Touring - How to Get on Board

I've used a Burley Nomad trailer for some time, but in planning for a soon to come multi-State tour, I decided to go with racks and Ortlieb panniers. Problem is when I get the load on the bike (58cm Surly LHT), its nearly impossible for me to get my leg over the bike when mounting or dismounting. So far, I've almost fallen twice when getting off the bike. I'm not a new rider by any means; but is there something I'm missing? How do others manage?

I'd recommend not getting a load on before trying to ride the bike - try it sober and see what happens;)

seriously though I know what you mean, have you tried stepping over the bike like doing a hurdle instead of sweeping your leg over the seat?

I think you have too much gear. I don't have stuff higher than the rear seat. But if I did I would lean the load to me, step forward as far as I could, and stick my foot over the seat. There is a pop up going on to the rigth with a guy jumping onto a X-cross bike, you can see his foot is almost high enough to clear the saddle. Make sure you are on the high side when mount. Another option, my wife does this all the time. She puts one foot on the near pedal, pushes off and then swings her foot over. She is 5 inches higher when she starts her mount that way. Works with horses too.


(I don't start out with stuff higher than the seat, but stuff can accumulate under the tie downs. I once pulled a groin thingie when swinging my leg up over the rear load, while on a steeply downhill section of the shoulder.)

If it is not because the height of your gear, but the weight. You will get used to it. After a while it will become natural. I had the same problem when I first started grocery shopping with my bike. I had the hardest time getting on the bike and not having it fall on me or shift around.

I think it had to do with a lot of weight on just the rear, since I only use rear panniers when grocery shopping. The front wheel would move around and sometimes lift up off the ground when getting on and off the bike. Now that I regularly shop by bike, I have become used to it and have no problems at all getting on or off the bike.

have you tried stepping over the bike like doing a hurdle instead of sweeping your leg over the seat?

+1

This is how I've been doing it for years.

+1

This is how I've been doing it for years.

+1 easier still if you lean the bike toward you as you step.

being an arse here, but have you tried a running start... how about jumping off the roof top like in old westerns. Seriously though, I've about fallen over a couple times myself. I haven't the foggiest solution for you.

I know, I know, 1 million comedians out of work and I'm trying to be one.

A kickstand helps. It tilts the weighted bike toward you just a bit. Raise your foot over the bar (not over the packs and saddle) while holding onto the handlebar with one had, the saddle with the other.