Rain and kinda cold -- what would you wear??

[ny biker]

So, I got lucky. We had light rain on and off during the ride, but the heaviest rain passed south of where I rode today. I think my friends who rode the longer route were not so lucky.

I went with the Sugoi Midzero tights over a pair of cycling shorts, and they were just right. Maybe if I'd been soaked in a heavy rain they would have felt heavy and uncomfortable, but in light rain with temps in the low 60s they were good. I also wore Defeet Wooleator socks, Saran wrap inside my shoes on the front halves of my feet, and toe covers on the outside of the shoes. My feet were comfortable and the socks were dry enough to wear them home after the ride. The tights also dried by the time I had finished the post-ride snack, so I wore them home, too (after changing out of the shorts).

The Gore-Tex helmet cover also worked well. My helmet was wet inside, but I don't know if that was from rain or sweat. Anyway my head felt comfortable and by leaving the removable visor on the helmet and putting the cover over that, I was able to keep the rain out of my eyes.

The only problem was the Showers Pass jacket. I love how waterproof it is, but it's better suited to cooler temperatures. I wore a lightweight wool long-sleeve base layer and a sleeveless jersey underneath, and I was too warm. It might have been okay with only one layer underneath, or at least less uncomfortable.

I have a friend who recommends this jacket for rain in not-really-cold temperatures, so I think I will look into getting one.

http://o2rainwear.com/2011/03/original-cycling-jacket/

BTW I ended up not having to stop to help anyone with mechanical problems, and also did not have to take a turn standing and giving directions. I did stop twice to take a break, and the first time I stopped for a while, and was only a little bit chilly.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I will now update my "what to wear for bike rides when it's not summer" log.

[Crankin]

I agree about the Showers Pass jacket. When I rode in Vermont last month, the temperatures and conditions were similar on the last day. In fact, the temps were going down... I wore a short sleeved jersey with short sleeved base layer, arm warmers, and leg warmers that had a thermal inside. I didn't have tights with me, as the forecast didn't require them. Wool socks, toe covers. I did not have a helmet cover, and wore a regular beanie, lightly thermal.
Even with the pit zips open (the zipper is stuck on one side and is always open), I was sweating. I mean, it was 48 at the end of the 26 miserable miles that day, and it misted/rained for at least half of those miles. But, I was very glad I had the jacket, because I was dry!

[ny biker]

I agree about the Showers Pass jacket. When I rode in Vermont last month, the temperatures and conditions were similar on the last day. In fact, the temps were going down... I wore a short sleeved jersey with short sleeved base layer, arm warmers, and leg warmers that had a thermal inside. I didn't have tights with me, as the forecast didn't require them. Wool socks, toe covers. I did not have a helmet cover, and wore a regular beanie, lightly thermal.
Even with the pit zips open (the zipper is stuck on one side and is always open), I was sweating. I mean, it was 48 at the end of the 26 miserable miles that day, and it misted/rained for at least half of those miles. But, I was very glad I had the jacket, because I was dry!

Yes, I never considered taking the jacket off. I'd rather be a bit sweaty under a waterproof and windproof jacket. From now on I think I will stick to one layer under the jacket. I wore it once on a cloudy April day with temps on the high 40s, with a light wool l/s base layer and l/s jersey, and was too hot then, too. So I think for rainy days in the 60s I will wear one lightweight top under it, probably sleeveless, and for colder temps one short sleeve or long sleeve jersey.

That O2 jacket I linked to is sized for men -- I'm not sure even a size small will fit me. I will search their site to see if they have a women's version. Though the price is so low, it's worth gambling on a men's cut if needed.