Riding in the rain.
When it rains, Bike Party shines. With the worst weather we’ve ever ridden in, the theme of the night was perfect – we truly were taking masochist pleasure in suffering! But the harsh air and the onslaught of rain that hit us for most of the ride made for a rewarding journey for the 700+ riders who ventured out. Sure, we were soaking wet and freezing most of the ride, but the sight of blinking tail lights filtering through the sheet of rain was a majestic sight. The level of camaraderie amongst riders and the number of volunteers posed up at turns and giving directions was impressive. Thanks to everyone who came out and bared the fierce downpour. We hope the weather will be better next month as streets filled with holiday lights await us.
Also, there’s been recent curiosity about how planning and decision making for Bike Party are carried out. Join us for a volunteer mixer, test ride, or both to find out and get involved. Check back here often or find us on Facebook for more info.
CyciumX
November 19, 2010
Rain sucks yo! It sucks because I have yet to devise a tutorial on how to rain proof music trailers without massive amount of plastic covering, vibrating to death!
George the fast
November 19, 2010
It was not a good bike party
Jacky
November 19, 2010
It was a great Bike Party! I must like the torture! It was wet and it gets cold when you are wet, but my party of 3 did all 22 miles and finished about 10:30. I didn’t know if Moya and Nona were ever going to talk to me again for making them do the whole route, but in the end all was fine.
I love Bike Party!
Oh and Dora and Rob glad you could join us for the last miles to make it a party of five!
MVRobb
November 20, 2010
Thanks for leading us back, my map was too soaked to read! lol
moya
November 29, 2010
I hated you for 2+ hours that night, Jacky!
And I WILL get you back!
mwahahahahahahaha!
joyce
November 20, 2010
We kicked ASS tonight!!
Not gonna let a little rain stop us.
Sharlene
November 20, 2010
Omar…we have your bike. Cool Bill knows how to get in contact with us (Dk Grey Suburban – Chandra & Sharlene).
I think the S&M was a perfect theme. Those of us who stuck it out the the bitter end with soggy shoes, soaked to the skin, freezing most definitely qualify for masochists.
mas-och-ism
- noun
pleasure in suffering …
It was fun!
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
Amen, Sister, Amen!!!
epic yclic gear t'rain
November 20, 2010
Yo, perfect theme.
Gonna figure out some better rainwear for all sieze’n biking!
I “bailed out” (har!) of the Pruneyard just in time to see over my shoulder somebody drove in to the parking garage… with their bike on a roof rack, blinky still going. Ouch, that’s gotta blow chunks. At least only property was damaged.
Finished riding about 1am, did some bike cleanup, batteries on recharge, ate some food to put me on recharge. Now I’m gonna hop in the SHOWER. If I had dried off I would be getting wet all over again! Warm will be good.
Thanks to everybody who showed up and rode at least part way. Fun is not always easy, but you made it fun. You Rock The Bike!
scott
November 20, 2010
i love the fall and winter rides, they are smaller and the camaraderie is fantastic. everyone was good natured and there was a surprisingly good amount of music coming from small trailers and small sound systems on bikes. the birds step up as always and riders are appreciative of this. even the LG Police stepped in to help in a few locations.
did we suspect it was going to rain? hell yea, but a lot of really hardy souls went out anyway. from riders i’ve seen for over a year to many new riders where this was their very first ride, this was one of the most enjoyable bike party rides i’ve been at. ever. all the hills were gentle, the riders were great and there wasn’t a lot of traffic to deal with.
shout out to all the test riders and the volunteers who designed, tweaked and otherwise support the many tasks that go into a bike party. it doesn’t matter whether 700 of 4k show up, the same amount of dedicated work must be performed every time.
shout out to the vendors that came out in the rain too. Quick Dog tasted soooo good, even better than usual. (MoGo’s and House of Siam was there too) of course so did that long hot shower after biking home after the ride!
looking forward to a great holiday ride next month… as well as the new volunteers that will be inspired to “step up!”
