Before embarking on this adventure, I’ve been testing my equipment. Starting with a couple rides with all the “stuff” on the bike. I decided to use my endurance Felt bike. Putting a bag on the handlebars of the bike, gave me terrible neck ache and I found steering the bike really heavy, the Frame Bag rubbed my knees😱. Sore knees 🧎♀️and neck ache….. not the best start, so a rethink was necessary.
I went to chat with a good friend who knows all about bikes, he asked an obvious question 🤦♀️ why a don’t you use a pannier?….. well sometimes it takes someone to look at things, and, point out the obvious 🤣🤣 Thank you Rodney 🚴♀️👍.
The photo is of some random cows, they seem to think I shld put my brain into gear 🧠!
My trusty Felt doesn’t take panniers, so the Gravel bike came out, out with the frame & front bag & on with the panniers! Off out for a ride! No back ache and no sore knees 😊👍 RESULT.
It has wider tyres; 38 mm instead of 32mm, I'm hoping the gearing will be ok for the hills, 1 x 40T Crankset with 11 speed 42 cassette.
So whilst I may not go as fast; I’ve swapped comfort over speed! Yikes, is that an age thing 👵 …….
Having never camped previously (apart from the back garden during my test) let’s just say I’m inexperienced, a bit green or totally clueless! (probs. sums it up really)
If you a regular camper, you will know all this info, if like me you are clueless, it's like stepping into a whole new world:-
Sleeping bags for 1, 3 or 4 seasons, mummy shaped ones, one's for tall people, short people, one’s made of this fabric or that material - the choice seems endless as are some of the prices......
⛺, 😴🥽🤯
Sleeping mats that are warm but “crinkle” and keep you awake, some that are so narrow that if you turnover over in your sleep, you fall off !! -😮 are these designed for or by very small people that only sleep on their backs!!
I now know about R-Values, crinkle vs non crinkle, stuff sacks, self inflating, one’s that go flat in the night, thick ones, thin ones, lightweight ones, double ones....the list is endless.
Tents; 1 man, bivvy bags, 3 season, etc. etc. Awnings, Sporks, Camping Stoves, Bungee ropes, Campsite fees, Pitches, Showers, Wild Camping, Inflatable pillows........................
MY BRAIN IS FRIED!! 😫😵💫
Camping out in the Back-garden to test the tent, sleeping bag and mat. My OH told our neighbours that we had argued and he thrown me out!! 🫢😂.
- I've made lots of lists and sort advice for this trip: here is my final list of "stuff";
- Teabags 🙄
- Tent ⛺
- Sleeping mat & bag 😴
- Bike locks 🔐
- Bungee cords (I'm sure they will come in useful for something 🤷♀️)
- The tiniest & lightest camping stove I cld find
- Bike repair stuff, Inner tube & levers🛞 bike pump…
- Clothes:- Socks, cycle shorts, cycle tops, waterproof jacket, swimsuit (well we are going along the coast) 🧦👖👚👕🩱🥽, wet-wipes 🤯😮
- Phone, glasses, charging pack & leads, Garmin & lights
- My only hopes are for showers and decent meals somewhere along the way!
I’ve been lucky and had some invaluable advice from people. Thank you, you know who are and it is appreciated 🙏
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I think you are bonkers, but I admire your preparation
Thank you for the comment, I'm actually thinking you are probably right 😂😂
Great read as usual. Sounds like you have a lot of gear to pack into those panniers. Are you sure it will all fit