So my question is - what would constitute good cycling rain gear on the West coast or Ireland?
Thanks
It can be a tricky question because there are some who want to stay dry at all costs and others that realise that getting wet is pretty inevitable and the key is to stay warm.
Also, there is wind to take into account and there is no shortage of that! Even on a warm day a hard wind can suck all the warmth out of you if wet.
I can't really recommend any specific rain gear because I fall into the "get wet but stay warm" camp.
Unless close to freezing I'll wear shorts. On top I'll wear a merino t-shirt or long sleeve top - not cycling specific. Above that I wear an oversized, ex-military Gore-Tex jacket (with big ventilation openings under the arms). It keeps wind out, keeps the worst of the rain off and stops me getting too cold or too hot.
I typically wear sandels or light trainers and, if cooler, merino socks. Yes! With sandels!
My shorts are quick drying hiking shorts which dry quickly as does the merino.
Thinking of wind again, a beanie for your head may be helpful.
Probably as important is a degree of flexibility in plans to either stop and shelter or even take a day off in a nice pub. Having to push through foul weather for a notional schedule can be very draining.
Of course, it goes without saying that your panniers/bags should be waterproof and packed thoughtfully so you don't get things wet unnecessarily.
Bear in mind too that using a phone for navigation or photos becomes very tricky in the wet.
You don't say if you're camping or not. Obviously camping can throw up its own issues in relation to drying out.
The problem with a long cycle in the rain is that it can be very demotivating. That scenery you were looking forward to is hidden. Taking photos is difficult and unrewarding. You can get cold. Muscles don't work like normal. It can become a grind very easily. Don't underestimate the power of a hot coffee/tea/chocolate to rejuvenate. Or an Irish coffee
I nearly always carry a stove and more than once it has rescued a pretty wet day.
If I was planning your trip I wouldn't be too worried about Brompton repair places - I'd be locating all the pubs along my route with an open fire
Good luck!
