Predictions for tomorrow’s weather are changing hourly, but the current forecast is for some heavy rain and there’s also a possibility of thunderstorms in London and Essex from early on Sunday morning. It’s expected to be warm (maximum of 19C), so please come prepared for every type of weather.
Please follow the advice below to ensure you and your bike are prepared to ride safely in wet conditions.
Clothing
Please wear appropriate clothing to keep as warm and dry as possible at the Start and during the ride. Wear (or carry) a waterproof jacket to keep warm as you’re more likely to feel the cold in wet weather. If you own them, wearing overshoes will keep your feet warm and dry.
Carry any valuables, such as your mobile phone, in a waterproof case/bag to keep them dry.
Chain
Make sure your chain is well lubricated, ideally with wet weather lube.
Braking
Don’t ride too close to other participants – give them more space than you would normally. If you have a spare set of brake pads, please fit them.
Tyres
Ensure your bike has new tyres with little wear, and that they’re inflated to the correct psi – 15 to 20psi lower than the summer maximum will increase traction. Carry extra inner tubes as you are more likely to puncture in wet weather due to debris on the road.
Mudguards
If you have them, fit them – others (and your rear!) will appreciate it.
General Riding
Take extra care when approaching corners by braking before you arrive at the corner, not as you’re going around it. Avoid painted lines on the road and drain covers, which could be slippery. You should also keep an eye out for oily patches on the road so you can avoid them.
Descending
Take the downhills more slowly than you would usually to ensure you can see where you’re going if the visibility is poor. Stay a sensible distance from other participants.
Nutrition and hydration
Even if you are wet on the outside, it’s still important to remain hydrated on the inside, so make sure you drink regularly. You’re likely to eat less when it’s cold, so you should also try to stick to your nutrition plan and aim to eat at regular intervals.
Finally, should there be a thunderstorm, these tend to produce very localised conditions and might mean some heavy rain and standing water or gusty winds and lightning. You may have ridden in these conditions before and be used to the unpredictable British weather.
If you’re caught in a thunderstorm tomorrow, make sure you keep cycling – don’t stop to shelter under trees – and take extra care as visibility is likely to be reduced. Look out for areas of standing water too.
Whatever the weather tomorrow, we hope you have a great ride!