We have a 100% chance of precipitation for Kentucky 300k on Saturday, so I know how you feel. It is definitely hard to start in the rain. We did the Gray Whale 200k on New Years Day out in California and it had a rainy start. I'd always rather the rain start after I'm on the route (preferably far enough away that I am not tempted to turn around and return to the start).

Your lights sound excellent. How's your wet weather clothing? And, I'm a little worried about "break out my rain bike." Is the bike set up exactly the same as your rando bike? One of my worst 200+ mile rides ever was switching to a different bike at the last moment when my partner / captain was injured and I rode a single instead of being on our tandem. How many miles have you put on it recently?

We're training for PBP, so are focused on completing the SR series early in the year. And we find we need experience learning how to deal with unpleasant days whether it is rain, wind ... often both.

I liked a comment that was made after the Gray Whale. One of the riders said it was a "character building" day and someone else corrected him to say it was a "character revealing" day. (20 registered riders didn't turn up at the start.)

Let us know what you decide (and I expect to hear a ride report if you do it). I'll be wishing we had the warmer temperatures. Our forecast is 40's-50's.