I rode my first charity tour ride yesterday. It was supposed to be 17 miles but the group I was with got lost so we ended up doing 20.

It was terrible weather, cold and raining. I had a wind shell/ rain repellent type jacket, but not something that could really hold up to being soaked riding in the cold rain for two hours. I shivered involuntarily for about 30 minutes after we stopped.

After seeing several better prepared people (not all though), I have decided I may need an actual rain jacket, some sort of ear warmers, and possibly a helmet that doesn't let rain roll directly into my eyes.

Given that its getting warmer, is now the time to load up on stuff for cold weather/ rain?

What specific items have you all found the most helpful in your rides?