"John Macmillan" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> Ok, I could use a bit of good advice here. Summer is great for cycling
> here in the Vancouver, BC area but Fall is coming and ultimately
> Winter. I plan to keep cycling through all the seasons wet or dry and I
> need some advice on what specific Fall weather Rain gear I should be
> considering.
You could also post to bc.cycling.
I don't live in Vancouver, but in the Seattle area, and the climate's the
same. Wet does not mean uncomfortable; you don't have to stay perfectly dry.
If money's an issue, I recommend designating some old 100% sweaters in your
wardrobe as cycling sweaters. If you don't have any that are ratty enough,
buy a couple of them from the second-hand store. If you can get one with a
v-neck, or a button or zippered closure, even better. You can pull them over
your helmet without having to take off the helmet, and adjust how warm they
make you with the buttons or zippers. Under that cycling sweater, you want
quick-dry fabrics. Your existing ss jerseys will work initially; getting a
few long sleeved underlayers would be helpful. I found turtlenecks that are
probably made for skiing to work well. Over the sweater you'll want the
option of a rain jacket. Ideally the jacket should have zippered underarms
and be relatively water resistant. Sugoi, a Canadian brand that you should
be able to find in your neck of the woods, has some good ones in this
category. A fleece vest for super cold days and you're set.
A couple pairs of thermal tights are pricey, but very nice to have. You can
also find these for runners; the cycling-specific ones tend to cost more.
You can wear these over your existing shorts. If it didn't rain, you can
re-wear without having to wash, but they can get pretty muddy in wet
weather. I don't think rain pants are necessary.
You'll also need several pairs of wool socks. I have one pair of long,
knee-length cross-country ski socks for the coldest days. Shorter wool socks
are fine most of the year. Fenders will help keep your feet dry. For those
really wet days (typically there's at least one in the second half of
November when it rains several inches), you can buy neoprene booties; these
can keep your feet warm when it's super cold, too. Not 100% necessary, IMO.
Long finger gloves. If you're commuting, you'll want them with reflective
materials so your hand turn signals are visible when it's dark.
For really cold days, you could get a headband or little fleece cap to wear
under your helmet. My husband, who has thinning hair and a buzz cut, seems
to need these sorts of things more than me, with a huge fluffy hairdo.
I'm probably missing something...anyone want to add something or contend an
item on my list?
--
Warm Regards,
Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at:
http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky