You might be praying for clear skies and warm weather, but taking part in any cycling event in the UK means that you need to be prepared for anything. The event goes ahead no matter the weather, so it’s better to come prepared for anything. Whether you’re cycling in a heatwave or a monsoon, you can vastly improve your experience by making sure you have the right gear with you.
In this guide, we’re exploring some of the items you might want to wear and pack to help make your cycle experience as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. We’ll also include some things that you really don’t need to worry about bringing, as this will help you to lighten your load.
Packing for efficiency
We always recommend that cyclists pack light for events like this. Anything you can do to lighten your load will help you to push yourself forward with less effort. Over the course of a full cycling event, this can translate to lots of energy saved.
If possible, load items onto your bike rather than wearing them on your body. This will help to improve airflow and prevent discomfort.
You also don’t have to take water for the full length of the ride. There will be regular water points with bathrooms along the route, so you can refill your water bottle rather than worrying about carrying water for the entire journey.
And finally, you can also leave any heavy repair equipment at home. We’ll also have bike mechanics along the route, so you only have to think about spares for repairs, not the tools to complete the repair.
Dressing for all weather
Choosing the right clothing for the event will be a challenge. Most will wear specialist cycling clothing, including cycling shorts and a cycling vest. Padded shorts are recommended as this can help to make the ride more comfortable.
Choose sweat-wicking fabrics in a tight fit. This will help to keep you cool in hot weather while also keeping out the wind chill if the weather is a little colder than expected for September.
A helmet is required to take part in the race, as large parts will be on open roads. You might also wear a cap under your helmet for comfort. Some people also like to wear a neck gaiter which can help to cover your lower face in the event of strong sun, while also help to keep the chill at bay if you end up cycling in the cold.
To keep the sun away, choose long sleeves and cover any exposed areas with a high factor sunscreen that is also sweat-proof. Reapply at water stops to help avoid sunburn. Remember that the wind might make it seem cooler than it really is, and you don’t want to arrive in Brighton looking like a lobster.
Sunglasses are recommended to deal with glare and direct sun. In the event of rain, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof to keep you somewhat dry. Like with all outdoor activities, it’s a good idea to wear layers which can be added or removed to deal with all weather conditions. These lightweight layers can be packed down into a frame bag to keep them out of the way.
Don’t forget to charge your fitness tracker for the ride, and you might also want to invest in a phone mount for your bike. You won’t need to navigate, as the route is fully signposted, but you may wish to keep your tracking apps open to keep an eye on your progress.
Final thoughts on what to wear and pack
Remember that you could be cycling in any weather, and make sure that you plan accordingly. Choose layers in performance fabrics, and stick for figure-fitting clothing to help prevent drag. Don’t forget sun protection and a light rain layer, just in case!
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