Rain Advice from the Octopus
Paul Octopus Rozelle is a randoneur, which is a cycling event that makes our 12 hour look like a criterium. Last year, he did Paris – Brest – Paris, which goes from Paris to Brest on the Atlantic coast and then back to Paris. Look at it on the map- it’s 1200km or so. It wasn’t the first time he’s done PBP. He knows how to go far.
Some rain riding tips, in case it does the same thing on race day:
–”Wet” lube. Thick. Heavy. It’ll preserve your drivetrain a little better and you won’t have to listen to your drivetrain chirp when the rain stops.
–If you’re not being competitive, a change of clothes if it looks like it’s gonna stop. Putting fresh, dry stuff on is sweet!
–You’re gonna get more flats. That’s life. Still a day to learn how to change one. Bring patches for when you run out of tubes. And a pump for when you run out of gas.
–Take it easy in the turns. No one ever won a 12-hour event taking the corners all gonzo. Good corning skills in the rain means just staying upright.
–Drink. It’s still hot. And 100% humidity. And you’re sweating, you just don’t notice it as much. If you’re not minding your hydration and electrolytes, you’ll be sorry.
–Fenders. Forget about them. No one rides with them here. If you mind eating someone’s road spray, then go to the front and do all the work. 
–Increase your stopping distance. A lot. Especially if you’re riding this event without brakes. That’s a risky call if it’s dry. Much moreso in the rain.
–Keep a stiff upper lip. Hell, it’s just rain. You won’t melt.
