]

I got wool!!! Yeah for REI! Got weatherproof gloves and wool socks too. I kinda want it to rain now... At least I'll be warm.

When you do experience rain-on-wool, if you are like me, you will be delighted at how well it works to keep you warm.

I'll never forget the first time wool tights kept me comfy on my bike during a chilly, drizzly day. I became a believer.