A Fun Weekend Ahead: Rain or Shine
We are getting some questions about how we manage weather at the 2017 Tour. Rest assured after 30 years, we are well versed in dealing with all kinds of weather.
Bike Virginia is a rain or shine event. This weekend we will be ready for fun, rain or shine.
Forecast
Today the forecast for the weekend June 23-25, 2017 says we will have a mix of rain, clouds, and sunshine. Virginia weather changes quickly and this kind of forecast is not unusual for this time of year. Any given day we can have rain or storms.
National Weather Service indicates that we have a chance of showers Friday and Saturday with the possibility of Thunderstorms. Rainfall totals look light so beyond the rain within a thunderstorm, the rain should not be widespread or heavy.
Storm Shelter at Headquarters:
At all times you have access to your car. Your car is your primary storm shelter.
At Buena Vista there are 3 large picnic pavilions for escaping the rain. At Staunton we have access to a large building for secondary storm shelter.
Please note that the open air pavilions and tents are not considered safe in lightening. You car is the safer option.
Storm Shelter on the Road:
In the event of a thunderstorm while riding, seek shelter in a building with plumbing and electrical service. Ask a friendly neighbor or business to go inside. In the event you are caught out in an area with no potential coverage, follow these tips on what to do to stay safe LIGHTNING SAFETY
Rain Tips:
- Bring an EZ Up canopy for extra rain coverage. Make sure to tie this down with stakes or sandbags. Lower and pack down your canopy when you are away from camp. Sudden wind quickly destroys canopies and they can become dangerous flying objects.
- Tie down your tent extra well.
- Place a tarp below your tent for extra water protection.
- Bring a rain jacket/poncho, umbrella, and shoes that work in wet conditions. Flip-flops are famous for throwing water and mud up the back of legs!
- Watch out for flooding. Flash flooding can occur in mountainous areas. If water is across the road, do not cross it. The depth can be deceptive and can have strong currents.
- In the event of flooding we will attempt to reroute riders, however, your safety is in your hands. Do not risk crossing floodwaters, stay on high ground and return the way you came if the route is safe.
- If you need SAG support, please be patient. We will have a lot of cyclists on the route and work steadily to make sure everyone is taken care of.
- Ride with caution. Rain means that it takes more time to slow down. Brakes work less effectively. Roadways can become slippery from oils. Debris can be washed into the road. Visibility can worsen. Wearing bright colors and lights can improve your visibility to others.
- Rain can cause you to become cold. Hypothermia is a risk even in the summer. Stay dry if you can, and watch for signs of being cold, even being mildly cold for long periods of time can lead to hypothermia. Read More about Summer Hypothermia Safety here.
- Riding in the rain can still be enjoyable put a new spin on the experience. Just take your time and be prepared with gear to stay dry, warm, and comfortable.
- Be patient. Rain and thunderstorms can come and go quickly in the region. This means what looks dismal can quickly turn into a sunny and pleasant. Take your time and wait to see what mother nature holds.
- Set a phone APP with alerts. Check out the STORM app by Weather Underground or others that have weather notifications. You can be alerted when bad weather approaches your location.
Checking In:
Check-in/Registration is business as usual for rain, we are housed under a large picnic shelter. Registration will be closed during thunder storms and reopen when safe for our staff and volunteers.
If you delay your arrival until Saturday, please expect longer lines at registration. We will make every effort possible to shift volunteers to the Saturday morning check-in time if needed (6-9am) however we are more fully staffed on Friday as this is our standard check-in day.
Updates
Catch up on the latest information on our Blog and updated Activity Schedule
Routes
GPS Files are ready to download. Visit the Routes Page, scroll to the bottom.