4 Ways Weather Can Ruin Your Bicycle Tour (and how to make sure it doesn't ruin yours)

[@TorstenLif]

I don't hate riding in rain. I obviously don't love it but mostly I can find my "groove" and slog it out. But what can REALLY get my goat is breaking camp in a downpour! Trying to pack all my gear inside the tent, roll up the mattress, shove the sleeping bag into its bag, all that is so much easier when you can be outside. And of course, packing the tent itself! Rolling it up all wet and getting wetter. Soggy and miserable. I try to wait for a break between the showers but sometimes it just seems to never let up. Those are the days when you just want to go back to sleep. Nowadays, my single mantra is "no schedule"! Don't let yourself get tied down to having to keep going despite miserable weather or mechanical issues. Take a rest day. Or two! Fixed return flight dates are the worst! Either spend the extra money on a rebookable ticket for the return journey, or leave ample time (several days at minimum) at the end as a buffer. The stress of having a deadline to meet despite any troubles you may encounter with weather, mechanical issues or similar, is a total mood-killer. Besides, maybe you just want to see more of some absolutely delightful place, stay longer with those newfound friends?

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You got it. We will be riding in Europe this summer, with any luck, and the plan is to leave the return flight open. Live and learn. In America we do a mix of camping and hotel/guest houses, but in Europe we're so charmed by the towns that we tend to stick with hotels. And yes, timing your stays, and your rest days, for the weather seems like the best way to go!

[@TorstenLif]

@@TheBicycleTourists As a single cyclist, I find that hotels often charge almost as much for a single room as for a double.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, they do. Solo travelers are always at a financial disadvantage.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, they do. Single travelers are always at a financial disadvantage.

[@frankducett9]

OK Roland, I have been a serious cyclist since 1972. I have ridden all over Florida, Texas and parts of Arizona. Now I find myself living in Indiana and was struggling with the weather. Until now. You have saved my cycling with this video. Your insight is very valuable and greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you two do. Frank

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Wow! Thanks! I'm sure you've ridden in some of the most intense weather in those places. Sounds like Indiana can be challenging. Wouldn't be the long gray cold winters would it?

[@howardmoore-ok6yh]

I think a big part of the negative impact of a headwind is the tendency to resent it, as somehow unfair. Taking a deep breath, and accepting that you will just go much slower, and that it is not unfair but just part of the way things are, goes a long way towards improving the day. It's also worth noting that because of the non-linear way that wind resistance works, you don't get a satisfying increase in speed for any increase in effort, so it's probably a good idea to not try to overpower the wind, because most likely, you won't.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Right. It's a bit like hills. One of the friends we met on our journeys called wind "midwest mountains" and its true, it can really be a grind but when you just stop mashing and spin a bit more, and accept the time it takes, it all works much better. Attitude!

[@davejohn5876]

Every day is a good day for a bike ride. Some are just better than others!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, so true. Sometimes you really don't want to get out there, but once you do, everything is good!

[@georgemacheel2039]

Like you, we leave early on hot days and try to stop near shade and water before 11:30 am. We either check in for the day or plan to move on to our planned destination late in the day. Heavy shade and a continually wet towel around your neck will get you through the hot hours. If you check into a campsite, be sure to choose a site that will provide shade for the rest of the day. Immerse yourself in water if you can or otherwise sponge your face and limbs. Collapsible jugs will keep you in water. Some communities have a center (usually a public library) where you can shelter. You can also chill out at a laundromat.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

All great info! Its amazing what a help a bit of water is for keeping you cool.

[@pedalingpete626]

The right cape/poncho so easily beats the rain, a "Perfect" neck towel so easily beats the heat, and a good pair of ear buds so easily beats the wind, that I hate to suggest them for fear I won't get my needed dose of Schadenfreude. That said...fantastic video editing as usual. You really have a way of presenting with total professionalism.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ha! Well, thank you! I've never thought of ear buds. I never wear them but I might just to keep the noise out of my ears!

