What to take / wear for a sportive?

[pepecat]

In two weeks I'm doing a sportive over dartmoor, starting rather early at 8am ish. Obviously if it's raining at the start, i'll take my waterproof, but the question is, what to do with it if it dries up and gets hotter?
Or if it's dry at the start, but cold - does one just wear a cycling shirt and prepare to be cold for a few miles until you warm up? (Will take my arm warmers anyway).... I've got a base layer, but i find it get too hot with that, though it does fold up small.

I was out yesterday, and the start of the ride was nice and warm, but then it got cooler and started raining, and i had no extra clothing with me so i was a tad cold by the time i got home...... my own fault, i know....

What do people take with them when you go out for long rides (65 miles)? I don't want to have to carry a bunch of extra clothes, cos if it turns out hot and sunny i'll have to carry them somehow, and my waterproof doesn't exactly fold up small. Where do you put excess clothing if the weather improves? Pockets? Wrap it around top tube?

 

[Banjo]

Water proofs are to hot for riding far in. I take a very light windproof that can b e stuffed in a jersey pocket. Even when wet it keeps U a bit warmer without the boil in the bag effect.

 

[monnet]

I do an assessment on the morning of any ride. At this time of year, for an 'event' shorts are usually sufficient. Might put over socks on. On top a base layer suitable for the conditions, a jersey and armwarmers and a gilet or lightweight windproof shell in the back pocket.

As for base layers - what a re you using? I have a windproof s/s for cooler days and string vest types for warmer weather. I'm usually ok with either of these. Merino is also a a good choice.

 

[fossyant]

Watch the forecast.

I usually ensure I've got a race cape with me just in-case things turn nasty. Dress to be at the right temp whilst moving (basically what you should do anyway). Overshoes if it's going to chuck it down. This time of year, base and l/s or s/s jersey.

 

[cyberknight]

I have only done 1 sportive in may and i took long fingered gloves, ss shirt+ shorts, windproof + overshoes .

I was about right once i got going but i was shivering pre race, then took the windproof off after 5 miles or so until it starting really raining again.

 

[Baggy]

Sounds like the Dartmoor Classic, pepecat? Rode it a couple of years ago (I'm just down the road) and it started off dry, but ended drizzly. I used a sleeveless base layer and arm-warmers, and had my windproof on at points. My seat pack was just big enough to stuff a windproof into.

A windproof gilet packs up quite small and is great for this kind of ride.

There are some long descents so you can end up geting pretty chilled, unless the forecast is really good I'd recommend something windproof, can you stuff one into your back pockets?

 

[Fiona N]

For Audaxes upto and including a 600km, I wear a sportswool jersey, usually with a very lightweight merino base vest or (in warmer weather) a polyester 'string vest' and take arm-warmers and a good (front and back coverage) ultra-lightweight gilet. I also take a lightweight waterproof which has no mesh liner so is best used with a layer of fabric between skin and waterproof on the arms - arm-warmers are sufficient - to ensure breathability (even the most breathable waterproof fabric doesn't work if the fabric is plastered by sweat to your skin). Then I have a cap, buff and full-finger gloves.
This is enough for anything during the day and for overnight audaxes, I also take a long-sleeved fleece jersey but I think that's more than you'd want for a 100km ride.

 

[pepecat]

Hi Baggy
Yup, it is ye olde Dartmoor Classic - I'm familiar with the terrain and the weather changes up there as I hail from the other side of the Exe estuary - Exmouth - and know how changeable it can be! Like the sound of the long descents too.......

The last 'event' I did was October last year and it rained all the way round, but not heavily, and shorts were fine, as was a l/s jersey and my trusty aldi waterproof. But that - the aldi jacket - is a bit big to cart round if it does warm up and won't fit in a jersey pocket.

The base layer i have is a dhb one and it's good but i get too hot in it after a while. I think it's more for walking rather than cycling.

I think I might invest in a polaris jacket - there's one for about £40 which has got good reviews - it's wind and shower proof, appears to be breathable (as much as these things can be) and packs up small.

Legs aren't a problem - my legs dont' generally get cold really, and i can cope with wet legs if it rains. It's the top half of me that's causing me some thought.

 

[Baggy]

Hi Baggy
Yup, it is ye olde Dartmoor Classic - I'm familiar with the terrain and the weather changes up there as I hail from the other side of the Exe estuary - Exmouth - and know how changeable it can be! Like the sound of the long descents too.......

I thoroughly enjoyed it, there are somegreat "rollercoaster"bits where the speed of descent gets you quite a long way up the next climb

Perfect preparation for the Exmouth Exodus if you fancy a night ride in August!

I think I might invest in a polaris jacket - there's one for about £40 which has got good reviews - it's wind and shower proof, appears to be breathable (as much as these things can be) and packs up small.

They're good jackets and do pack up small - I have one for commuting! The only downside is that on me it tends to ride up over my hips, but that's probably because my hips are quite broad.

 

[Chris.IOW]

I ride in shorts and a short sleeve jersey with a string vest type baselayer. Always take armwarmers with me and I have a pearl Izumi waterproof which folds down tiny and only takes up half a jersey pocket. It's breathable so good for windy days and well as wet.. Only cost £50 as well which I thought was a bit of a bargain.

 

[tincaman]

I have one of these Here ,it comes with a stuff sack, if I have to wear a thicker jacket I put it in the sack and hang it below the seat with the velcro straps the sack comes with. If you wear the Dare2b jacket instead it just goes on the back pocket