Rapid Robert
November 20, 2010
Yeah, we got a little rain! Started just about the time we left the start and just got stronger as the evening went along. Ended with a head wind to boot! So S&M stood for “Soaked & Miserable”, but THAT’s life on a bike (once in a while, once in a very long while for most of us here). But it’s those kinds of rides that make the warm sunny ones sooooooooooooooo good!!! Plus, I got to see how the water thrown off my front tire looked in the strobing headlight, and the raindrops sparkling through the laser beam gave that a cool “Star Treky” quality.
So today will be a clean-the-bike and laundry day, and it’s on to planning another ride. I hope the guy who slammed into the Volkswagen near the end is OK. Looked like he was, with minimal damage done to the metal involved. Cold & wet isn’t a problem when warm & dry are just hours away, and it’s our free choice to be there. Consider those who have to deal with it when it’s not their choice. That’s the real meaning of Thanksgiving.
Jahlaen
November 20, 2010
I have a heart-breaking confession.
I missed my second Bike Party in 18 months.
I was on my way to the event but, got caught up in what seemed like a huge backup on the highway.
The rain came and I just got exhausted by the traffic gridlock.
When my clock showed that I wasn’t going to make the 8pm start time, I reluctantly returned home.
I feel guilt and my head is scrambled.
Boo hoo, my weekend is ruined ’cause I wasn’t part of one of the more appropriate theme rides.
I didn’t get to indulge my “inner-masochist” Bike-Partying in such “heavy weather”.
I am really bummed…
Rapid Robert
November 20, 2010
Oh, and a big thanks to Jackie for putting maps in baggies! Without that I’d have been up the creek (road) without a paddle (pedal). And another big thanks to the leather clad dark-haired beauties in those woinderfully appropriate fishnets. “You make the rockin’ world go ’round!”
sanjosebikeblog
November 20, 2010
you guys are freakin hardcore!…my group was almost down to ride this one but where we meet at downtown it was storming pretty good…when a couple people got here they were already soaked to the bone and not feelin it…make sure you guys drink lots of hot fluids and eat chicken soup today so you dont get sick!
ryan
November 20, 2010
or veggie soup!
Katie
November 20, 2010
Last night’s ride was made for the masochistic hardcore riders, for sure! I won’t sugar coat it, it was miserable at times. But the camaraderie was fantastic and it was nice knowing that there was a hot shower waiting for me at home. Worth it!
Everyone that I rode with last night has earned major street cred and bragging rights. This is a Bike Party ride that I won’t forget for a long time!
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
Many cool credits to you for braving the weather in that sexy attire! Glad to see you changed into more weather-appropriate gear as the night wore on!
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
All of us who braved the ride definately had a crazy night! A few of us were victims of following the leader & went R on Camden & deep/south into Almaden Valley.
Soggy maps abound… thank God I had wrapped mine. 25 miles (for us) in pouring down rain and my little sound system did not fail me!! Rode the last few miles with BIRDs =) Some of us rode back to the start instead of going the last few blocks to the Pruneyard. Fingers were frozen to the bone. Next time full gloves.
I imagine many a rider is going to visit Sport Basement this weekend to look for water proof gear!
Can’t wait for the next ride!
LONG LIVE BIKE PARTY!!!
CyciumX
November 20, 2010
Hey Billy, did you water-proof your music in anyway for this ride? I was set to go with plastic tarp and all. Preparing for when the rain was “supposed” to start later in the night….but it started off right at the bat and with a car deck sitting straight on the speaker box… wasn’t about to do 60+ miles Berryessa round-trip with that trailer not being used!
I’m all for getting hammered out by mother nature, but timing was just bad with the gear I was set to bring…crapola.
First party missed in a year – next test ride though… I’m bringing down the house!
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
My whole system is in a milk crate. I put a watrproof jacket on top and bungied it down. The side were open to the environment. It got a little wet, but survived intact.
