Hi All -
I’m a long-time Madison local, and for those of you obsessing about the weather, I thought I’d share a local secret -
The best local weather forecast comes from Channel 27. Bookmark this link (scroll down for 7-day forecast):
http://wkow.madison.com/Weather/index.php
(I’m looking out at Lake Monona right now, it is 55 degress, calm, sunny, and beautiful. And of course there are swimmers out there on the swim course. If only the race was this weekend!)
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
EVERY triathlete traveling to an IM race in North America should pack along the following:
For some bizarre reasion, triathletes have a tendancy to under-dress for cycling. Not sure why that is, but it’s a trend I have noticed.
You may need none of the above, but then again you may need all of it.
Dreamer – Thanks
Of all the things on your list, I only own the change of clothing for the run.
Classic. That one says sunny with a high of 83.
weather.com says partly cloudy with a high of 74.
I’m betting we get sunny and 88.
Of all the things on your list, I only own the change of clothing for the run.
I guess you were that guy on the side of the road that I stopped to help last year on the bike at IMWISCO. He was so hypothermic even after just a couple of minutes on the side of the road trying to change a flat, that he was shaking so badly that he could not even get the tire off the rim! His day was done right there - and all because he did not have the proper apparel for the conditions.
I am praying for 88!
!@#!$!$!@# you! 
I find that the best weather forcast at www.wunderground.com and then click on the link for “scientific forecaster discussion.” At least in my area (Michigan) you get several paragraphs written by the guy from the NWS who prepared the forecast discussing the various computer models and how he arrived at the forecast. It is very interesting how many times the forecast says “sunny and 80” but the forecaster discussion says something which can be paraphrased as “it could be rainy or sunny in the mid morning, Model X says rainy and 65, Models Y and Z says sunny and 80. I have a gut feeling that its going to rain but since 2 out of 3 computer models say sun, I’m going with sun in the forecast but really its a coin flip.” Other times, there is no debate at all about what the weather is going to be.
At least this discussion gives you some insight into how confident they are in the forecast and what the possible variations from the forecast may be.
Ha! #@!#@%#^% to you to! 
Here’s what the “scientific forecast discussion” says for Madison:
“Long term…Monday through Wednesday
weakening trough/cold front to limp through the area on Monday.
Forcing for ascent weak…however models do indicate modest low
level Theta-E advection and weak cape developing by afternoon. Will
keep slight chance of thunderstorms /20%/ going far north…however would
not be surprised if conditions stay dry. Quite of bit of uncertainty
further in the extended as various medium range models struggling
with overall amplitude/timing of next trough to affect area midweek.
Trend of the 31/00z runs was to Delaware-amplify trough and slow
progression. Will not make any major changes to extended at this time.” (emphasis added)
Basically, they don’t know yet what the heck the weather is going to be next weekend.
That guy trying to change his tire sounds soft. Hopefully you gave him an earful about poor preparation.
To be honest I am not much of a gadget person. Some people like to buy a bunch of extra gear to tote around. I feel confident I have everything I am going to need to get the job done! For me 50 degrees is just not enough to worry about one way or the other.
You would be very wise to listen to Fleck. Proper clothes aren’t “gadgets” but merely signs of a brain.
Conditions last year at MOO were slightly above freezing, with COLD rain - it wasn’t just “slightly cool” or “50’s.” It was a serious situation for many of the racers. Many, many underdressed triathletes were soaked to the bone in skimpy outfits, praying for garbage bags (or anything) to keep them.
That guy trying to change his tire sounds soft.
Not soft - just unprepared when it comes to apparel. A $50 wind/rain vest could have been the difference.
Again, I am amazed generally, at the lack of apparel that some triathletes have particularly for cycling in cool and wet weather. Take a tip/lead from the pro-roadies. When it is below 20C/70F, they have arm warmers and knee/leg warmers on all the time. Yet you will see many/most triathletes riding around nearly naked in conditions like this!!
AHHHH what if you live in San Diego and it never gets below 70? But I do have a waterproof cycling jacket, arm warmers and pearl izumi pants that I used down in Australia. Now I think i just need some full fingered gloves and Ill be good to go?