Today I did my first rainy, miserable ride with my new Ortlieb classic panniers (in red, my favorite color.) They worked great, though I'm finding I miss the ease of just throwing things in my grocery bag panniers at the last minute, like my glasses case, newspaper, etc. I have to plan ahead now and not close up the panniers too early.

I think I'm set for rain now, with new fenders on the bike--what a wonderful difference they make--and lots of layers that kept me warm, if not dry. No excuses any more no matter the weather, except snow and ice, of course.