I'm reading the book Gironimo by Tim Moore where the author is attempting to duplicate the toughest grand tour ever, the 1914 Giro d'Italia where they rode 3,162 Km in 8 stages or almost 240 miles per stage. Don't forget, these are rudimentary fixed gear machines with dubious brakes.

Anyway, I'm at the part of the book where he is getting ready to start in Milan on his original 1914 machine and wearing all original clothing, shoes, etc. and carrying his own tires, tools, etc.