Originally Posted by
Paul_P
No doubt. For me, and for now, it comes down to a question of comfort at the campsite over comfort on the road, especially for constant-rain days (I'll be far from any possible indoor activities). So far I'm comfortable with the weight on the flat and moderate, possibly long uphills. I still need to experience lots of hills in a day.
If it didn't rain, I didn't cook and didn't want to recline, I could save 8 kg (17 lbs) + fuel.
Panniers are 6kg (13 lbs) empty.
3-season tent, sleeping bag, and mattress 7kg (15 lbs).
Total of the above 21 kg (45 lbs). I'm trying to not go too far past 50 lbs with clothes and the little things.
I should get away some time next week if the weather cooperates (at least for the first day or two).
EDIT :
I just realized that I've already blown past the 50 lbs mark because I've been riding with a front pannier loaded with dummy stuff to balance out the other one which is tent-related. It hasn't been included in my calculations apart from the pannier itself and will contain mostly clothes.
you will be setting off soon, so unlikely to change things, so given the weight of the bike and your age, (just a bit more than me) I would suggest if possible to plan for a few shorter days at first, maybe 50, 60k, but if you can't, just make sure that you sleep well in the days prior to leaving and as you say, slow and steady.
Here in the Montreal area it is going to be damn hot this week, 30, 31c , until the weekend, so I hope you aren't setting out in this.
When you are back, you will have a much better idea of what things you took and didnt need, and hopefully can assess the things that you took and which were too heavy.
"If it didn't rain, I didn't cook and didn't want to recline, I could save 8 kg (17 lbs) + fuel."---- 17lbs seems a lot, so probably you have a folding chair (reasonable item, Ive just never gotten one because of the cost and weight) but I suspect your cooking kit is extensive and I also suspect you are bringing a tarp. Ive learned over the years to have a pretty simple cooking kit, usually one smallish alu pot and a mug, thats it, plus a simple spork, plastic knive and a swiss army knife for the can opener, knife etc.
Ive tended over the years to use the lighter Ortlieb Plus panniers, but have used the regular ones too, just trying to keep empty pannier weight down. You also have that food barrel, which is a smart thing for keeping your food safe.
"3-season tent, sleeping bag, and mattress 7kg (15 lbs)." -- from the length of your poles, I suspect the tent is heavy-ish, maybe the sleeping bag and mattress too. I totally get when getting back into an activity like this that you are using camping stuff you have already, buying new things add up quickly.
I don't know if you'll want to do more cycle touring, but gradually changing out some heavier items for much lighter ones will take the overall weight down, and you will notice this on hills, but thats neither here nor there right now, you have what you have and are heading off soon.
do make sure that your seat height is at the optimum height, and downshift, downshift downshift to take care of those old knees and leg muscles.
I hope that taking it easily, eating and drinking properly during the day and getting started at a good early time will mean it goes well enough.
Want to add like others said, great photo from 73. Very cool.
have fun on this return to bike touring.