First Camping Tour

[Telemark]

Good stuff about reducing weight sensibly ... but don't deprive yourself completely, I always consciously take one "luxury" item along (not too heavy, obviously ) - such as a paperback to read in spare moments.

I was thinking of you yesterday as I cycled home from the shops with very heavy rear panniers and decided to weigh them when I got home, out of curiosity... 19.5 kg. It was bloody heavy, but felt very stable, despite being rather hard work up the hill. Luckily I only had 3km to go.

T

 

[Russell Allen]

I have a tiny ipod shuffle as my luxury. I may even stretch to a small paperback....but then I'll have to ditch the soap....decisions decisions

Russell

 

[Russell Allen]

I completed my "shakedown trip" this weekend. Started with a 32km ride fully loaded with everything I intend to take, camped the night, 42 km ride home in the morning. Nothing fell off, the bike was easy to ride (on the middle ring, rather than the big ring unloaded), Three stand out points

1. take more carrier bags
2. get a decent inflatable pillow (I couldnt get my head comfortable)
3. Get a spare pair of cycling shorts (I intended to wear thin flat seamed undercrackers and change them every day)

Concerning point 3, even using chamois cream the underwear kept pulling into my groin and chafing. Not good for a 6 day ride. I will be going commando under my shorts and washing the spare pair every day.

The route was gently rolling, 350m of climbing in 72km, but I do live in essex. I still managed to average 20.4 kmh without pushing myself at all. Did both journeys without stopping (actually one stop for some milk at a corner shop near the campsite)

Feeling good and ready to go now, roll on Good Friday


Russell

 

[willem]

Not sure what you mean by carrier bags.
Never wear underwear underneath cycling shorts, that is the point. So yes get a second pair. My second pair are normal looking cycling shorts with a proper cycling inner. You look more normal, and they are more wind and a bit of rain resistant.
I like the Exped air pillow introduced last year. It is by far the most comfortable pillow I have ever had, and it is ultra light and packs very small. There is also an insulated version that is warmer and a bit heavier.
Willem





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[xpc316e]

I envy you on your journey; I am off on an organised cycle tour of Kerry later in the year, and I am gradually accumulating kit. I have already bought my tent, sleeping bag, front panniers, new rear rack, etc., and I just cannot wait to cycle away. I wish you a really great time - please write it up for us all to read upon your return.

 

[Russell Allen]

Due to leave tomorrow morning for Lands End from Essex, I'm still not decided about which route to take after I get to the Taunton area. I will either go south and over Dartmoor, or go west across Exmoor before heading down to LE. Any reason i should choose one way over the other, or should I just "flip a coin"

Nearly packed, bike fettled, Weather forcast is looking amazing and most likely a tailwind all the way if the Met office are to be believed.......... feeling VERY exited

Russell

 

[Telemark]

Bon voyage!

T