Ed S has a big music trailer and he completely covered it in tarp. The music still sounded great through all that tarp.
Sharlene
November 20, 2010
I thought I had waterproof gear–I was sloshing in my waterproof shoes and wrung my waterproof gloves out at every regroup. My side bag had about a quart of water sloshing in the bottom despite the fact that it was covered with a waterproof cover. Thank goodness my camera was sitting on top of my soggy sweatshirt that I had planned on putting on (dry of course) after the ride instead of on the bottom in a couple of inches of water.
Someone earlier mentioned the beauty of the spray as it came up off the tires. I noticed that myself and was amazed at how much water was lifted back into the air from those skinny bike tires.
I would LOVE to hear from those who were successful in staying dry and comfortable as I have committed to be a bike commuter rain or shine. Anyone out there stay dry last night or at least reasonably comfortable?
Rapid Robert
November 20, 2010
My cell phone was in an old seat bag that got soaked. This morning I see a bubble in the display window (never a good sign), so now it’s in the oven at 100 degrees without its battery and we’ll see if it works when its dry again. Last night we got soaked. Doubled plastic bags inside whatever panniers or outer bag is the only certain way I’ve found to keep things dry. But a typical commuting soaking wouldn’t last hours like last night.
CyciumX
November 20, 2010
Water proof pants and jacket designed for boating. Like track suits, but seams/zippers are taped sealed.:
http://www.gillna.com/dinghy/dinghy_4352.php
Snow goggles wrapped around full hood:
http://www.the-house.com/an9fi40lm9zz-anon-goggles.html
Half face mask. You don’t want a full one because you want body heat to escape, which will build up easily inside the water proof clothing.:
http://www.amazon.com/Giordana-Windtex-Hannibal-Face-Mask/dp/B0045F5FLU
Booties for bike use are generally only water proof for light rains. Their main usage is that of a traditional wet suit – too keep you warm even though you are wet. Thats bad news for shoes that take a long time to dry. These are the best I’ve found when using cleats and they stay drier for far longer since the seams are taped:
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442618318&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302692723&bmUID=1241552490916
Now gloves…. I’ll keep this simple – Buy these or get wet hands:
http://www.killerdana.com/product/197118.uts?colorCode=2&ad_id=GoogleBase
Garbage bags for backpack/panniers
Ziplock bags for personal items.
Ziplock your batteries for your lights if they are external.
Don’t go up hills steep enough to force you out of the saddle to climb them…. unless you start racking up a lot of experience shifting your weight properly.
Upgrade your brakes pads.
If you use Smarty pedals or SPD then buy the cheap plastic platform convertors and stick them on one side to further block water from splashing under foot and working its way through cleats. Plus they provide another area of reflectors usually.
Carry Co2 to pump tires. You don’t want a mini pump to take 300 pumps in the rain if you get a flat. Bite the bullet and spend the $1.50 to get that hassle over with.
Last, but not least…. wherever you work you want to buy a parabolic heater. The kind that centers the heat to one point.. Get a system down to hang your gear and point the heater @ them all damn day. Good as new by the time you get out.
within tents to cycle
November 20, 2010
I was not comfy the whole ride, but that’s my fault for not getting on my rain gear soon enough, having old worn out stuff, and so on. I was comfy enough.
One popular choice is jacket and pants that are genuinely waterproof, ranging from industrial PVC with no vents, to ventilated, to high-tech breathables — which may not be 100% storm-proof, but you also get damp from perspiration with non-breathables. My rain pants are worn out and leaky after 10 years but still mostly windproof and are warm with tights. With jeans or other kinds of pants, waterproof is more important.
Also, check out ponchos also called a “rain cape”. The “center for appropriate transportation” or J&G, both from Oregon and made in USA, or Carradice from England — both rainy places. You need fenders else you get wet underneath, it has more air drag than a jacket and pants, and it is a sail in crosswinds (bad on windy/gusty days). But is cool in warm weather (cooler than jacket/pants anyway) and mostly keeps rain off your legs. It also covers your hands, so it basically does not matter what gloves you use, your hands stay warm. At stops, when you get off the saddle, it rains on the saddle, so when you sit down again you get a little wet.
