TransAm Cold Days Gear

[flounder]

Hi, I'll be touring the TransAm route May 09 (West to East) and I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice on what type of clothes to take for the coldest days (Rockies primarily). I'm concerned about being too cold and not having the appropriate clothes but also about carrying too much stuff. I know I can send them home once I'm done using them but then I'm afraid I'll need 'em later.

I bought a MEC rain jacket but that's not going to keep me warm, that just blocks wind and its waterproof. I've been looking at the Under Armour cold gear but it's kind of pricey although the long sleeve shirts feel pretty good. I can't even think of what kind of pants to wear to keep me flexible and warm at the same time.

What do you guys wear on cold days? Is it breatheable? Would I need it after we pass the Rockies? And I'm assuming that's the coldest part of the route? I haven't even looked that up but I was just assuming that was the case.

Thanks!  

[paddleboy17]

I have never done cold weather touring, but I have done some winter riding.  

I have an old MEC Bernouli Rain Jacket (no longer in production), and I think it is a fabulous multifunctional garment.  Mine is waterproof and windproof, and it has all those zippers to ventilate.

For bottoms, nylon windpants over tights will go far.  Make them waterproof and you have a solution for cold rainy days too.

As for tops, do it in layers, and the layers do not have to be expensive.  I like silk, but synthetics work too (some argue better).

A balaclava is just the ticket for your head.  There are long fingered fleece gloves with seams that do not irritate your hands.  Look at silk, wool, or synthetic socks for your feet and neoprene booties.

 Take no cotton apparel!

I would be more concerned about 40s (F) and rain then 30s (F) and dry.

When I did my continental divide ride (we only did a couple of days), we had temps that ranged from 20F to 80F.  By ride time is was in the 40s.

Danno

[staehpj1]

How early in May?  We started June 11th and didn't have much cold weather, but I think we picked a particularly warm year.  May can be kind of early, places like the McKenzie pass may still be snowed in (you can take Santiam Pass if it is).

The coldest days I was OK in tights and a jersey, sweater, and shell on top.  Some kind of a cap that will fit under your helmet is a good idea.  As is a pair of gloves with long fingers.  We did freeze on the top of one pass, but rode to lower warmer altitude to camp.

I wore lightweight zip off leg pants over tights on cooler evenings in camp.

We didn't need real heavy clothes.  Just layer up the lighter clothes you take and as was already said forget the cotton.

We didn't bother with booties, and I never wore rain pants on the bike (I did in camp).  I took a very lightweight stuffable rain jacket (no hood) and pants, cheap coated nylon ones.  They worked out fine.

I have a list of what we carried in my journal at:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/

This message was edited by staehpj1 on 10-14-08 @ 9:46 AM