[@markfeldman6509]

Absolutely great advice on all counts. Your channel is a treasure of super advice, beautiful scenery , and enjoying life as it comes at you. I ride New England until mid December …..mostly Cape Cod trails and then spend four months riding in Florida. I’ve seen it all from bitter cold, heavy wind, rain ,heat and it’s all manageable. We are blessed with the availability of incredible riding clothing , riding equipment and information. As far as cold…. We ride when it’s under 20 degrees and it’s no problem with compression fleece lined undergarments and fleeced lined water proof wind proof clothing. Throw in high quality gloves, warm socks and a balaclava and cold is forgotten after five minutes. Heat is easy. …lightweight clothing like the Lycra suits, Gatorade zero or orange juice and power bars and some salty snacks. Rain stinks but it’s no problem when it’s over 55-60. Horrendous when in the 40’s. Wind is a big challenge here in coastal New England but we have local weather apps that are incredible …one in particular put out by Massachusetts Maritime Academy that is free on KZbin and keeps one advised to wind and every other factor. It even has underwater cameras to show where the schools of fish are in the Cape Cod Canal! We check every morning before our ride…there are 6 -7 of us…all in our 60’s and 70’s who ride daily and we always chose to ride the opening leg into the wind so we can cruise on the return! One bit of advice…….i ride a recumbent racing Catrike 700 or the touring 559…./recumbents keep you way under the wind and are more stable on wet surfaces and safer as one gets older. The only downside is that on wet days your butt will get pretty wet as you are only 4-6 inches off the ground. Thanks so much for sharing your insights and experiences. They are truly appreciated. Come visit here on the Cape.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you, and also thanks for all the great info. It's good to have a posse, when you ride by yourself it's too easy to say it's too cold, or too windy. I have always wanted to visit the Cape, we strongly considered it as an end point on our cross country ride for obvious reasons, but still haven't made it. We'll look you up when we do!

[@claudemarie9136]

Salut Roland! “as our friend C....” Wow ! That is ever so kind of you... Where’s that bushing smiley, Oh, here is... 😊 Speaking about being kind and kindness.... RAIN. That YT thingie algorithm must have picked up that I had an interest in anything and everything related to cycling... Watching YT Shorts, à few weeks ago, it suggested a video uploaded by some young people living the so-called “Vanlife” (I believe they’re German) who saw a old cyclist, shivering, cold, drenched, somewhere in the Alps and spontaneously stopped and offered him a ride, down in the valley, in their van. One cannot obviously bet on other people kindness, the odds are far too high, yet, there’s a profusion of testimonies, journals, out there hosted by the World Wide Web of drenched cyclists who, without asking, found themselves, unexpectedly, by a fireplace, in a cosy RV, draught-proof dry barn (draft in US English, I believe?) or anywhere else warm and sheltered from the elements. Wherever you are cycling, it rains, you’re wet and cold, if anybody asks you : “Are you OK ?” don’t try to be a smart *ss (leave the art of understatement to the Brits), just tell it as it is : “No, We aren’t “that” OK”. Something which is just the plain truth ! You ain’t OK. If you had access to a sheltered place, preferably warm and dry, you’d stop without a hint of an hesitation and either (having checked that weather App) waited out that shower or, if there’s no chance that this rain will stop, at least, for a little while, warm a bit those numb fingers, eat something packed with calories that’ll warm you up, put on dry clothes (if you have spare) even if they won’t stay dry very long. .... and if somebody says to you, “You, just, cannot keep on riding your bicycle to your destination, visibility is too limited, it’s far too dangerous”, and offers you a ride, swallow any [ill placed] sense of pride, and do not stubbornly turn down the offer. Done with Rain !

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes! absolutely! One thing we learned going across the US: There ain't no shame in asking for help. In fact, giving people the chance to do a good deed you are now making two people's day: the taker and the giver.

[@lindahowes5949]

Great tips, especially about keeping a positive attitude! 💜

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's really number 1.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's really number 1.

[@dongeorge714]

Thank you for another great video on cycling. Good advice as we're heading into a new cycling season here in the Northeast.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I hope you all have a great season! Spring is early here in Colorado, and I'm getting excited to ride!

[@gmaneis]

You really know how to make videos! This one, like all your others, is well planned, packed with great info, and edited perfectly. Thanks for the great advice!🙂

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Ah, well thank you so much for the kind words!

[@Rino-bicycle]

Good advices, nice philosophy

[@TheBicycleTourists]

thank you!

[@tonyorme6446]

Another great video…thanks for the tips!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thanks Tony!

[@TheJournier]

Thank you! Very useful tips and presented in an attention keeping way. I agree the most important thing is to have a good attitude. I've always noticed that about your videos. It's the best thing about your channel!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Glad to hear it! Of course, when things get really rough we're usually not filming, so that may skew the final product a bit!

