Touring - Let's be serious...

I'm completely unprepared for a tour I have planned in two weeks. It's not terribly long (about 300 mi round) and it's in territory with which I'm familiar and there is lots of "fluff" time for the epic fails to come. But someone tell me please which REAL potential catastrophes should I focus on preventing so I can stop trying to think of the thousands of recommendations on this (outstanding) forum?

In the way of a first tour, what are maybe the THREE most critical things I should plan for/take with/leave out/expect? I'm pretty impressively fit, so the distance is not a concern.



Note: I have read bicycletouring101.com in and out, and have absorbed all I can. I'm looking for the BIG WINS here, not all the "useful stuff to know".

Take more water than you think you'll need, especially if you're in a place where the towns and settlements are far apart and the roads are quiet. This becomes even more important if your terrain is hilly or difficult or if you have to contend with strong, steady headwinds, which can also sap your strength. If you're doing this tour in or around Texas in August, you're going to be facing some serious heat. Stay hydrated.

Along with that, if you've got a good hill or mountain to climb, try to time it so you're doing that as early in the day as possible. It might even mean getting on the road at 5 or 6 a.m. so you'll be up the hill before it gets too hot. If you're going to face a headwind, again, start riding as early as possible. In windy places where I've lived, the wind tends to pick up in the mid to late morning and in the afternoon, it's gusting. Morning is a little less breezy.

Just read the beginner mistakes thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?662846-1st-TOUR-MISTAKES-you-won-t-do-again......................)

If you eat and drink properly, pretty much the only thing that can ruin it short of a crash is mechanical failure. So, what if you bust the chain? What are you going to do if your rear wheel pops some spokes? if you have satisfactory answers to those questions I'd say you were good to go. That's two. My third would be dependent on the climate where you're going, but if there is even the remote possibility of rain, make sure you have some means of keeping your gear dry.

It's not rocket science.

I'm completely unprepared for a tour I have planned in two weeks. It's not terribly long (about 300 mi round) and it's in territory with which I'm familiar and there is lots of "fluff" time for the epic fails to come. But someone tell me please which REAL potential catastrophes should I focus on preventing so I can stop trying to think of the thousands of recommendations on this (outstanding) forum?

A 300 mile tour in a familiar area is also known as ... a 'long weekend' or 'several day' 'test tour' or 'shake-down tour'. I recommend ALL potential cycletourists do tours like this.

Take what you think you might need on a tour and go. On this type of tour you'll likely discover things like ...

-- you brought too much stuff ... next time you'll leave several items at home.
-- you should have brought a _____, it would have really come in handy several times. Next time you'll bring it.
-- many towns have hardware stores which contain some basic bicycle stuff, some basic camping stuff, and a whole bunch of other handy stuff which can potentially get you out of a bit of difficulty.
-- eating mostly energy bars gets old in the first day.
-- eating oatmeal, rice, and pasta gets old by the second day.
-- most towns have sources of a variety food, and if you take a moment to look around you might even find some local goodies that are worth trying. Unless you're touring in a very remote area, you can pick up a whole variety of food every day along the way.


When you return from this trip, you'll be much better prepared for your next tour. Other touring newbies, especially those planning to do much longer tours, should do similar short tours to sort out any issues/difficulties they may encounter on the long tour.

Discounting accidents and health, mechanical failure is about all that's left in the trip stopping department. Being prepared to deal with that is dependent on how good a bike mechanic you are and what tools you carry.

The obvious:

1. In addition to extra tubes, carry a spare tire.
2. Spokes and tool. Or a Fiberfix temporary spoke, if you can find one. They seem suddenly scarce.
3. Cable ties.

As long as you start with a mechanically sound bike, with components suitable for your load, the odds of a trip stopping failure are near zero.

Should the freewheel/bottom bracket fail, the tool for getting that fixed is your thumb or your feet.

why do you say you're completely unprepared? The only way I could imagine that being the case for someone who is "impressively fit" is deciding to pack the bike for the first time on the day of the trip or have never ridden a days worth of miles that you'll be riding on this trip and trying to turn every day into a high aerobic jam fest.