I have yet to find gloves I like 100%. I once bought some neoprene gloves ’cause a friend liked his, mine were not all that warm and filled up with water. Sometimes I ride with thin equestrian gloves and while they aren’t all that warm, if I am working hard my hands are mostly comfortable. I’ve tried some waterproof gloves that lasted about 3 months then started to leak.
If you tend to run cold, a helmet cover and/or a thin balaclava under the helmet can help a lot.
For your feet, lots of folks use “booties” and Carradice sells “spats”. Both are open on the bottom and let water drain out unlike rubber boots. Rubber boots are great until you get splashed or ride through a big puddle or whatever, then they slosh with every pedal stroke! Funny, but not so comfy. Booties let water in the top unless you wear rain pants over the top, spats are up to your knees, to use with ponchos. Another choice is let your feet get soaking wet but use good thick rag wool socks. Bring a 2nd pair to work so you do not have to put on cold wet socks to ride home! I used to know somebody who swore by waterproof breathable socks, I have never tried ‘em.
Depending on your work setting, you may be able to wear clothes that dry quickly (synthetics) which is good for sweat as well as rain, though synthetics can start to stink after one wearing, so be aware. Or, you may be able to change at work. Even if you do not have a shower, on days that look like it may rain, you may be able to wear bike-comfy clothes then change.
Some times of year it rains a lot, others it will rain for a while then quit or just drizzle. Depending on your work, you may be able to avoid the hassle of putting on/of rain gear and riding in the rain by waiting half an hour.
Glasses: you may find yourself occasionally blinded by water that collects on them. You may find a visor helps keep them dry, or maybe not. Some folks like “Rain-X”, but it makes the lens always just a little hazy, and Rain-X may damage some plastics. Reapply occasionally, and you have to get it on _before_ the first big rain of the season!
Some rain gear is kind of bulky. A friend keeps getting wet because he leaves his rain gear at home unless he is SURE he will need it. I find jackets especially there is a big range of how bulky are they, and the temperature changes enough during the day I do not want to just wear it all the time. I carry my stuff in a plastic bag, so I can put it away wet if need be and not get everything else wet.
Be sure your rain gear is all dry before you pack it away, else you will pull it out one day and find a stinky mess. If your shoes get really wet, they may be no fun to put on later. I have a fan to dry mine overnight. It was $3 or so at a garage sale and well worth it.
For carrying stuff, I cannot say enough good things about Ortlieb bags. Other folks have copycat bags, at least some apparently do not work so well. Coated fabric bags peel and leak after a while. I have had the same Ortlieb bag 10 years and the only times I have water inside is when I get so many groceries I can’t close it, then go ride in the rain.
With a jacket and pants, you maybe don’t care if you have fenders, but spray off the front wheel still hits your face. A poncho needs fenders. There’s a lot of different kinds. Front fenders work a lot better with a “mud” flap, really a splash flap that hangs low. Not all flaps are equal. Some rear fenders are too short, and the “rooster tail” stays off the bike but still gets on you! Folks say you can make a mud flap from a plastic bottle, but every time I tried, it broke where it flexes.
If you ride year-round, consider Schwalbe “Marathon” tires with an extra thorn-proof strip, I think it is the most thorn-proof available. There’s lots of thorns plus broken glass that get washed out when it rains, and I have had as many as 5 flats in one day with regular tires. Changing and patching tubes in the rain on a cold dark night is just not as much fun as riding.
within tents to cycle
November 21, 2010
I was not comfy the whole ride, but that’s my fault for not getting on my rain gear soon enough, having old worn out stuff, and so on. I was comfy enough.
