It's not bad weather - it's poor clothing choice. And yours was?

[Jon George]

Putting aside the non-cycling incident in my twenties when I got lost on Dufton Fell in freezing fog wearing a not-easy-to-spot-from-a-search-helicopter army-surplus camouflage jacket, carrying a broken thermos, and maintaining a stubborn refusal to do the sensible thing and turn back, I did give up on my ride today when I realised I needed at least one more layer and that I had forgotten my waterproof jacket for the length of ride I had planned. (I know this technically breaks some kind of bad-ass rule - can't remember which one - but Sunday's are the enjoyment ride and it's the daily ones during the week which are the ones I insist I do.) So, what's been your worst cycling clothing decision? Not by standards of fashion, but weather?

 

[winjim]

Yesterday's sleet storm caught me out as I was for the first time this year jacketless, buffless and barelegged. But I pushed on and completed my ride, 'cos I am well 'ard. PRs on a few segments too .

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Middle of June, lovely sunny day when I set off but by the time I was in the mountains it was driving sleet - a short sleeve jersey and a lightweight showerproof jacket didn't cut it...not the most enjoyable few hours of my life.

 

[uclown2002]

I normally get the layers right but occasionally have been caught out with wrong choice of gloves.

Anyway, why didn't you return home, dress appropriately and get your arse back out there?

 

[Jon George]

Anyway, why didn't you return home, dress appropriately and get your arse back out there?

I did.

And this is what I found ...

 

[cyberknight]

Went on a club run and went with a gilet , it went cold and rained for a long time so by the time i got home i was in the the first stages of hypothermia and just dived into bed till i could feel my feet about an hour or so later.

 

[screenman]

Santa Clause outfit, at another club we always rode the Boxing Day 10 mile tt in fancy dress, where as this club did not.

 

[jay clock]

in NZ I did a day ride out of Rotorua in summer kit with nothing spare. A gentle steady uphill for about 20k in 19 degrees so pleasantly warm, looked round the thermal springs when a storm brewed up. Had to cycle back in 16 degrees and torrential rain, downhill the whole way. Not pleasant

 

[Moodyman]

I have a long commute with plenty of hills and this time of year is the worst to get right. Some days I'm over-dressed and others I'm severely under. Got caught out last week where my hands were in agony and my core shivering after a long descent.

 

[uclown2002]

There should a word for that smug feeling of satisfaction, 20 minutes in to a ride when you know you've nailed the clothing.

 

[cyberknight]

I have a long commute with plenty of hills and this time of year is the worst to get right. Some days I'm over-dressed and others I'm severely under. Got caught out last week where my hands were in agony and my core shivering after a long descent.

bit of paper up the jersey for the descent like the pros , or i carry a windproof all the time in the panneirs just in case.

 

[park1]

Not so much a clothing issue, but last autumn left Plymouth in bright sunshine, got up to Dartmoor and it was thick fog - no lights and I was wearing a light grey jacket. I spent a good few miles ready to dive to the curb at the sound of any cars!

 

[Jon George]

There should a word for that smug feeling of satisfaction, 20 minutes in to a ride when you know you've nailed the clothing.

Yvesstlaurentism?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

May three/four years ago. Long weekend in the Scottish Highlands. Three days of what felt like being hosed down the whole time.

I don't think they make really waterproof cycle clothing that can take a long day of hammering rain. But I had so many layers on I never got cold so it was all good, and each b&b had a either a proper drying room or at least and Aga so I started out warm and dry each day.

One day too many years ago, on a Polaris in what was meant to be Spring but felt like the depths of winter. One very long descent. Got to the bottom and couldn't brake my hands were so cold. Mitts. Then I found I couldn't pedal either as my legs had seized up. Shorts.