My first tour
08-02-17, 06:53 AM
#27
Senior Member
viewing your pic, first thing that came to mind was "too much stuff"
(note...i did a year in oz with 4 bags AND trailer, total 175 pounds
when fully laden with 5 gallons of water.....i know stuff.)
your front bags are way too big, and i see you have a duffel bag
of some sort on the front platform. what be in that?
also notice the rear bags seem to have horizontal webbing straps
to secure the load. front bags do not, so whatever load there is
will be flapping around destabilizing the steering, which may be
more noticeable at slower speeds with the jerky overcorrections.
why not post your full packing list (breakdown by bag) and mark
which items were not used?
reduce stuff
get smaller front bags
delete the platform bag
get small handlebar bag for essentials
reduce stuff
(note...i did a year in oz with 4 bags AND trailer, total 175 pounds
when fully laden with 5 gallons of water.....i know stuff.)
your front bags are way too big, and i see you have a duffel bag
of some sort on the front platform. what be in that?
also notice the rear bags seem to have horizontal webbing straps
to secure the load. front bags do not, so whatever load there is
will be flapping around destabilizing the steering, which may be
more noticeable at slower speeds with the jerky overcorrections.
why not post your full packing list (breakdown by bag) and mark
which items were not used?
reduce stuff
get smaller front bags
delete the platform bag
get small handlebar bag for essentials
reduce stuff
08-02-17, 07:05 AM
#28
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Few things-
- Its been mentioned, but cant be said often enough- front bags need to weigh the same. If the weight is wonky, it throws steering off.
- The olive bear canister thing is a bit much and you could save weight with a compression dry bag like this in large(or another size). $27ish and its really well made(I have one). https://www.steepandcheap.com/alps-m...xoCkdIQAvD_BwE
Ive used mine to carry clothes, to carry food, and to carry inside the tent sleep items. Versatile, light, and itll adjust to sizing so its only as large as you need.
- A lighter tent and sleeping bag may help. Itll help for both weight AND packed bulk.
o I prefer 2person tents as they are effectively a 1 person tent with a little bit of room for your bags. Tents that weigh 5# can cost $80-120 and be perfectly good quality for extended use. Bump it to $150-180 and you will get into the arena of tents which are a bit lighter 2p with aluminum poles.
o Sleeping bags are quite individual as everyone sleeps differently(warm/cool). If you can get a 40degree bag and a liner to be comfortable in temps down to 60, perfect as that setup can be packed down to the size of a watermelon. The NorthFace Dolomite is 2.5# or the Teton Journey 40 is 2.3#(though its only good to 65ish on its own). Both pack small.
- If you don’t bring the lock and cables, thatll save a lot of weight. 10% of your packed weight right there. I understand the desire for security, but 4# of cables and lock is a big penalty. Get a thin cheap light plastic coated cable and use it as a deterrent. If its visible, itll keep most from messing with the bike. Keep in mind too- touring bikes arent being stolen while on tour often. You are typically either in campgrounds which are inherently low traffic areas and have people who are busy doing things they came to do(vs steal your bike), or you are in small towns at shops with your bike right out front.
- Books and games…maybe limit it to ‘book and game’ – singular not plural? If you finish a crossword book, then get another in the next town. If you finish a book, then get another in the next town. That could help save some weight too.
Hope your next trip out is more enjoyable from a riding perspective!
- Its been mentioned, but cant be said often enough- front bags need to weigh the same. If the weight is wonky, it throws steering off.
- The olive bear canister thing is a bit much and you could save weight with a compression dry bag like this in large(or another size). $27ish and its really well made(I have one). https://www.steepandcheap.com/alps-m...xoCkdIQAvD_BwE
Ive used mine to carry clothes, to carry food, and to carry inside the tent sleep items. Versatile, light, and itll adjust to sizing so its only as large as you need.