One popular choice is jacket and pants that are genuinely waterproof, ranging from industrial PVC with no vents, to ventilated, to high-tech breathables — which may not be 100% storm-proof, but you also get damp from perspiration with non-breathables. My rain pants are worn out and leaky after 10 years but still mostly windproof and are warm with tights. With jeans or other kinds of pants, waterproof is more important.
Also, check out ponchos also called a “rain cape”. They are made by the “center for appropriate transportation” and J&G, both from Oregon and made in USA, or Carradice from England — both rainy places. You need fenders else you get wet underneath, it has more air drag than a jacket and pants, and it is a sail in crosswinds (bad on windy/gusty days). It is cool in warm weather (cooler than jacket/pants anyway) and mostly keeps rain off your legs. It also covers your hands, so it basically does not matter what gloves you use, your hands stay warm. At stops, when you get off the saddle, it rains on the saddle, so when you sit down again you get a little wet.
I have yet to find gloves I like 100%. I once bought some neoprene gloves ’cause a friend liked his, mine were not all that warm and filled up with water. Sometimes I ride with thin equestrian gloves and while they aren’t all that warm, they are comfortable as long as I am working hard, and they dry fast. I’ve tried some waterproof gloves that lasted about 3 months then started to leak.
If you tend to run cold, a helmet cover and/or a thin balaclava under the helmet can help a lot.
For your feet, lots of folks use “booties” and Carradice sells “spats”. Both are open on the bottom and let water drain out unlike rubber boots. Rubber boots are great until you get splashed or ride through a big puddle or whatever, then they slosh with every pedal stroke! Funny, but not so comfy. Booties let water in the top unless you wear rain pants over the top, spats are up to your knees, to use with ponchos. Another choice is let your feet get soaking wet but use good thick rag wool socks. Bring a 2nd pair to work so you do not have to put on cold wet socks to ride home! I used to know somebody who swore by waterproof breathable socks, I have never tried ‘em. I’ve occasionally tried plastic bags over my socks and inside my shoes, and they get holes and my feet get wet, but stay much warmer.
Depending on your work setting, you may be able to wear clothes that dry quickly (synthetics) which is good for sweat as well as rain, though synthetics can start to stink after one wearing, so be aware. Or, you may be able to change at work. Even if you do not have a shower, on days that look like it may rain, you may be able to wear bike-comfy clothes then change.
Some times of year it rains a lot, others it will rain for a while then quit or just drizzle. Depending on your work, you may be able to avoid some rain by waiting half an hour.
Glasses: you may find yourself occasionally blinded by water that collects on them. You may find a visor helps keep them dry, or maybe not. Some folks like “Rain-X”, but it makes the lens always just a little hazy, and Rain-X may damage some plastics. Reapply occasionally, and you have to get it on _before_ the first big rain of the season!
Some rain gear is kind of bulky. A friend keeps getting wet because he leaves his rain gear at home unless he is SURE he will need it. I find jackets especially there is a big range of how bulky are they, and the temperature changes enough during the day I do not want to just wear it all the time. I carry my stuff in a plastic bag, so I can put it away wet if need be and not get everything else wet.
Be sure your rain gear is all dry before you pack it away, else you will pull it out one day and find a stinky mess. If your shoes get really wet, they may be no fun to put on later. I have a fan to dry mine overnight. It was $3 or so at a garage sale.
For carrying stuff, I cannot say enough good things about Ortlieb bags. Other folks have copycat bags, at least some apparently do not work so well. Coated fabric bags peel and leak after a while. I have had the same Ortlieb bag 10 years and the only times I have water inside is when I get so many groceries I can’t close it, then go ride in the rain.
With a jacket and pants, you maybe don’t care if you have fenders, but spray off the front wheel still hits your face. A poncho needs fenders. There’s a lot of different kinds. Front fenders work a lot better with a “mud” flap, really a splash flap that hangs low. Not all flaps are equal. Folks say you can make a mud flap from a plastic bottle, but every time I tried, it broke where it flexes. Some rear fenders are too short, and the “rooster tail” stays off the bike but still gets on you!
