Three weeks and counting...

[iLB]

I'm around three weeks away from heading off on an adventure that is likely to last around 6 months, and if all goes to plan should see me riding up to the Taj Mahal having pedalled all the way from south London.

Now, inevitably some odd questions keep popping up that I can't quite make a final decision on.

Legwear - how much, and what exactly? I like to be very warm when it is cold, so longs are a given for the first few months. Then I also need options for warmer weather, as well as something that looks semi normal off the bike- and all of these combined should always allow for something to remain safe and dry until the tent is up or I have found refuge in the shelter of a strangers home/caravan/shed. What do people normally go for?

Another small one, mounting an MSR fuel bottle on the frame - recommended or not? Fuel inside panniers seems like a bad vibe?

Thanks all in advance ...

 

[fossyant]

Wow - enjoy

 

[Hill Wimp]

You can't pedal up to the Taj Mahal, i know i tried. I had to stop about 1/2 mile away due to all the security. But dont let that put you off it is truly awesome and left me speechless which is saying something

Cycling in India is superb. I have done it several times. Most of the children are great but some will not hesitate to poke a stick through your spokes as you ride past purely for entertainment.

Have a fantastic time and make sure we see a write up

 

[Brains]

Fuel:
Mount it on the underside of the frame in a conventional bottle rack. To ensure it stays there use a bit of inner tube to secure it.
Do not put fuel inside the pannier, as fuel will, over time, taint everything in the pannier, including the pannier itself, and years later it will still smell.
As an aside fuel can taint foodstuff within a matter of hours, no matter how well sealed it is, so don't store even an empty stove with food.

Legwear:
You can wear leggings in Europe, and then keep them as thermals thereafter.
What you need is a lightweight pair of travel trousers with the zip off legs. They can be shorts or longs, they can look OK in a restaurant, you can cycle all day in them, they are easy to wash, and they fold up very small.