Gear for a three-day tour

[bismarckgimpy]

Hi,

I've never posted a post before, so here goes. I'm looking to do a three-day tour in North Dakota in June. My first tour. I am on a budget. I just got a Surly LHT, so I got a good bike. I know cycling shorts are a must, and I've got those. The morning temps will be in the 40-50 degree range. I'm wondering if I in the morning if I start out with some adidas nylon sweats over my shorts if the wind resistance is going to slow me down too much, compared to tights. I'm going to purchase a couple of polyester tops for baselayers and maybe a jersey. I do have a nylon stearns rain coat that I can layer underneath. Thanks for your input.

[John Nelson]

Everyone has different preferences, but if the day started cold and I knew it was going to warm up later, I might just decide to be cold for the first hour or so. If I did need to keep my legs warm, I'd take a pair of knee warmers, which work perfectly, weigh very little, pack very small, don't cost much, and are easily removed (some people can even remove them without stopping).

[staehpj1]

Everyone's tolerance of the cold is different, but here is what has worked for me...

The temps you mention sound like the temps I had on my Spring tour when starting in the early darkness.  I started in shorts and a short sleeved jersey with a wind breaker over it.  As the day warmed up I took off the windbreaker.  That was fine for me.  My legs might have been slightly chilly when starting but quickly warmed up.  The coldest mornings were 40 (F) or so.

If I wanted a bit more warmth I'd probably use either thin tights or leg warmers (maybe 40 to the mid 30s).

If it was substantially colder (lower 30s?) I have some tights that are slightly brushed inside.  They are substantially warmer.

If it were really cold I have some tights that are windproof in the front they are good in bitter cold weather (0 and single digits), but I'd probably never take them on tour.

Generally I would guess what the temps would be and the the one of the three that seemed to make sense.  Worst case I'd wear the rain pants or have something mailed from home.  That hasn't happened yet though.

I carry light weight rain pants but have never worn them while riding.  It is nice to be able to be dry in camp in the evening though.

On the thin tights vs leg warmers issue... 
Leg warmers are easy to take off as it warms up and lighter. 

On the other hand tights were nice to wear under my zip off leg pants in camp on cold evenings. 

Wearing bike shorts all the time is not acceptable to me I need a break from them in the evening.

[bismarckgimpy]

Thank you for your suggestions. I've gone for two short rides with my Surly. It's been in the twenties. I stay warm, but I am overdressed. I may need to try the leg warmers.

[indyfabz]

I crossed ND when doing the Northern Tier route and did CANDISC in '06.  Since there are only 6 trees in the entire state    and the sun always seems to shine in the morning, a good pair of black arm and leg warmers seems like it would be enough, especially if you are working hard into those infamous ND winds.

Your handle suggests you are based in Bismarck.  Is that correct?  What route do you have planned?  I stayed at the Ramkota before and after CANDISC, and the event spent the night there after riding in from Strasburg which, as I am sure you know, is the home town of Lawrence Welk.  Got a tour of his preserved homestead from a niece of his and saw the bed where he was born.  I love ND.

[bismarckgimpy]

You are right, I am based in Bismarck. I am looking to do the Bike the Border tour in June. For my first tour, I thought I would try a supported one and a short one.  The route goes through Crosby and other surrounding towns in ND. CANDISC looks like a great one to try too. Regarding the trees, we do have some small forested areas scattered throughout the state.  Glad your visit was a good one. I'll pass the comment on to my husband who works with the state tourism agency. Thanks for your help.

[bismarckgimpy]

I went to the bike shop and got some gear. My bill came to $157. That's not bad for a pair of leg warmers, arm warmers, cycling shorts (decided to get an extra pair), light and two bottle cages. The items were about 15 to 35 percent off.

[bogiesan]

I went to the bike shop and got some gear. My bill came to $157. That's not bad for a pair of leg warmers, arm warmers, cycling shorts (decided to get an extra pair), light and two bottle cages. The items were about 15 to 35 percent off.

Cool, power shopping is a blast.
REI member? The Outlet is a great source of bike gear.
A 3-day, self-supported trip is a great challenge, hope you enjoy yourself. Drop back by and start a new thread, tell us how you made out and what you learned.

david boise ID