If you ride year-round, consider Schwalbe “Marathon” tires with an extra thorn-proof strip, I think it is the most thorn-proof tire available. There’s lots of thorns plus broken glass that get washed out when it rains, and I have had as many as 5 punctures in one day with regular tires. Changing and patching tubes in the rain on a cold dark night is just not as much fun as riding.
Streak-O-Lite
November 20, 2010
Cheering on the “Sadists” who braved a cold Northern drenching and hoping all used the safety words “STOP @ RED”.
Suggesting a happy holiday theme for December. Santa and elves, menorah’s with “electric oil”, Unity Cups and Festivus Poles. Perhaps a cookie party along the way!!!
“Miss, what kind of food coloring do you use to make your Christmas tree’s so GREEN?”
Amy
November 20, 2010
We didn’t make it through the entire ride (bailed at about mile 10), but we had a blast. A blast of cold wet air dribbling down into our collars!
Thanks again to everyone who organized, spent time drawing up maps, bird-ed, and otherwise lent their energy to this awesome event. Glad I didn’t wuss out, and am very thankful for the Bike Party to always lift my spirits. As soon as I’m done with grad school in May, I will give something back to BPSJ….
Ian
November 20, 2010
i guesstimate we did 43 miles round trip from the nsj mercado preride.
if you guys are looking for a longer ride come out on a preride. it’s a great way to warm up.
Jaytron
November 20, 2010
I chickened out because I had a cold already
Didn’t want it to get worse.
Community Activist
November 20, 2010
I fully respect & admire those people who have the strength to ride in cold rain hours. Sadly I’m not one of them. I would of liked to participate for a shorter run but there seemed no easy u-turn point as the route headed straight south.
Thus one idea for future events might be to define a mini-ride embedded in the main ride. For example, a route back from the first rest stop to the start (i.e. 1/2 the ride distance). This way if the weather turns bad there is a set plan for those who need/want to turn back.
Having a pre-defined mini-ride helps not only provide individual riders an option but also the organizers. For example, if the weather ever got really bad & safety became an issue, the organizers could decide to switch to the mini-route at the first stop.
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
Switching to a mini route would not be possible in most cases. Who exactly is going to decide by committee at a regroup that we need to turn back. What if people don’t want to turn back?
It’s difficult enough just putting together a safe regular route. We can’t just chop the route in half and auto route back to the start. We would have to carefully choose streets that are safe for many riders. That are wide enough. That don’t include fast expressways. That have left turns that can be activated by cyclists. That have good street signage at turns, etc, etc.
In any event, at the end of a regroup, many cyclists might follow the mini ride cyclists thinking that they were doing the full ride.
More often than not, regroups tend to be chaotic to oragnize. And many BIRDs don’t even see each other.
We would also need BIRDs posted up along the mini ride route and not too many BIRDs that I know would want to cut a ride short.
This would also mean extra maps to carry and keep track of.
It’s a great concept,and I’m not saying it’s impossible but in most cases it would be a logistical nightmare.
moo
November 20, 2010
Actually, I thought last night’s route did have a few mini-route options. The route crossed itself twice, once at Camden and Blossom Hill, and the other time at Meridian and Redwood. Taking a turn back to the start instead of continuing on the route would take you back home. People with the route map could organize their own groups back if they wanted. (there was also the Billy Cool extra long maxi-route from last night, but that’s a different subject).
From what I could tell, a lot of riders opted for the “pick me up in your car, please” return trip.
Scott McClintock
November 20, 2010
Enjoyed the ride, even in the rain. At a certain point you just deal with it and ride soaking wet. My shoes are still squishy.
Billy Cool
November 20, 2010
Well then, take them off
Ian
November 20, 2010
a little rain is good for the soul…
That truly was a great nights ride.
Doc Hawk
November 20, 2010
Hey, my party ride last night was absolutely fabulous, because of all of you who made it. Thanks for everything you did and put up with.