I'm completely unprepared for a tour I have planned in two weeks. It's not terribly long (about 300 mi round) and it's in territory with which I'm familiar and there is lots of "fluff" time for the epic fails to come. But someone tell me please which REAL potential catastrophes should I focus on preventing so I can stop trying to think of the thousands of recommendations on this (outstanding) forum?

In the way of a first tour, what are maybe the THREE most critical things I should plan for/take with/leave out/expect? I'm pretty impressively fit, so the distance is not a concern.

Note: I have read bicycletouring101.com in and out, and have absorbed all I can. I'm looking for the BIG WINS here, not all the "useful stuff to know".

You really should provide more information to back up your request for "magic" advice.

Are you camping? How many days? Hilly? What kinds of services (towns versus wilderness)?

What bike and what equipment are you taking?

Maybe, even say where you are going.

The obvious:

1. In addition to extra tubes, carry a spare tire.

Sounds like overkill, especially for a 300 mile ride in familiar territory.

In the way of a first tour, what are maybe the THREE most critical things I should plan for/take with/leave out/expect? I'm pretty impressively fit, so the distance is not a concern.
Here is my list of three most critical...

A positive attitude.
A light load.
Gear that you are familiar with and know how to use.

Three critical things: Credit card. Sunscreen. Food & Water.

300 miles in familiar territory? Pack light, think of weather, and rather than be overly concerned about mechanical failure, inspect and lube the bike up before hand, and have a list of LBS phone numbers within hitch hiking distance of your tour. I probably wouldn't take any more tools than my day ride under-seat bag already contains, but might throw in an 8/10mm wrench for my fender stays. Focus on packing light and having fun.

Don't change anything on your bike right before you go. Don't decide to try a new saddle for the tour, or something like that. I've done this a few times and always regretted it. Make sure you do some long rides on the bike you are bringing beforehand, to make sure everything fits ok.

Three critical things: Credit card. Sunscreen. Food & Water.


Ding, ding.

These will avert disaster (other than a crash). The rest is all inconvenience.

I'm looking for the BIG WINS here, not all the "useful stuff to know".

almost no reason to never have a water filter on your bottle

http://www.clear2o.com/Store/Replacement+Filters/ShowProduct/300001-2/Clear2Go™+Bottle+-+Silver

Don't fall down!! My first tour ended on day three when I crashed and ruptured a shoulder tendon!!

John

Make sure your wheels are in good shape.

1) Bring tools to fix the most likely mechanical problems. For really oddball mishaps, you can hitchhike to civilization or find a road angel to give you a lift. I've never had a tire fail in 40 years of cycling. I start a tour on good tires and don't worry. If they're looking old and cracked, I replace them before the tour starts (but I don't usually let my tires get like that.) However, I've had plenty of flats, so I bring a spare tube, a patch kit, and tire irons. Learn how to fix a flat reliably (if you don't already know), especially how to reliably find the thing that caused the flat in the first place. I've had tubes that were unpatchable - usually because there's a tear around the valve stem - but it's unusual. If it happens once, I've got the spare tube. If I get another flat before replacing the tube I can patch it.

I've had spokes break, and it's much more likely to happen on tour when you're carrying a big load. For that reason I carry Stein Hypercracker tool and a couple of spare drive-side spokes. I also carry the FiberFix spokes as a backup, since they're so light. Of course, you need a spoke wrench too. Since I started carrying this stuff I've never broken a spoke, but I feel much more secure knowing I can deal with one if it happens.

I carry a multi-tool. Sometimes I have to tighten bolts that have loosened. Sometimes I just tweak adjustments on things - saddle height, handlebar rotation, brake lever position, etc. Sometimes I have to adjust the limiting screws on the derailleurs. My multi-tool has a chain tool. I've never had a chain break, but I've seen it happen. It wasn't hard to use the chain tool to get the bike rideable, albeit with fewer gears available.

I've had bolts vibrate loose (almost always on racks) so I use Loctite when I install them, and I carry a couple of spares - cheap insurance.

I also carry a few zipties and spare brake and derailleur cables. Zipties have come in handy dozens of times for all sorts of obscure uses. I bring a bunch. I've never needed the cables. If they weighed much I probably wouldn't bother, but they're light so what the heck?

