lilteichmonster wrote:
Let's turn this to something positive and talk about how people are planning on dealing with the potential conditions. I'm interested to hear from anyone racing or not. I rode yesterday and i think it was in the 50s with no sun at all and some very light rain. Gave me an idea of what I'll need to stay warm.
What I know I'm doing/bringing (dependent on weather):
- bought some toe warmers for the bike
- thinking I'll wear my compression socks rather than sleeves to have my foot covered and a little more warmth on the legs
- will have arm warmers, warm headband, and full gloves ready if needed
- will have my cycling vest available
What more can I do?:
- have a few towels in T1 and spend time really drying off
- should I not wear my tri suit under the wetsuit so it's dry? Would it be worse to wear just compression shorts under the wetsuit?
- are neoprene booties, hat too much?
- .....all tips welcome
I did IM Lake Tahoe 2013, the year of the snow. I wore a neoprene cap but didn't have booties so I wore socks. They had heated changing tents and most people stripped out of their wet bathing suits in T1 (bring towels to dry off). I brought a travel mug full of hot tea which helped warm my core in T1. Many people were woefully prepared for the cold on the bike. Riding dry in 40s-50s is different than riding wet or with wet hair after a cold swim! I have long hair which doesn't dry easily so I wore a wool beanie. I wore many layers on the bike which I never took off. I had hand and toe warmers but they didn't work; I think I should have activated them prior to the swim so that they could be exposed to oxygen to heat up. The good thing about this bike course is it is generally uphill out of T1.