I’m really truly, sincerely sorry if you got waterlogged, crashed, had electrical failures, or otherwise had a less-than-pleasant party riding experience due to the rain. At least it wasn’t rainy and windy…
My plan was to wear something warm that breathes, underneath something loose that is watertight. It worked!
I always wear typical street clothes (t-shirt, jeans) on bike party. Last night was no exception. This morning I put the same clothes (except for the socks) back on that I wore on the ride. No, they hadn’t been in the dryer.
I was totally comfortable (not cold nor too warm) the entire ride last night, and just a little bit damp around the edges (face, hands, ankles) when I returned home last night. In fact, this morning I put on the same clothes I had on last night. (Except for the socks.)
Here’s my cheap rain gear secrets:
Windbreaker made from some kind of water-repellent synthetic fabric that is kind of like wetsuit material. Label says “White Sierra.” It eventually got wet; but only on the wrist part of the sleeves, as it was under a large waterproof hooded poncho (intended for backpacking) from Mel Cotton’s. They only had dark ones, so I made an artsy pattern out of reflective tape on the back of it. (You might have noticed it flapping in the breeze.)
Also wear some “Burley Design Collective” rain pants with cuffs that unzip so you can put them on and take off with your shoes and jeans on. These are specific for cycling, & include built-in reflective velcro cuff straps to keep them out of the chain. I think I got them at REI. Essential!
I have huge feet and wear only Vans, so I use two standard grocery plastic bags and a handful of rubber bands to hold them tight over my shoes, under the waterproof pant cuffs, and keep the handles on the bags out of the chain. Not fashionable, but they work great because your feet get really groady in the rain, and the bags are disposable afterward.
I’m more concerned about the reduced braking, traction, and visibility of motorists during rain riding, than I am about getting wet & cold. Let’s hope December’s ride is even nicer!
within tents to cycle
November 21, 2010
Many companies sell things as “water repellent”. There is a wide range between “not very water-repllent” and “very water repellent, just not quite waterproof.” What Doc describes is a two-layer system: breathable for most riding, and when it starts to rain rather than drizzle, you have something truly waterproof to go over.
If you go Doc’s route, be sure to put on the waterproof layer before the water-repellent one gets wet inside, otherwise you are still wet underneath the waterproof layer. You don’t get any wetter once the waterproof is on, but you won’t get any drier — it takes a long time for stuff to dry off from body heat, and once you feel the inside is a little bit wet, there’s more water on the way in.
Thanks for the tips, Doc!
Doc Hawk
November 21, 2010
You are so welcome! Thank you, within, for adding your excellent input as well. This info is money! I really hope it’s helpful for everyone.
It’s a really awesome, empowering feeling to be way outdoors and completely comfortable in weather conditions that make most people scurry for shelter. It does take some equipment, but it doesn’t have to cost a lot, if you know what works.
SJQuakesFan
November 21, 2010
Only the second BP i missed since my first one in June. The first miss was due to vacation in Mexico. this miss was due to circumstance. I love the rain, but signs kept pointing to “things won’t end well”.
Glad to read that things did, despite the “small” turnout. 700 is pretty damn solid IMO.
high cadence
November 21, 2010
yeah, those 700 riders are the hard core SJBP’ers! they saw and felt the clouds as they left for bike party and still rode to the finish? hard core! and we have a few more months of this and it’s back to warm rides. =)
Spliffer
November 21, 2010
Ultimately, on Saturday, it was all about the ride.
Even Mother Nature joined the fun. She threw Bike Party revelers a HUGE wet kiss of approval that fit “The Theme” so nicely.
It was indeed like SF Giants 2010 — “torture”… but it never felt so good!
Bike Party attained new heights last Friday night.
Bike Party now rolls in any kind of weather: rain, shine, or — as last Friday night — deluge.
It was just a bike ride that at it’s base is just pedal stroke after pedal stroke that ends; 10, 20, 25 or, 43 miles later.
