Wet weather touring tips?

[DaleFTW]

What's everyones top tips for touring when it's tipping it down?

I'm fine on day rides when I can be riding in the rain for 10 hours, but this involves things I'd not take on a tour, namely overshoes and boots. Been caught out a couple of times now, so just wondering what other peoples coping strategy is?

[foxyrider]

I take some Goretec overshoes and a decent rain jacket - i hate wet feet and the jacket might not keep everything 100% dry but at least i'm warm! In extreme cases i have been known to catch a train to outrun the weather but its usually a case of grin and bear it.

[andymiller]

I'm lucky in that I don't have a fixed schedule - so if the weather is rubbish I have a tent day. It's always worth planning so that you have some flexibility to cope with bad weather or things going wrong.

[horizon]

I'm fine on day rides when I can be riding in the rain for 10 hours, but this involves things I'd not take on a tour, namely overshoes and boots. Been caught out a couple of times now, so just wondering what other peoples coping strategy is?

That's funny because for me it's the other way round. I'll take a chance on a day ride knowing I'll get back at some point and can dry out and warm up. You can also guess the weather. On a tour, the weather forecast is obviously less reliable further ahead and you may be out longer and unable to "cut home". I take what I need to be warm, dry and comfortable. Why not - motorists do. If you are really high miling it then, yes, weight will be a problem but for normal touring I don't think that decent weather gear is impossible to carry.

[Vorpal]

What's everyones top tips for touring when it's tipping it down?

I'm fine on day rides when I can be riding in the rain for 10 hours, but this involves things I'd not take on a tour, namely overshoes and boots. Been caught out a couple of times now, so just wondering what other peoples coping strategy is?

Stopping at every pub?

[snibgo]

For me, it depends on the temperature. If it's warm (or what passes for warm in UK summers), I don't mind getting a bit wet, so I wear Goretex jacket, Lild trekking trousers, ordinary cycling shoes (also Lidl) and socks. Everything dries out overnight in the Goretex bivvy bag.

I haven't toured in winter rain for many years, 'cos I discovered I don't enjoy it. If I ever did it, I suppose I'd get Goretex (or similar) trousers and overshoes.

[Si]

The less stuff you get wet, the less stuff you have to dry (the bottom layer, your skin, is normally the most water proof one). If summer touring when it tends to be warmer (well for proper summers anyway, not like the cut price things that we get these days) I don't really try to stay that dry - just let one layer get wet, keep everything else dry in a waterproof bag in the pannier.

In the morning it's not always that nice to put wet shoes on, so pop some sandwich bags over your feet before putting the shoes on. Ride for a bit and the shoes will dry out.

Thin layers are better than thick because a thin garment will dry out quicker.
If at B&B/hotel then the normal thing of wrapping clothes in one of their towels to dry out. If on a campsite and you are really luck there might be a hot air hand drier, and even a drying room if you are very very lucky.

But mainly try not to get into the habit of thinking that just because you are wet you must be miserable....as long as you are warm enough and your saddle isn't chaffing, there is nothing wrong with getting wet.

[DaleFTW]

What's everyones top tips for touring when it's tipping it down?

I'm fine on day rides when I can be riding in the rain for 10 hours, but this involves things I'd not take on a tour, namely overshoes and boots. Been caught out a couple of times now, so just wondering what other peoples coping strategy is?

Stopping at every pub?

See, I can get behind that thinking.

[DaleFTW]

The less stuff you get wet, the less stuff you have to dry (the bottom layer, your skin, is normally the most water proof one). If summer touring when it tends to be warmer (well for proper summers anyway, not like the cut price things that we get these days) I don't really try to stay that dry - just let one layer get wet, keep everything else dry in a waterproof bag in the pannier.

In the morning it's not always that nice to put wet shoes on, so pop some sandwich bags over your feet before putting the shoes on. Ride for a bit and the shoes will dry out.

Thin layers are better than thick because a thin garment will dry out quicker.
If at B&B/hotel then the normal thing of wrapping clothes in one of their towels to dry out. If on a campsite and you are really luck there might be a hot air hand drier, and even a drying room if you are very very lucky.

But mainly try not to get into the habit of thinking that just because you are wet you must be miserable....as long as you are warm enough and your saddle isn't chaffing, there is nothing wrong with getting wet.

I don't mind the rain tbh. I'd rather have rain than wind anyway.

[gordy]

Some of my wettest days have been the most memorable. Being wet and cold is miserable, but being "just" wet is mostly OK. My tip, strangely, is to keep going. get into a rhythm, get warm inside a jacket and just pedal on and on. Revel in the fresh air and enjoy the bemused looks from the poor people stuck inside their steamed up boxes.

[Vorpal]

If it's cold, wool will keep one warm, even when wet. I normally carry one more layer than I think I need. Even in summer, that extra layer is usually a wool jumper or jersey and some shower proof golf trousers.

I haven't done much touring in recent years (kids), but when I tour, I do it for fun. When it isn't fun anymore, I'd rather take the train and spend a couple of hours in a museum, or something. One day in Scotland (in July!), touring with my brother, we did go from pub to pub. It was cold and bucketing down, and we kept hoping it would let up. I think we covered about 30 miles in 8 hours. I've taken shelter from storms a few times and hail a couple of times.

That said, I think that I'm more likely to to just tell myself to ride a few more miles, or to the next town, and then when I get there, it doesn't seem so bad, so I ride a few more...

Oh, I use lots of the zip style plastic bags to keep things dry. My phone, wallet, etc. go in individual ones, so I don't have to get everything wet to answer my phone.

[DaleFTW]

If it's cold, wool will keep one warm, even when wet. I normally carry one more layer than I think I need. Even in summer, that extra layer is usually a wool jumper or jersey and some shower proof golf trousers.

That's a good shout. I've got one of these - http://www.torm.cc/jerseys.html which I took with me on my last tour.

For me, I've found that wet and warm is the way to go. How does everyone keep fingers and toes warm?

I use Buffalo mitts, but they're a bit sketchy with drop bar controls so I was thinking of taking a pair of these on my next jolly to pop over some merino gloves - http://www.amazon.co.uk/WOG2-Weise-Over ... over+mitts

A lad from my cycle club says they're great, but not had a chance to try them myself.

[PDQ]

If the weather is warm enough(and it doesn't have to be hot and your working a bit on the bike to promote circulation) I find Shimano sandals good in wet weather. Feet stay clean and fresh. They are also really good for camping in wet (reasonably bug free)grass.

[eileithyia]

Depends on the situation, have a day off. Flexibility and not booking all accommodation every day helps with this. If it dries out later can always go for a short ride or walk around the local town/area. When you have run out of flexible days though you just have to batten down the hatches and go, stops for hot drinks help...

[DaleFTW]

Depends on the situation, have a day off. Flexibility and not booking all accommodation every day helps with this. If it dries out later can always go for a short ride or walk around the local town/area. When you have run out of flexible days though you just have to batten down the hatches and go, stops for hot drinks help...

Now I've found the opposite! Soon as I stop, body starts cooling down and I get shivery. Did the C2C route in a day earlier this year in quite horrendous conditions and caused quite a bit of alarm at Hartside cafe with my blue lips.