- A lighter tent and sleeping bag may help. Itll help for both weight AND packed bulk.
o I prefer 2person tents as they are effectively a 1 person tent with a little bit of room for your bags. Tents that weigh 5# can cost $80-120 and be perfectly good quality for extended use. Bump it to $150-180 and you will get into the arena of tents which are a bit lighter 2p with aluminum poles.
o Sleeping bags are quite individual as everyone sleeps differently(warm/cool). If you can get a 40degree bag and a liner to be comfortable in temps down to 60, perfect as that setup can be packed down to the size of a watermelon. The NorthFace Dolomite is 2.5# or the Teton Journey 40 is 2.3#(though its only good to 65ish on its own). Both pack small.
- If you don’t bring the lock and cables, thatll save a lot of weight. 10% of your packed weight right there. I understand the desire for security, but 4# of cables and lock is a big penalty. Get a thin cheap light plastic coated cable and use it as a deterrent. If its visible, itll keep most from messing with the bike. Keep in mind too- touring bikes arent being stolen while on tour often. You are typically either in campgrounds which are inherently low traffic areas and have people who are busy doing things they came to do(vs steal your bike), or you are in small towns at shops with your bike right out front.
- Books and games…maybe limit it to ‘book and game’ – singular not plural? If you finish a crossword book, then get another in the next town. If you finish a book, then get another in the next town. That could help save some weight too.
Hope your next trip out is more enjoyable from a riding perspective!
08-02-17, 07:24 AM
#29
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Take a few more trips, paring down things you don't use each time. Leave them at home and see if you get by without them. My biggest killer has been clothes. I always overpack those. Not a lot of weight, but a lot of bulk, but I never seem to understand what I don't need.
16# for tent and bag is incredibly heavy, mine came in under 10#, and they aren't anything particularly expensive or crazy.
Lock, I agree with others, two tours even through populated areas and all I have dealt with is cable locks. Only exception was when I got to Amsterdam and was leaving it locked up on the streets, I stopped in a bike shop and bought a U-lock for those couple days.
16# for tent and bag is incredibly heavy, mine came in under 10#, and they aren't anything particularly expensive or crazy.
Lock, I agree with others, two tours even through populated areas and all I have dealt with is cable locks. Only exception was when I got to Amsterdam and was leaving it locked up on the streets, I stopped in a bike shop and bought a U-lock for those couple days.
08-02-17, 07:47 AM
#30
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08-02-17, 08:27 AM
#31
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When looking for ways to get your gear base weight down, I find it much more helpful to look at the ultralght thru-hiking world for ideas than at bike touring packlists (which are often comically heavy by comparison). There are a ton of good ideas and gear advice over at whiteblaze.net. Also check out youtube thru-hiker darwinonthetrail. He has a couple of videos on good budget solutions for UL that could absolutely slash your weight without destroying your bank account.
I found darwinonthetrail and subscribed. He has a bunch of videos so it will take some time to wade thru them.
Thanks for the link, Tony
08-02-17, 08:30 AM
#32
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08-02-17, 08:41 AM
#33
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viewing your pic, first thing that came to mind was "too much stuff"
(note...i did a year in oz with 4 bags AND trailer, total 175 pounds
when fully laden with 5 gallons of water.....i know stuff.)
your front bags are way too big, and i see you have a duffel bag
of some sort on the front platform. what be in that?
also notice the rear bags seem to have horizontal webbing straps
to secure the load. front bags do not, so whatever load there is
will be flapping around destabilizing the steering, which may be
more noticeable at slower speeds with the jerky overcorrections.
why not post your full packing list (breakdown by bag) and mark
which items were not used?
reduce stuff
get smaller front bags
delete the platform bag
get small handlebar bag for essentials
reduce stuff
(note...i did a year in oz with 4 bags AND trailer, total 175 pounds
when fully laden with 5 gallons of water.....i know stuff.)
your front bags are way too big, and i see you have a duffel bag
of some sort on the front platform. what be in that?
also notice the rear bags seem to have horizontal webbing straps
to secure the load. front bags do not, so whatever load there is
will be flapping around destabilizing the steering, which may be
more noticeable at slower speeds with the jerky overcorrections.
