It Never Hurts to Ask

[Velocivixen]

Hi Darcy. I just joined the Butts on Bikes meetup group. I'm just looking at their calendar and a lot of the rides are either too long or too fast for me, but I'll keep looking.
I didn't know about the PI at the outlet mall. I'd definitely go check them out.

What jacket do you have that you said is your second light weight rain resistant jacket that zips into its own rear pocket? That sounds like something good to have on a day when you're not sure what it's going to do, and if it does rain might just be light or misty.

That's funny about water in your back pocket! I never would have thought of that. My back zip pocket has a "storm flap" over it, but it's good to remember to zip just in case.
Well, you've been a wealth of information and I sure appreciate it! I think it's important to "pay it forward" in life, so I'll be sure to be generous in sharing my knowledge to others. Thanks again.

[DarcyInOregon]

The brand of jacket I use for wind/rain resistance is Canari, the one where the sleeves zip off to turn into a wind vest, and the entire jacket can turn into a fanny pack and be tied around the waist or back.

Here is the men's version, as many women prefer the men's sizing for the longer length: http://www.rei.com/product/805102/ca...ke-jacket-mens

Here is the women's version: http://www.rei.com/product/721286/ca...-jacket-womens

Remember, this jacket is not designed to be water proof. This type of jacket is the number one jacket used by cyclists for the intermediate temperatures and intermediate rain. I would say on any given event ride in the spring that 80% of the cyclists start out wearing a jacket similar to this one. If the ride starts with a temp of 30-40 but will warm up over the course of the ride to over 60, one wears a short-sleeve jersey underneath. If the temp remains under 60, then a long-sleeve jersey. If the temp remains under 55, then probably two layers underneath, like a long sleeve with a thermal over and the jacket on top. The jacket functions well to protect against light rain or intermittent rain and wind chill.

TE may sell a version of this jacket under another maker.

Good luck on finding some groups to ride with. You can always ride solo and when you are comfortable with riding 30 miles easily with at least a 12 mph average, then more possibilities will open up to you.