[@TheJournier]

@@TheBicycleTourists I appreciate the honesty. :)

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Just don't tell anyone.

[@tykematlack7588]

OMg we love your videos and watch most of them!! I love your background music, your appreciation for everything, your lovely voice and vocabulary and your love for each other. My husband and I are older than you guys and have e-bikes and ride as often as we can, but we love vicariously watching you guys, across the country and across Europe! Keep up these wonderful and inspiring videos, we sure love you!! We live outside St. Louis Mo and enjoy the KATY trail and many others around the US. Much love, Tyke and Fred

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well thank you so much for that, Tyke! We loved the KATY. So hot when we went through your neck of the woods, but so lovely. Your comment made our day!

[@dennispiciullo8060]

Thank you, Roland!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

You're so welcome Dennis!

[@peterboylan6586]

Loved this. Good practical advice and great mental attitude. Every time I watch one of your videos I want to hop on my bike. Thanks for putting these out.

[@allisonfrederickharteis7525]

Me too!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, that's what its all about! Thanks for the kind words!

[@AdamTravelsTheWorld]

I hope I can find a partner to travel with. Love this video!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I hope so too! I count myself very lucky.

[@backyardrailroader]

A good Friday to you two. A previewing statement here. Although I am not going on a hrand tour like you two, I am spending four days riding my bike on selected trails. I have two extra days to shift my plans in case something does not work out.

[@backyardrailroader]

The week that I am going biking is also the weekend that there is a 4 day Tango Festival happening. I tell people that I will be there only one day, and inform them what I am doing. The people are harsh about it but ask why I chose biking over dancing. I tell them this answer.... Because I am outdoors.....

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I'm hoping for a few of those short trips ourselves this summer. If I had the skills to dance the Tango maybe I'd try to plan for that, but I don't have the skills!

[@backyardrailroader]

I just completed a 34 mile bike expedition from just north of Morrisville PA to Somerset NJ zugzagging over the Delaware River on the Delaware and Lackawanna Canal Trail and the Delaware and Raritan Trail. The D&L has several locations where the trail was closed due to washout. Got around them, but still.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I once spent a weekend in Lumberville PA and have wanted to ride that trail ever since. It's a really nice area!

[@Oslohiker]

I have a different strategy for wet weather. Here in Norway it is "always" raining and wet weather, or at least it happens a lot. I wear merino wool for oder control. If it rains (or it gets cold) I put on a meshed merino wool layer or more next to the skin. You will get try or dryish, or at least have a dryish feeling. On hands and over the shoes I put on neoprene. They stay wet, but warm. Just be sure to dry out your body before night time, to not get "trench foot". This works extremely well, although it will take a little time to get used to it (especially to put on the (semi)wet stuff in the morning. There are strategies to get the stuff as dry as possible during the night).

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Well, it's a good point that camping in the rain is a whole other issue, and I have great respect for those who rough it. Merino is absolutely amazing!

[@Oslohiker]

@@TheBicycleTourists It's the meshed type that's the key.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I will look for that.

[@Oslohiker]

@@TheBicycleTourists There is a Norwegian brand called Brynje that they sell in the US too. I tried to put in a link but it got removed. They also have a polypropylene version. This stuff is what I mainly use (year round).

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Looks like a great brand. Currently using Smartwool, but when I need a new layer I will definetely check this out!

[@kenmcclow8963]

I haven’t figured out rain yet, but I mostly ride in Teva sandals which are more enclosed than most things called sandals, but don’t give me the soggy feet feeling either and have a stiff enough sole for pedaling. I mostly ride a trike so I’m down low although wind still slows me down, the side winds aren’t as bad. I could add a fairing to keep my legs warm and dry in cool, or wet, but then it would be miserable in warm or hot weather. The only problem with trikes is sometimes doors are not wide enough and you have to take everything off and turn it on its side to get through. I haven’t figured out pants yet, so the best I’ve found is quick drying shorts and underwear.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I envy those who are comfortable in sandals. Definitely a plus for those who can do it. For riding pants I like knee warmers, keep the heat in (if its a cold rain) and dry quickly.

[@claudemarie9136]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIa5ZYt3pLtrpNU&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fbikepacking.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

[@claudemarie9136]

You might like to check, courtesy of Crust Bikes YT channel “ DIY Flip-flop pedals how to”. Young American cyclists creativity never ceases to amaze, starting with this guy’s name “Goat”. Paraphrasing Mark Twain, Nobody told him that it wouldn’t work, so he did it (and it worked , at least for him). Bikepacking døt cøm, December 6, 2023 has the story of these Flip-Flop pedals DIY.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's quite the system. I just want to know how they were able to use the them from "Amelie" in the intro without copyright issues...