But with some of the coolest cast of characters in the South Bay and beyond.
I pray for peace and harmony within the large and expansive but, at times, dis-functional family / community of bicyclists.
I think we can all co-exist with that. That’s democracy!
Peace!
high cadence
November 21, 2010
i missed out. had to work late into the night. really wanted to ride in this uncharted territory with SJBP. but i was there in spirit – riding home from work in the rain, dominating my bike while clipped in. only thing missing was getting my ass spanked at a red light lol. however, i’ll ride regardless of the theme. there’s been really cool ones and really bland ones. it doesn’t matter to me what the theme is – it won’t dictate to me whether i’m going to ride or not. the only thing that’s going to stop me from riding is the law, work or injury/illness.
oh well, life goes on…
to me, this is what SJBP aaalllll about. exploring into foreign neighborhoods, riding into favorite neighborhoods, singing, laughing, screaming, meeting new people, encouraging bystanders to join the party, BIRDing, sharing bike ideas and the icing on this grand cake, doing all of this dressed up to a theme.
TimC
November 22, 2010
Paraphrasing AC/DC – “To Those Who Froze Their Rocks – I Salute You!”
wildmonteman
November 22, 2010
Worst weather is a huge understatement. How about nastiest? Ride was ok but what bothered me the most about the ride was the Los Gatos police department threatening to run us over shortly after turning left on Blossom Hill off of Union. What a f*cking PIG. Literally!!!!! It’s bad enough that bicyclist are always under the threat of being run down by idiot motorist. But to have law enforcement say on a loudspeaker, on a 2 way, 2 lane road, “move over, move over or I will run you over” repeatedly is a not the way an officer conducts himself. I hope he is the one that gets run over. “F” him and the department that stands behind such a rude prick. But other than that the weather will make this bike party stand out above the rest and not ALL law enforcement behaves in this manner. Usually we have great support from law enforcement agencies.
renee
November 22, 2010
I had a friggin blast. had to take a shower afterwards cuz of kicked up dirt. I wanted to take a picture but it was impossible without ruining the camera – I was drenched! BUT WHAT A GREAT RIDE….next time I’ll bring a garbage bag, lol.
sk8dad
November 29, 2010
Late post. Had an awesome time on the ride. I was the “Got Map?” guy. I originally didn’t intend to ride it out in the rain, but by the time the rain picked up, I was wet anyway, so ended up wading through the rest of the ride. Interestingly enough, I was still giving out maps half way through the ride.
Lessons learned from past experience for wet weather riding:
1. It doesn’t matter if you get wet, as long as you stay warm. Though I was soaked through by the end of the ride, my outer layers were wind proof while my inner layers were moisture wicking. The middle layers held any excess water and made for an excellent insulator.
2. Bring dry clothing (from sweats down to underwear) in a plastic bin in the trunk. I changed immediately upon returning to the car, and within minutes I warmed back up to a steamy temp. The plastic bin also provides a nice storage for the soaking riding wear.
3. Bag your map. I had mine in a page protector (liberated from the office supplies cabinet at work).
4. Use your visor. Some helmets come with visors, use it. It allows you to tilt your head so rain does’t directly go into your eyeballs. I find foggy goggles more problematic than the naked eye.
5. Don’t stop. Keeping up core temp (at least for me) requires that I’m constantly moving. I even shift to a lower gear and spin if I need to warm back up in a hurry. Those rest/regroups were not so great for staying warm.
5. Maintain your gear immediately. This is for the mechanically inclined. Remove chain, and seatpost. Hair dryer the chain and cassette for about 5 minutes on hot (I use a heat shrink gun instead). Re-Lube chain. Reassemble. Let frame dry dry for a day at least (to allow trapped water to evaporate). For you serious mechanics… disassemble hubs (esp rear), remove bottom bracket. I go as far as taking a rag moistened with wax (finish line dry chain lube) and go over all steel components (mostly screws on my bike).