Hack The Hat Prep: Long Distance Riding in the Fall

Hack the Hat is just a few weeks away.  We’re going to be riding for 4 days in late September through southern Ohio.  A quick check online shows a record high of 90 on September 28th and a record low of 32.  Safe to say we have to be ready for just about any situation.  We can probably rule out snow, but other than that, the forecast is wide open.

Preparing for a fall ride is different than riding in beautiful summer weather.  You have to prepare for almost anything.  I’ll share what I’ve found works for me and hopefully it helps you get your gear together for Hack the Hat.  I’ll also include some tips on riding for 4 days and how to make it an enjoyable experience.

Doing laundry in hotels is a bummer, especially if it’s your primary bike wear that needs to be dry for the next day.  So pack at least 2 if not more of the following basics:

• Bike shorts and jerseys (preferably Cycle OverRide jerseys)
• Bike socks
• Bike gloves
• undergarments of choice

If the weather is good, this should hold you for the entire trip.  However, for cold weather, it would be great to have the following:

• Arm warmers – Very versatile.  They can keep your arms warm  for quite a temperature range but can come off quickly if it warms up.  I usually wear mine between about 50 degrees and 65 or so.  Usually sufficient for a cool fall morning.  Performance has these LG arm warmers that are easy to get on and off and quite warm.
• Long fingered gloves – There’s a lot of variety in these.  For fall, nothing too crazy is probably needed.  Just something simple that will keep the wind off your finger tips.
• Windbreaker – Preferably with removable sleeves.  Keeping your core warm can go a long way to keeping all of you warm. On a cool morning, oftentimes a light weight vest is the best option.
•  Jacket – If things get below 50, I will throw on a lightweight jacket.  REI makes the Headwind Jacket… it’s wind resistant on the front and breathable on the back.  I’ve found it comfortable down to freezing (and more with layering) without being too much warmth when the riding gets tough. One warning: this jacket has thumb holes.  While they’re great for keeping the jacket in place, they can tear up gloves a bit as there’s a fair bit of friction right at your palm.
• Pants – Again, below 50 I start thinking about pants.  REI makes a corresponding pair of pants that have served me well.
• Headband – Something light that goes under your helmet and can keep your ears warm. If you’ve got long hair like me, make sure you get one you can jam your ponytail through.
• Booties – Some people’s feet get cold at higher temps than others.  I usually don’t wear thermal booties until below 40 (which I doubt we’ll have).  But if your feet get cold early, you may want a pair.

When things get rainy, it gets even more exciting.  I’m a huge fan of Goretex.  There are a number of waterproof, breathable materials on the market, but time and time again I find myself coming back to things made of Gore.  Gore can be expensive, especially when it’s made appropriately, but well worth it.  Look for fully taped seams and adjustable cuffs/waist/etc so you get a good quality garment with a good fit.  A jacket, pants, and even booties will go a long way to keeping you very dry and comfortable.  Of course, you can go with straight up rain gear.  But it won’t breathe and you may end up drenched in your own sweat completely negating any benefit of keeping the rain off you.

Don’t forget to pack comfortable post-ride clothes.  We’ll probably be done with our rides each day by noon.  Once we get checked in to the hotel and get showered, being comfortable will be the rule of the day.  While we won’t have massages and a private cooks like the Tour riders do, anything you can do to make the rest of the day more relaxing the better you’ll be the following day.  Also, if you use it, don’t forget the chamois butter…

Also,  riding in cool fall weather consumes even more calories than riding in the summer.  Your body has to work harder to stay warm the colder it gets.  On a 70 mile ride, you’ll probably burn 3000-3500 calories.  That means you’ll burn through all your glycogen stores after the first 40 miles.  Eating early and eating often on the ride will help keep you from bonking… and will also make it easier to close the 3k calorie deficit each day.  Nutrition on multi-day rides is a complicated subject.  If you haven’t started crossing the bridge by now, you’ll be in a bit of trouble on the ride.  That said, I’ll have a large supply of Acclerade, Cytomax, Gu, and other gels for those that want to try some or have run out.

I’ll have a full toolset in the SAG vehicle including pumps, lube, cleaner, wrenches, torque wrench, and a small stand.  I’ll also have a spare set of rims with 10 speed Shimano gearing on them.  If your problem can’t be fixed with the tools we have, you’re probably going to need a new bike.

OK, that’s the highlights.  I’m by no means an expert, but I know what works for me and what doesn’t.  If you have questions, ask in the comments. 🙂