Practise run

[funnymummy]

Have done quite a few little tours with my Bubbas, but this is the first year my youngest is riding his own bike - Uptil last year they were on the double Pashley trailer, which had a nice big luggage rack, between my panniers & that we could carry basic camping bits & enough clothes & food for 4/5 days.
My middle son is now on a Mission trailer, which only has a little basket on the back, although I have bungee'd a plastic storage box on top to carry school/lunch bags.
I have been wondering how much stuff we'd actualy be able to carry this year, not alot probaly
Had figured we may have to actulay use the car to get to our destinatons rather than train/ride there, then go off exploring, using YHA's was aslo an option.
So last night, about 21.30 I decided we needed a test run! Phoned our local YH, was doubtful they would have spaces, BH weekend & such short notice, but Hey!! They juggled a few things round & we have a 3 bunk room!!
It's only about 7 miles away via direct roads, but we'll be taking the scenic off road route up the river path, then doubling back & along the South Downs Way, not sure just how far, as can't plot it on my new gps as it only seesm to want to use roads that are marked on GoogleMaps (I can record our route then add it to maps once home though)
Just far enough to see how #3 copes with a rucksack on his back & just how much weight I can actualy tow!

 

[summerdays]

I used to be like that ... and wish I still was, but too many years living with someone who doesn't like impromptu has half weaned me off that still he loves me with my faults too

Good luck and I hope it all goes well.

 

[ufkacbln]

Which GPS do you have?

Garmin have a follow road option and autoroute both of which need turning off to use bike routes.

Best bet is to plan on something like BikeHike or BikeRouteToaster wich uses the open source Cycle maps for planning. If you have a Garmin map type then it is usually possible to upload the OSM maps as well!


Another tip for longer tours is to plan ahead. It is possible to arrange for a parcel to be held at a Youth Hostel or B&B. You can then have fresh clothing without carrying it and usually then send the smelly stuff home as well. Wouldn't be the first time I have used "Poste Restante" and stood in a Post Office taking clean clothing out of a box, repacking the box and sending it back home.

Allows the luxuries without the carrying!

 

[funnymummy]

I used to be like that ... and wish I still was, but too many years living with someone who doesn't like impromptu has half weaned me off that still he loves me with my faults too

Good luck and I hope it all goes well.

I had that problem too...But I divorced it

Which gps do you have?

I bought a Holux260, it's very basic, but it records OK, just finding the EzTour planner software hard t use...But that most probably is me, I am not a techno-head! Practical & capable, but anything new fangadle & technical is beyond me LOL!

I've done the sending on ahead, when going to parents & friends,visit for more than a weeks, but most of our trips are only weekend Fri-Suns.
But will bear it in mind for our summer hols xx Cheers

Rightio, We are all set for the off, Bikes & trailer checked, panniers packed - Seem to have lost 2 of my large compression bags (Probably somehwre in the TeenOne's pit - No way am I going in there!!) So bags seem a bit bulky for just an overnight stay But doesn't effect the weight.


See ya 2moro

 

[andym]

I don't know which bit of the South Downs Way you're planning to do , but there's likely to be a lot of climbing involved on bridleways. I don't want to be alarmist as it's perfectly do-able on a bike with reasonable off-road capabilities, but there are parts which I'd be nervous about doing with a trailer and. small child. Be careful. Check you route with the OS maps - and absolutely DON'T don't trust your Garmin to tell you where to go.

 

[funnymummy]

I don't know which bit of the South Downs Way you're planning to do , but there's likely to be a lot of climbing involved on bridleways. I don't want to be alarmist as it's perfectly do-able on a bike with reasonable off-road capabilities, but there are parts which I'd be nervous about doing with a trailer and. small child. Be careful. Check you route with the OS maps - and absolutely DON'T don't trust your Garmin to tell you where to go.

We live in Lancing right on the South Downs, our summer days are spent riding over them - We even done the off road track down the Dyke with a fully loaded trailer..Bumpy, but Heck! one hell of a rush on the way down!!

 

[funnymummy]

We had a fabulous time, had to get off & do lots of pushing, quite a few swear words muttered under my breath, was totaly amazed by #3's hill skills!!
Halfway up Mill Hill road, just after coming off the SDW I was flagging with the trailer & #2 on the back, Fynn was thundering off ahead - a group of MTB's came past & offered to 'escort' Fynn up the hill - I watched in awe as my 6yr old son kept pace with them & made it all the way to the top - They were singing his praises when Cain & I finaly caught up with them. Future TDF'er in the making..??
Had a lovely meal (& a bottle of pink stuff) at the Truleigh Hill YH, met some nice folks, then came home this morning, via the quick road route - Bubs are now busy munching on the Eggs, the Easter Bunny left on their pillows

 

[HelenD123]

That sounds so much fun funnymummy. Lots of adventure even so close to home.

 

[funnymummy]

Son #2, Cain has hemi-plegia - left side paralysis, His left foot is strapped to the pedal & his leg goes round, but he only has strength in his right leg, riding home today it felt unusually jerky towing him, but just put it down to him being a bit tired.
After just hosing down our bikes I have discovered that I have snapped 2 spokes & my bcak wheel is slightly bent so everyttime it goes past the brakes it catches..Not sure if can be fixed or a new wheel will be required - Bugger!!

 

[rusky]

I had a feeling that you would end up at Truleigh given where you live & distance!

You may also be able to ride down the farm track to Mile Oak Farm. Feed the Donkeys etc have tea & cake before heading home.

The wheel would probably be repairable but the remaining spokes should really be replaced as the extra stress on them would have weakened them & They'll fail sooner rather than later.

Are you going to repair the wheel yourself??

 

[funnymummy]

The wheel would probably be repairable but the remaining spokes should really be replaced as the extra stress on them would have weakened them & They'll fail sooner rather than later.

Are you going to repair the wheel yourself??

We were going to head for the farm, but #2 was rather tired...am going back with just #3 next week!

I would do the repairs myself, (I reckon she could do with a new cassette/chain too)
I get a lot of my bits from an EbayShop, but I may have to take her into my LBS, with a Bank Holiday tommorrow & anoher on Friday, am not confident the post would arrive in time & I need her back on the road for Friday

 

[funnymummy]

Bubs on tour

#3 - Fynn, not looking too happy - "Do we have to keep stopping for photo's mum? I just wanna keep riding"

 

[rusky]

Aw, aren't they lovely.

My #2 has outgrown his bike (12" wheel) but loves riding. #1 is still in the Hamax.

Who's your LBS? Quest?

 

[Muddyfox]

I had that problem too...But I divorced it

lol

Sounds like a fantastic weekend FM

Foxy

 

[funnymummy]

Aw, aren't they lovely.

My #2 has outgrown his bike (12" wheel) but loves riding. #1 is still in the Hamax.

Who's your LBS? Quest?

Time for #2 to ge some big wheels then ;o)
LBS's - I have 2, Quest or The Bike Store, I got my Spesh from Bike Store, it's only about a mile from house so dead easy to pop back to.
Quest are great too, bought a lot of my clothes & accessories from them

It was fab Foxy, role on the next one x