[@jttierney1]

Nice job on the video

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Thank you!

[@petesig93]

Let me guess: heat, pouring rain, freezing cold, and gale-force headwinds? Heat is really the hardest. When the temperature is sitting at 37C or more in the shade for many hours of the day the only thing to do really is to ride early in the cool hours and have a big siesta in the heat; preferably in an air-conditioned pub. Torrential rain also bad news, from both a comfort and a road safety perspective. Use excellent rain-gear, run your lights, choose low-traffic roads, and find shelter as soon a s you can. Headwinds. Just grin and bear it. Grind on, patience is required. Do NOT try to fight the wind, just persevere. I once had the experience of almost 1,000 km with headwinds almost every day, and strong often enough. We got there, it just took a little longer than planned. Some days were only 50 km, but really had to be that way as the towns and facilities were at that sort of spacing. Freezing cold. Again, harsh, but there is no real problem where I live (we do mot have extreme snow & ice). Just put on more clothing, and especially protect your hands and head.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

One of the finest things about bike touring is the need to be on your toes, to be able to constantly adjust your plan. I love the unpredictability!

[@dondonner1095]

Thanks

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Back atcha!

[@ellenbesase1136]

Just found your videos, doing our first bike tour this summer. Interesed in the clothing Julianna uses on and off the bike? Thanks!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

That's a pretty broad question. Anything specific?

[@claudemarie9136]

WIND (Probably not applicable in the US ?). Channel out your inner Boatie/Yachtie : Tack. Given the choice between cycling from A to B, distance 100km, in a straight line against relentless headwinds, you are more often than not better off, tacking. Cycling from A to C against a side wind blowing one side of your bicycle, then from C to your final destination B with a side wind blowing on the other side of your bike. Obviously, km wise, it’s longer, say 150km, instead of 100km, still you might arrive sooner and far less tired. Likewise, study the landscape, Google Earth and a topographical map are very useful tools (that green patch on the topo map is very likely a forest, that’ll offer you some wind protection). Chose your route, accordingly. Given the choice between Flat vs Hilly upon deciding on a route, riding against the wind, is a no brainer, hilly anytime ! Whilst climbing you are protected from the wind, that hill (even better if forested) is a massive wind breaker that’ll protect you, almost to its top. Going downhill, on the other side, the headwind will slow you down, saving your brake pads. Win-win. Ditto, that serpentine road, nested inside a valley, vs that straight as an arrow road cutting across a desolated plateau. Again, the longer option isn’t always the slowest one. Windy is a surprisingly accurate App i.e. wind direction, zooming in, it gives an indication of the wind direction at an almost molecular level. There is also, riding in the vicinity of the sea, a “Coastal effect” which you can use at your advantage. Night riding i.e. wind (and heat) is another conversation which I’ll save for later.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

This is all spot on. Choosing your route involves a multitude of factors. Pick your strategy and live with the consequences. Sometimes there's nothing else to do but bear down and suffer through it.

[@claudemarie9136]

Unless this is a something you are familiar with, but not everybody might be, let me, Please, elaborate i.e. that “Coastal effect”. For your US followers, let put that [european ?] Coastal Effect in a US context. I figured out that the Great Lakes were such huge bodies of water that there could be there a “coastal effect” and unsurprisingly, there is, albeit called : - Lake Breezes effect and - Lake Breeze direction. The later is more complex than what we observe in Europe. The Lake Breezes effect is exactly the same driven by the same dynamics. Googling with the following syntax [ Daily wind direction patterns and Great Lakes] landed me at “the great lakes scuttlebutt” magazine website which provides a crystal clear explanation. (I was a bit afraid of that mysterious cuttlethingie word (unknown to me), I have learnt it originates from the US Navy). As it happens, I am a lazy cyclist (and not even ashamed of that) who rides with legs *and* brains. If I were to cycle one day (one might dream) the Great Lakes area, why should I ride into a headwind, all afternoon, if I know, that’s fact, that said headwind will, that’s a certainty**, die out gradually by the end of the afternoon (mid afternoon, if lucky) until it disappears completely and is possibly replaced by a tailwind (if euro pattern applies) at the beginning of the evening ? Why ride for 4-5 hours solid into a headwind when all you have to do is, wait it out ?? ** certainty, unless a stronger weather system, overhanging metaphorically over a weaker local and localized weather pattern overtakes it. Per Coastal Effect )or Lake Breezes effect they are exactly the same) no effect cyclists can take advantage of by the Mediterranean Sea shores when the Mistral blows, the weather system driving it is too strong and negates the weaker Coastal Effect.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I was riding yesterday in the spring winds. Noticed a significant increase in wind even next to a smaller reservoir. I think it has to do with water temperatures affecting air temperatures, creating a localized convection with the earth-affected temperatures.