2) Be prepared for a huge increase in your appetite. I probably eat close to twice as much on tour as at home - two breakfasts, big snacks throughout the day in addition to a big lunch, and a big dinner. I know there are people who aren't affected this way, but I've also talked to lots of first-time tourers who were amazed at how much they were eating. I spent a lot more money on my first big tour than I had expected, and the biggest reason was the amount of food I was eating.

3) You'll probably bring stuff that it turns out you don't need. You can send it home. I've done it several times - even after years of experience. Go as light as possible - ounces add up, and extra weight makes hills seem steeper and can contribute to breaking spokes. That said, don't go so Spartan that you're uncomfortable and miserable. Comfort items seem even more valuable on tour when you're doing without so many conveniences.

Whatever choices you make, don't lose sight of the fact that you're doing it for fun. If you're starting to suffer, why not take a day off? If you find a beautiful campsite that's 20 miles short of your hoped-for daily average, why not stop? Enjoy! If you are really into your book and don't want to stop reading, why stop? So you get a late start, so what? It's your trip, not someone else's. (Of course, if you're travelling with someone, all of those points are up for negotiation.)

Have fun!

You really should provide more information to back up your request for "magic" advice.

Are you camping? How many days? Hilly? What kinds of services (towns versus wilderness)?

What bike and what equipment are you taking?

Maybe, even say where you are going.

Okay, lots of good stuff in this thread, but I can answer these:
I am camping (with which I have plenty of experience), and will be out for 4 or 5 days and the accompanying nights. Not "wilderness" but lots of miles between tiny towns. Going west from Lubbock, TX to Valley of Fires (Carrizozo, NM). Not terribly hilly, often pancake flat, southern winds (so cross) nearly all the time.

The bike would ideally be my Diamondback, but it's still under the knife, so it will be the Denali on which I've commuted for 3 months (and "rebuilt" in a piecewise fashion). There's a rack on the back that holds things quite nicely up to about 30 lbs so it will have the tent and emergency rain gear, tools are in the under seat bag, and I'll get a handlebar bag for anything else minor. All my previous camping excursions have been absolutely minimalist, and I expect my tour will be as well.

2) Be prepared for a huge increase in your appetite. I probably eat close to twice as much on tour as at home - two breakfasts, big snacks throughout the day in addition to a big lunch, and a big dinner. I know there are people who aren't affected this way, but I've also talked to lots of first-time tourers who were amazed at how much they were eating. I spent a lot more money on my first big tour than I had expected, and the biggest reason was the amount of food I was eating.

I already eat this way, so is it worth expecting to change? I eat this way now because I'm active all day--swimming in the morning, bike commute, running in the afternoon, commute home, and hours spent working as a trainer. I figure my exertion touring will be about the same...perhaps even less?

A couple of items to consider.

First cycling in wind, whether a head wind or a cross wind, can be a disappointment. If you're in hills, you can see the end of the hill, but if you've got wind on flat land, you can't see the end of the wind. A cross wind is much easier to handle than a head wind, but it will also slow you down somewhat.

Second, prepare yourself mentally for the experience. For some riders, long distances in open or sparely populated country seem boring or monotonous. Others find beauty and joy in those rides. If you're out for a few days, it shouldn't be a problem, but I've heard stories of riders who have attempted long tours and given up because they found the experience too boring. It's a state of mind.

Most of this advice should go into the other thread started by the guy who hasn't sat on a bicycle for 10 years and is planning to ride across the US.

The guy in this thread is doing a 4-5 day "shake-down tour" of only 300 miles in familiar territory on a bicycle he has used for commuting for the past 3 months. He's fit. He has previous camping experience. It sounds like he knows how to fix bicycles. If something goes bad enough that he can't keep riding he can ring home for someone to pick him up and take him home.

Most of this advice should go into the other thread started by the guy who hasn't sat on a bicycle for 10 years and is planning to ride across the US...

...If something goes bad enough that he can't keep riding he can ring home for someone to pick him up and take him home.

All true...except that last part. But I should probably look into that.

So I've been doing more reading, and looking at more pictures, and thinking more and more, and it's overwhelmingly possible to do this without the DIY panniers I was planning to make (may still do so, but not necessary). Assuming I can fit the sleeping gear on the rack, and my tools are in an underseat bag, and I actually plan on taking meals from the variety of awesome tiny places along the way, is there any real need for more bags?

