First, don’t let excuses get in the way. I had a couple of conversations on a recent bike packing trip I took. Both were about my bike and equipment. One was with a young man how has plans but regrets that he can’t make them come true. The other was with an older man...my age...who has regrets about his health and why he couldn’t make his dreams come true. One should start now and one should have started 40 years ago. I’m glad I did the former so that I can still do it while I’m the latter.

I was about 2 weeks away from being the age Sir Paul asked about so long ago. I’m old and I’m fat...what’s your (or their) excuse? I started on this odyssey nearly 40 years ago. I’ve been hit by a pedestrian. I’ve been hit by a car. I’ve crashed on dirt, on ice, on pavement. I’ve smacked my head hard enough to see double. I’ve seen sunrises along the Missouri River. I’ve seen calves being born with my daughter. I’ve saved baby snapping turtles in Kansas. I’ve eaten bad food and good food. I’ve been blown down the coast of Scotland with the love of my life. I’ve spent a freezing night on the edge of Lake Erie without her. I’ve even considered pitching it all, catching the nearest bus and going home after 3 weeks without her.

But I don’t regret any of it. I’m getting older. Hopefully I won’t be getting any fatter but I have no excuses nor regrets. Try not to make excuses or put off adventures until you find that you have run out of time and are looking back with regret.

Choose a good rack. Tubus may just be about the best ones around. They are not cheap but they are extremely sturdy.

That’s probably too small for you. I’m the same height and ride a 19”. I think you will find that you aren’t sitting up more on a taller bike. The top tube will be longer.

So get out and ride it. If you want front suspension, you can always add it. It’s harder to find 26” forks but not impossible. eBay is your friend.