[aigel]

You cannot get wet, I mean, your clothing or skin can't. You bet it wasn't just your head and face that did you in.

My biking raingear is from a company called "showers pass" - they are based out of Portland, so you know they know rain! I have their heavy duty jacket and pants, both in orange. Their booties that go over my shoes. For gloves I have not been happy with the ones I tried and believe it or not, I have gone to fairly thin gloves with extra large vinyl gloves over them. I also have a helmet cover from an off brand company. So, with all that, my only exposed area is my face. The helmet cover over a MTB helmet keeps rain out of my neck fine. Also, I agree on using a skull cap, I use the pearl itsumi and they do a good job wicking away sweat while keeping you warm.

When I did the death ride in 2018 I bought a big under saddle bag and brought my showers pass jacket. It saved me from hyperthermia when we were hosed down by an ice cold rain shower on Ebbets pass. I was able to continue to ride and make up valuable time.

At any rate, don't skimp on raingear, the stuff I recommend is pricey, you'll be out 600 bucks by the time you are done, but what's your health worth to you?

G