[@claudemarie9136]

Absolutely, you are correct. Over-simplified (the Great Lakes “lake-breeze effect” appears to be a tad more complex) : - Water heats at a slower rate than land, during the day. - Cooler lake brings sinking cold air and create a High-pressure. - Air raises above land and creates a Low-pressure. Since Air flows from High pressure to Low pressure, it creates a wind. Simply worded, if you were pedaling towards that lake, in the morning, you had very likely a headwind. If you are extremely unfortunate, you can have a headwind on your way back, as this phenomenon can alternate during the day. At some point, during the day, temperatures over a body of water and land can even out = no wind.

[@claudemarie9136]

HEAT. You watch is lying to you ! That’s not because it reads 12:00 that it’s true. The current Local Time in Denver is 60 minutes ahead of the apparent Solar Local Time (SLT). In Paris, today, Local Time is 111 minutes ahead of SLT. When You and Julianna rode the Loire Valley, the local time was 2h ahead of SLT. Your watch read midday (12), it was only 10:00 (AM) SLT, stopping for a brief lunch break at 13:00 starting riding again at 14:00 had you riding at 12:00 LST when the sun was at its highest elevation/Zenith. No shade and temperatures about to reach their peak, definitely not the time of the day you want to ride your bike in a earth-scorching températures. Forget about the local legal time, as much as you can (shop opening hours, hotels breakfast time ...etc) and set your watch on LST time. The Spaniards are right and always were, in summer start your day early (very early), indulge in a lengthy mid-day break and work long hours, in the evening. Evening, that time of the day when that headwind you fought against, all afternoon, dies out. If you find yourself caught in a heatwave, consider riding at night. Lots of cyclists, IMHO wrongly, are intimidated by the prospect of riding their bikes in the dark, they shouldn’t. For a start, it’s rarely completely dark outside, there’s always some moonlight of sort and your eyesight will adapt. Counterintuitively, I find easier to ride in the back country, away from public lampposts and cars and every other light pollution sources, relying on a moderately powerful front light with a high beam switch. But what about the landscape, the views ? They’re still there, looking different than in broad daylight, all for yourself.

[@TheBicycleTourists]

Yes, we do buy the lie. If we were away from civilization, I think we could use a more natural clock, the sun. But here we are, all caught up in it. I've considered riding at night, but often sleepy when that sun goes down, especially in high summer. But great, out-of-the-box thinking! When my daughter hiked the desert portion of the Pacific Crest, she often hiked early in the morning, like 1:00 (PST). This older body isn't as flexible with sleeping and light and all that.

[@claudemarie9136]

Heat management is very much a cultural thingie. 🇫🇷1911 heatwave killed 40K, mostly toddlers, nearly 100 years later, 2003 heatwave killed 15K mostly “older bodies”. Counterintuitively, it didn’t killed so many people in the South (where culturally people are used to dealing with heat) but mostly in cities in the central part of 🇫🇷 where the above mentioned culture doesn’t exist. I stick to my point, the Spaniards were always right, even if in a globalized world, spanish work shifts are disappearing. People in India aren’t going anywhere, in summer, without their brollies, if we were to do like them when a heatwave strikes, we would be stared at. Yet, they know best than we do, and are the one in the right. I am very usure people like you and I, accustomed to Alpine or Oceanic climates, are qualified i.e. heat management strategies. When in Rome do as the Romans always were my motto.... 😉, Oh, and your body old-ish or otherwise will adapt.... it’s just a question of attitude (Military training taught me that.... the hard way, about sleep deprivation and sleep schedules management). Have a nice day !!

[@TheBicycleTourists]

I DO think that younger bodies do better with acclimation to things like heat, but attitude is huge. It takes time and willingness to expose yourself to a little discomfort.