klingon
9th October 2009, 09:35
Today's tip for the newbies: never underestimate the humble plastic bag!
There is always a lot of talk on here about the newest high-tech waterproof gear which keeps you cool in summer and warm and dry in winter etc etc. But in steady rain (like we're having in Auckland today) one of the simplest things you can do is put a thin layer of plastic between you and the rain.
Today I am wearing a couple of bags on my feet, inside my boots (poor old boots aren't as waterproof as they once were). They are those thin bags you get from the vege section of the supermarket - they don't add any bulk inside my boots. My feet and socks are toasty warm and dry.
You can use those big black rubbish bags to cover your torso - just cut holes for your head and arms. If you put the bag on inside your jacket it won't flap and rip while you're riding. Your jacket will obviously still get wet, but your clothing and skin will be warm and dry.
Bread bags are good for over your gloves. Just make sure you can still work all the controls! There's no point having dry, comfy hands if you can't reach the brake!
I'm riding to Hamilton tomorrow, and although I hope it will be a lovely sunny day it really won't bother me if it pours down. At the end of a couple of hours in the rain I will still be warm, dry and smiling. :D
There is always a lot of talk on here about the newest high-tech waterproof gear which keeps you cool in summer and warm and dry in winter etc etc. But in steady rain (like we're having in Auckland today) one of the simplest things you can do is put a thin layer of plastic between you and the rain.
Today I am wearing a couple of bags on my feet, inside my boots (poor old boots aren't as waterproof as they once were). They are those thin bags you get from the vege section of the supermarket - they don't add any bulk inside my boots. My feet and socks are toasty warm and dry.
You can use those big black rubbish bags to cover your torso - just cut holes for your head and arms. If you put the bag on inside your jacket it won't flap and rip while you're riding. Your jacket will obviously still get wet, but your clothing and skin will be warm and dry.
Bread bags are good for over your gloves. Just make sure you can still work all the controls! There's no point having dry, comfy hands if you can't reach the brake!
I'm riding to Hamilton tomorrow, and although I hope it will be a lovely sunny day it really won't bother me if it pours down. At the end of a couple of hours in the rain I will still be warm, dry and smiling. :D