As I'm a solo competitor and can count on a kit check, I want to know if an LED rear light will pass for a torch. Graham has hinted that this would be OK in the past, but I don't want to fall foul of the rules, so I need a clear yes or no please.

Also, as I must have waterproof bottoms, what is available which doesn't hinder cycling - all I've got are rambling style over-trousers which would flap about and get caught in the chain.

try cycle clips, or rubber bands or buy some lightweight polaris stormlite OTs
If it has a constant display I don't see why not but there are some excellent lightweight white LED torches/head torches out there that weigh next to nothing.
The LED rear light is not compulsory just a safety recommendation

John, I've never actually worn my waterproof
trousers whilst riding. I wear them at the
overnight and would put them on if my bike
broke or in some other emergency - so the
fact that they are big and flappy is irrelevent

Jon B -

I take your point, but if I could also cycle in the waterproof trousers they would be even more useful.

I can understand everything on the compulsory kit list with the exception of waterproof trousers. No use on bike, and in the evening I get the tent up, I don't loiter in the elements. In an emergency I'd just get into a survival bag.

Have yoiu been thinking about that since
March 15th?

Suppose you broke your bike up on the hill in
the rain. I think I'd rather walk off than sit in my
bivi-bag.

Water Proof trousers....the least usefull bit of kit for a bike, just extra weight.

Please can this be dropped from the kit list. Tent, survival bag and overtrousers (tights ooer) surely is good enough.

If you don't realise just how essential a
pair of waterproof trousere is then you're
obviously too inexperienced and naive
for your opinion to be worth anything.

Catch 22 or a valid rebuttal?

well said James, will people please drop this subject, waterproof bottoms will remain on the kit list.
PS
No need for them in Dubai though, 41 today with 60% humidity, nice!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't think I will get back for summer event hope you all have a good time

Graham,

Sorry to drag this on a little, but aren't the kit rules for Summer different, and they aren't specified.

The requirements are: "Appropriate clothing for the prevailing weather conditions".

Personally I agree with Jon B, in that I'd never (noramally) wear them on the bike - they'd get shredded - but in the event of an irrepearable breakdown in foul weather, they'd would be most useful.

PS It looks like I'll be marshalling again, so enjoy the desert and maybe see you in the Lakes later in the year.

Yawn,

Waterproof trousers are useless for mountain biking (a decent pair of legging still insulate when wet). You're entitled to think different to me but I think you're cycling on a different planet!

I do concur that I carry them for walking and climbing though.

I do most of my cycling in the highlands so I get the weather to test my wee theories out!

James, I have just read your message...I think you missed the point. A Tent, sleeping bag and survival bag will keep you alive without the need for waterproof trousers. As Jeff points out above, waterproof trousers are great for walking, hiking etc...just not useful for cycling purposes not even extended breakdowns....if it's really serious put the tent up....
Over the last 10 years of competing and marshalling on Polaris events and other high level events I know what works and what doesn't and what's useful and what isn't.
Waterproof trousers are great for marshalling but should not be a requirement for competitors.

Whooosh!