Wet Wet Wet.
I don’t really know what kind of weather to expect on my tour. Almanacs tell me that the Oregon coast usually experiences lows in the high thirties and highs in the fifties during March, which is pretty ideal for riding. Though it will be the tail end of the rainy season, I’ve heard accounts of near-constant downpour from some people while others speak of a clear entrance to Spring. To avoid the embarrassment that would come with drowning, I’ve decided to err on the side of precipitation.
I went for a wet ride this afternoon tested some of my rain gear. Turns out my current rain jacket is only waterproof in theory. After a few hours of rain the shoulder seams began leaking through, and the front zipper demarcated a small river that soaked through to my chest. I’m looking to upgrade to something a little better sealed, and hopefully in something a bit more visible than black and dark green.
My cycling shoes are about as water proof as an open paper bag, but a pair of wool socks underneath kept my toes warm and functional. Feet can get pretty miserable if they’re left to soak for a few days though, so I think I’m going to get some waterproof booties to pull over my shoes.
Nylon/spandex shorts and leg warmers were similarly warm despite readily soaking through, but I think the Burley rain pants I’ve already got will do well in combination with a pair of wool knickers.
I’m spending more than I though I would in getting ready for this trip, but I know it would be so much more expensive if I didn’t work at a bike shop. I guess I’ll just have to go on more bike tours to make it all worthwhile.