All the clothes are moisture wicking, and I'm pretty adept at the sink-wash.

And of course, with maybe 8 lbs more on the rear than normal (normally about 10), need I be concerned with a really twitchy front end? At speed probably not a problem, but on hills or soft ground?

front will be fine with 20 lbs on back. Keep the tire pressures at the max or close to them, this will help a lot avoiding getting flats, not to mention make it easier pushing along more weight. Soft ground is soft ground, the bike will be heavier than usual so you have to use common sense.

rear panniers are very handy, even just for keeping stuff in one place, drier even if not waterproof as you can use garbage bags to pack clothes etc. If you have a rack already, why not borrow panniers if possible (if you dont have them already)

you will get lots of advice, but seeing if all the bolts etc are tight on your bike before going, wheels are in good shape (perhaps have a bike mechanic check the spokes) and tires in good shape--all this is a good common sense thing to do so that you dont have probs. Not heavlily loaded and a bike in good shape, it should be fine.

*making sure you have adequate water is a big one, I second or third that. it sucks to be hungry and especially thirsty.

have fun

And of course, with maybe 8 lbs more on the rear than normal (normally about 10), need I be concerned with a really twitchy front end? At speed probably not a problem, but on hills or soft ground?
Almost all my gear weight is over the rear wheel. It's not a problem at all. My position on the bike puts some of my body weight over the front wheel. On the first day, for the first kilometre or less, I notice the bike is a little sluggish. It takes more energy to move and more energy to stop, and the bike isn't quite as responsive as when it's unladen. After that, it feels comfortable, as if I've always ridden with a rear load.

I haven't done rides with only a large underseat bag, but I've done some overnight and short trips with a tent, sleeping bag and small sports bag strapped on top of the rear rack. That's a similar load to what you're taking. It's not a problem, but keep in mind your gear is going to be a little higher than with panniers. The advantage of carrying such a small load is that it teaches the discipline of light, minimalist touring, which is good for any cycle tourist to learn.

“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” ~ Dwight David Eisenhower

If you have read all that then you should be well enough prepared, then it is time to sit back and get ready, plans must be flexible and it is always what you did not plan for that is when you run into trouble, sometime good old fashion ingenuity and a conquering spirit is your best advantage. Don't stress about everything, tackle each problem as it arises.

It is not chess you don't have to be thinking 5 moves ahead, trust yourself. Don't sweat the little stuff and just take a step at a time. and don't rush it always take the time to look around and take it all in, I think you will do fine.

And of course, with maybe 8 lbs more on the rear than normal (normally about 10), need I be concerned with a really twitchy front end? At speed probably not a problem, but on hills or soft ground?

Generally when people are worrying about weight on the rear wheel, they're talking 30+ lbs. On my mountain bike with crummy geometry for loaded cargo, I run into trouble somewhere in between 45 and 50lbs on the rear wheel... and it doesn't exactly have long chainstays. Taller riders using bikes with similar chainstay lengths have reported that they can move their body weight forward and continue with no problems. (42cm stays on the MTB)

My daily ride has 46cm chainstays, and can handle at least 55-60lbs. At that point the issue is not how much weight can the bike handle, but how much the *rider* can manhandle, since I have to go up steps to get into my apartment building.

Depending on the kind of gear you use, you may find panniers are worth it anyway. I know my sleeping bag maker recommends storing it fluffed up whenever possible.

And of course, with maybe 8 lbs more on the rear than normal (normally about 10), need I be concerned with a really twitchy front end? At speed probably not a problem, but on hills or soft ground?

I carry 8-10 lbs regularly in my trunk bag on most of my long rides and hardly notice it.

I think you're "seriously" overthinking your tour ... it's just 4-5 days on a bicycle in your own neighbourhood. Carry what you want to carry ... it's not like you're going to be on the road for months or anything.

I lived in Lubbock for six years, and I've visited Valley of Fire. First, I think you will likely encounter somewhat of a head wind in that direction. Since you live there, you need no warning about how strong and sustained that wind may be. Travelling west on the high plains in a West Texas summer may well be brutal. Will you be able to still ride if there is a significant dust storm? Bring HUGE amounts of water with you, since riding in 100F at very low humidity with a sustained 25 MPH wind and absolutely no shade is like riding in a blast furnace.

