by Kelly Parsons                                                                       

We've had a lot of dry (albeit cold) weekends this year, but now it's spring and we're due for rain. Even though we've had some teaser warm temps, it's likely that  we'll see rain, drizzle, and maybe even some snow and slush in the next few weeks. I'm totally sick of riding the trainer in the basement, so I'll be out there getting wet, getting in quality miles. Riding in the wet isn't as pleasant as riding in the sunshine, but it doesn't have to be total misery.

A good rain jacket is essential and so are fenders. Some riders object to fenders for aesthetic reasons, but how aesthetically pleasing is it to have a big, brown mud stain running up the back of your bibshorts? More importantly riding with fenders is a courtesy to your training partners when in a paceline. If you show up for a training ride with some high level racers on a wet day without fenders,you will definitely get some comments and you won't feel very welcome.

I'm currently using SKS  (available at all of our sponsoring local bike shops) brand fenders that are held on by little rubber straps. They literally take one minute to install. Another option is Crud fenders (sold at Brumble Bikes). These have a very elegant design and practically disappear on the bike. I saw both types in action in the 123 field at Bethel last week and they weren't slowing the riders down any, either. The absolute best thing about riding in the wet with fenders is that it looks and feels so hardcore Belgian.
    
On a totally unrelated note, I'd like to pass on a little tip to our masters racers who have become a little far-sighted and have a problem seeing the bike computer: boomersintheknow.com. This site offers sunglasses with little reading inserts at the bottom of the lens. Cheap,too; about $20. I absolutely need these bad boys to time my intervals.I don't want to suffer for one second longer than necessary. They are also helpful when fixing a flat on the side of the road. Hmm, maybe they would have helped at GMSR last year.