Originally Posted by
AdvXtrm
For me personally, I plan on going fully self-sufficient and self-contained, as in no credit card touring, no support entourage, nothing at all, just me and no money to burn. So that will entail bedding, tent, cooking equipment, tools and supplies, and all the rest. As I said in a previous post, once I get everything together I know I'll need to test out different load configs to find the right balance for my particular bike and setup. My bike build is coming along nicely. I've finally got it to a point I can start training/practicing, and building myself up to riding further and staying out longer. By body is also coming along. I've got some improvement with the paralysis and other things that are very encouraging. It looks like the displaced bones are going to be left where they are. I hope I can continue to work around that and do well. Once I'm ready, then I'm just going for it big-time and we'll see what happens. Hopefully very good things!
As you gain skill and experience riding a loaded bike, your evaluations may change. Mine did.
I tended to do a ton of research, but found that my own experience was a better guide. Some research can help, but too much tends to get top heavy, so to speak. Experience through living freely and enjoying life is often a better companion. Jettisoning unnecessary clutter-knowledge can be refreshing.
I am now much more comfortable with all kinds of loads and configurations. Much of what I gathered through research is otiose and doesn't really apply.
Over-researching can be a kind of spoiler. Which isn't to deny that some of it can be helpful at times too. But it can also clutter and get in the way of a free and open life.