But I regret to inform you that riding in the rain didn’t conjure the same musical number on Saturday. Don’t get me wrong, I wish I was splishing and splashing right along with you, but instead I was questioning my safety for two and a half hours.
When I got to the group meeting spot on Saturday morning, I questioned Coach Paul’s sanity. Really? We’re going to ride in this? The cycling newbie in me once again wanted to revert to my safe zone and scream, “SAFETY FIRST!” But then I remembered what he told me the day prior, “Come race day, if it rains you still ride.” Thus, we rode.
The ride was flat and I didn’t manage to get my heart rate up much, but I’ll chalk it up to a) still getting to know the road, b) getting to know the wet road and c) a good lesson in debris dodging. Throughout the ride, the rain was on and off, but the wind was consistent, making our drenched clothes quite frigid. And why didn’t anyone tell me about toe covers or cycling booties?! My shoes were literally a pool of water and helped create the two ice blocks that were formerly known as my feet.
The good news is that this time I got a bit wiser. I wore running gloves under my cycling gloves, helping to somewhat prevent frozen fingers. I don’t have a warm cycling jacket, so I bundled up the hood and wore my Columbia Peak Power Jacket, and I’ve never been more thankful for it. My upper-half was completely warm and dry. I take back what I said about the jacket – it IS worth the money!
Aron was nice enough to loan me her cycling glasses so I didn’t continue to look like a total newbie. But Aron, why couldn’t you loan me the ones with built in, mini windshield wipers? Those would have been extremely effective.
Overall, it was freezing and I got a quick lesson in braving the elements. But once I was done, the frigid experience faded to a rosy-colored hue and I’m so glad that I got this lesson done and out of the way. Next time I want to sing and ride in the rain I’ll be better prepared (thank you Amazon for your quick shipping of toe covers).
What are your tips for riding or running in the rain? Favorite products?
Happy Running!
I *heart* Gene Kelly.
So glad you didn’t die on the wet road 😉
ahhh i hate riding in the rain! i’m just way too scared of crashing : / luckily for me it held off til after my ride this weekend. way to brave the elements though, it will definitely make you a stronger cyclist!
Not just rain, but COLD NOVEMBER rain? You are one bad ass hard core chica.
I’m glad that you were safe in the rain. I can’t imagine biking in the rain. I try not to even run in the rain.
I am so scared to ride in the rain. I am much happier spending some quality time with my indoor trainer right now. I personally like your other sunglasses better- much better suited for an ironman in my opinion :p
ugh, riding in the rain is the worst – NOTHING worse than a wet butt!