[sonofgav]

I’m after some advice on weather gear for tricky climate climbing. In June this year I’ll be doing the Raid Pyrenean.
I cycle mostly in France these days and have tackled a number of Alpine ascents already,
climbing them doesn’t seem to be that much a problem it’s descending where I sometimes get in a pickle.
On occasions on descending from 1600m+ I get the shakes, cold through wind chill and wet through the
sweaty ascent or rain I begin to freeze and shake and that results in the bike becoming really unstable.

So I was wondering if anyone out there had any tips on finding the right gear for incidents like this.
A fold away jacket which offers good wind protection up top and on a descent but is breathable on the way
up so I don’t get ridiculously sweaty and will also keep me dry, it always rains on Le Tourmalet
apparently. I have a Gore Path Jacket which claims to be all of these but frankly isn’t any of them.

Any advice would be warmly welcome.

Topic

[Colin Peyresourde]

In June you’ll only need arm
In June you’ll only need arm warmers and a gilet. If the weather is bad full fingered gloves and a waterproof/wind proof jacket. Anything else and you’re carrying too much – you just have to tough it out…..newspaper down the front is how it used to be done.

[miro_o]

If it’s cold and/wet
If it’s cold and/wet throughout the ride I’d use something like a Gabba (or water repellent arm warmers and a gilet). Otherwise just regular gear. Mitts and overshoes/toe-thingies if you like.

At the top I’d put on some long fingered gloves and a pack-down racecape style jacket. It’ll keep some wind and wet off. Stick these back in your jersey pockets for the next climb.

[sonofgav]

thanks, looks like a very
thanks, looks like a very good suggestion if the zero availability is anything to go by.

[rjfrussell]

For a combination of wind and
For a combination of wind and water resistance and high breathability, I think the Sportful Fiandre Light WindStopper Jacket is fantastic.

[Author]

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