First century -- what to wear?

[Trekhawk]

I'm riding in my first century on Saturday along Maryland's Eastern Shore. The weather is predicted to be in the low 70s with a 60 percent chance of rain. Ugh. I've never ridden in the rain (fine time to do it for the first time). Do I need to bring some kind of rain jacket? And what do I do with it (assuming I even had one) when it's not raining and I don't want to wear it? My seat bag isn't big enough to hold one more thing, and clearly tying it around my waist won't work very well on a bike.

You know, I'm fairly confident I can make it the 100 miles. It's just all the little things that are starting to worry me now. What to wear, will I have enough time, how crowded with the SAG stops be and will it be hard to get in and out of them in a timely manner, what if I get lost, etc., etc., etc. OK, I'll stop obsessing now.

Rakekay - I cant help you one little bit Im afraid as I am yet to do a century but I just wanted to say I will be sending good vibes your way for a great ride.
Please post an after ride report as I would love to hear how it all goes for you. Im looking to do a century early next year and all the things you are worried about are things I have been thinking about myself.
Good luck and keep those pedals moving.

[bikerchick68]

rakekay... when it's raining you will feel colder even if the temps are still fairly warm just because your skin is wet and you're moving... if you can find a rain jacket or vest that is waterproof it will help keep your core (lower back mainly) warm... If you don't need it roll it up as tight as you can, rubberband it and put it in your middle pocket of your jersey. As to getting lost... again thinking ahead for rain... ziploc bags! Carry your cell phone in a ziploc and also the ROUTE sheet in a ziploc! That way it stays dry... I rode all over Ireland last year with the maps in a ziploc and it worked out well...

if you are riding with friends, be sure you plan ahead in case you get separated... such as exchanging cell #'s and meeting up at SAG's... be sure you have (I keep mine in... a ziploc! LOL) a photcopy of your ID and medical insurance card in your seatbag as well... just in case... I've never needed mine yet, but if I ever do at least I know it's always there!

If it is colder than 60 degrees, be sure to wear a covering over your knees as well to protect the joint... either tights or knee warmers...

looking forward to hearing about your century! Rain or no rain I bet you'll have a great time... go get 'em!