When I visited Valley of Fire in May, the temperature was incredible out on those lava fields. It was at least 15F hotter than out on the high plains, due to all of black lava soaking up sun light. From what I remember when I camped there in March, the campsites do have shelters for shade. However, the 100+ square miles of black lava significantly altered the microclimate. Even in March, on that day the lava was hot. Will it be cool enough at night to actually sleep?

I applaud your hardiness for undertaking this trip at this time of year! Of course, if you have any trouble then numerous drivers will stop to help you out in that part of the country. You could easily get a ride back to Lubbock (with room in the pickup for your bike) if you need it.

I, myelf, would save this interesting trip for late fall/early spring and instead be thinking about the beatiful ride between Cloudcrft and Ruidosa. When I lived in Lubbock, I would sometimes drive out to the higher elevations of NM so that I could just walk in the woods.

re water and expected high ttemps--I personally find that if it is in the high 20s low 30s C (which I guess is in the 80s 90s? F) I regularly go through 1 bike bottle (approx 750 ml) per hour--it sounds like you will be in hotter, drier conditions so if others would chime in with their water usage, these comments from other people experienced touring in hot weather would be a big help to you.

really keep in mind how far it will be until you have access to water (houses, gas stations etc) and then figure out how much water you should have with you. I personally have toured in areas where 2 or 3 bike bottles sufficed, and I was never shy to go up to a house and politely ask to refill my bottles. You may be in areas where you have to go further to refill, so be wary of this.

as I said, running out of water just plain sucks, and if its really hot, you can get into dehydration and heat stroke conditions which really really suck, and could be dangerous.

chime in others, this is something that could be a real help to this fellow to give him a good informed headsup.

cheers

re water and expected high ttemps--I personally find that if it is in the high 20s low 30s C (which I guess is in the 80s 90s? F) I regularly go through 1 bike bottle (approx 750 ml) per hour--it sounds like you will be in hotter, drier conditions so if others would chime in with their water usage, these comments from other people experienced touring in hot weather would be a big help to you.
I usually go through less water than that, but I'm prepared for whatever I'll face. I carry at least three water bottles and I always hope I can keep the third one full, just in case I really need it. When I'm climbing in hot weather (upper 30s and hotter) I need a lot of water and three bottles won't be enough. At those times more is better.

I recommend carrying water purification tablets for emergency use, although in dry climates, finding any water source can be a challenge.

If the towns are far apart, then stop in every one and make sure the water bottles are all topped up with fresh water.

water tabs take time for their treatment to take place.
there are so many water filters out there now days.

at the moment I'm using a Platypus micropore gravity filter set up
Sawyer Water Filters makes a great inline filter, that I will probably end up changing to.

another is the Clear2Go water bottle filter.
I have 1 of these. Its just a water bottle cap, with a screw on cartridge filter that is replaceable.
it filters everything

almost no reason to not have a filter with you

at this point I carry it around all the time.
turns tap water into something that tastes better
filters out bugs, etc...

Even though I gave advice to the contrary I am much like to OP always try to be ready for anything and everything that could happen for what ever I am doing. I know it is a bit of a "do as I say, not as I do" thing but I think the OP is ready for the trip and is starting to overthink things, you will do fine, Once you hit the road just enjoy the view and put any worries out of your head, if something happpens fix it and continue on, if you worry too much yo are going to miss the great show mother earth has put out for us there.

The first trip is the hardest. It's hard because there are so many mental and psychological barriers to overcome. It's hard because it's a new experience and it's not the same as riding close to home. It's hard because there's a degree of planning and preparation involved that is not needed for a recreational ride, a commute or a training ride. It's hard because the elements are familiar and foreign at the same time. And it's hard because there is no way to know what to expect before the trip begins.

Planning is the best way to prepare for the trip. There are books, sites, online trip journals and forums to provide plenty of information about cycle touring. But planning is not enough. None of the resources are the same as actually making the trek. No matter how well a person prepares, the first trip is a journey into the unknown. It's true of any bike trip and especially a solo effort.

The first trip is also the most memorable and the most rewarding. The rider who leaves feeling a little apprehensive comes back grinning, full of confidence and ready for the next trip.