Rain gear suggestions

[mariposa]

If you happen to have a cycling vest, and a microweight or lightweight long-sleeve wool shirt, wear those two in combination.

Your arms will get a little wet, but will stay warm, because the wool won't lose much warmth when wet.

And you'll be able to breathe. (I've yet to have a jacket that breathes well biking - in ANY weather.)

I like the idea that someone posted here, of carrying an extra pair of socks and an extra pair of gloves. Those two items seem to be the weak spots when riding in the rain.

Mariposa

[PamNY]

I bought a shower cap at the 99 cent store and it fits nicely over my helmet. I will invest in a more high-quality product at some point, but the shower cap does work.

I second the wool advice if it's at all chilly. My Smartwool microweight pullover works well if it's not too cold, and thrift shop wool does the job too, though I haven't found any super lightweight wool at the thrift shop (yet).

[Catrin]

I just looked at the weather, and while they are still calling for scattered thunderstorms, the current temp forecast is 90 degrees. I live close enough to the Indianapolis Speedway that I am going to try and pre-register Thursday, and then just ride to and from the track. If it is going to be that warm, then will just put an extra pair of gloves in my seat bag and not worry about anything else. Currently I cycle in Keen Commuters so I don't have to worry about socks

Now the big question is which bike to take, but I've a few days to ponder that one

[Kiwi Stoker]

I find the most annoying part of being wet is wet shoes and socks- water slooshing in my shoes feels gross and your feet don't stay warm.

Woolen socks do help but keeping at water out in the first place is good. So I would invest in shoe covers- waterproof ones, not wet suit material. And then try and find a way of making a seal or overlapping leggings over the top so it doesn't come in down your leg.

I don't wear raincoats anymore, just longsleeved, wind proof jackets with wool underneath for warmth. Otherwise I just sweat anyway.