why not post your full packing list (breakdown by bag) and mark
which items were not used?
reduce stuff
get smaller front bags
delete the platform bag
get small handlebar bag for essentials
reduce stuff
saddlesores,
You did a year in oz? where is oz? 175#...I don't feel so bad now. lol But you did a year. wow And a trailer, that's cool. Maybe I should consider a trailer. hmmmm
I'm going to itemize a list and post it. Maybe that will help me also. The front platform bag is actually normally on the back rack when we go riding. A trunk bag that carries tools, tubes, lock and cable and some other stuff I think I'll need but have yet to ever use.
Did you notice in you're last paragraph you had 5 short lines and you're first and last lines you repeated..."reduce stuff." Oh, wait a minute, you were probably trying to tell me something.
Thanks for your help and suggestions, Tony
08-02-17, 08:51 AM
#34
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Few things-
- Its been mentioned, but cant be said often enough- front bags need to weigh the same. If the weight is wonky, it throws steering off.
- The olive bear canister thing is a bit much and you could save weight with a compression dry bag like this in large(or another size). $27ish and its really well made(I have one). https://www.steepandcheap.com/alps-m...xoCkdIQAvD_BwE
Ive used mine to carry clothes, to carry food, and to carry inside the tent sleep items. Versatile, light, and itll adjust to sizing so its only as large as you need.
- A lighter tent and sleeping bag may help. Itll help for both weight AND packed bulk.
o I prefer 2person tents as they are effectively a 1 person tent with a little bit of room for your bags. Tents that weigh 5# can cost $80-120 and be perfectly good quality for extended use. Bump it to $150-180 and you will get into the arena of tents which are a bit lighter 2p with aluminum poles.
o Sleeping bags are quite individual as everyone sleeps differently(warm/cool). If you can get a 40degree bag and a liner to be comfortable in temps down to 60, perfect as that setup can be packed down to the size of a watermelon. The NorthFace Dolomite is 2.5# or the Teton Journey 40 is 2.3#(though its only good to 65ish on its own). Both pack small.
- If you don’t bring the lock and cables, thatll save a lot of weight. 10% of your packed weight right there. I understand the desire for security, but 4# of cables and lock is a big penalty. Get a thin cheap light plastic coated cable and use it as a deterrent. If its visible, itll keep most from messing with the bike. Keep in mind too- touring bikes arent being stolen while on tour often. You are typically either in campgrounds which are inherently low traffic areas and have people who are busy doing things they came to do(vs steal your bike), or you are in small towns at shops with your bike right out front.
- Books and games…maybe limit it to ‘book and game’ – singular not plural? If you finish a crossword book, then get another in the next town. If you finish a book, then get another in the next town. That could help save some weight too.
Hope your next trip out is more enjoyable from a riding perspective!
- Its been mentioned, but cant be said often enough- front bags need to weigh the same. If the weight is wonky, it throws steering off.
- The olive bear canister thing is a bit much and you could save weight with a compression dry bag like this in large(or another size). $27ish and its really well made(I have one). https://www.steepandcheap.com/alps-m...xoCkdIQAvD_BwE
Ive used mine to carry clothes, to carry food, and to carry inside the tent sleep items. Versatile, light, and itll adjust to sizing so its only as large as you need.
- A lighter tent and sleeping bag may help. Itll help for both weight AND packed bulk.
o I prefer 2person tents as they are effectively a 1 person tent with a little bit of room for your bags. Tents that weigh 5# can cost $80-120 and be perfectly good quality for extended use. Bump it to $150-180 and you will get into the arena of tents which are a bit lighter 2p with aluminum poles.
o Sleeping bags are quite individual as everyone sleeps differently(warm/cool). If you can get a 40degree bag and a liner to be comfortable in temps down to 60, perfect as that setup can be packed down to the size of a watermelon. The NorthFace Dolomite is 2.5# or the Teton Journey 40 is 2.3#(though its only good to 65ish on its own). Both pack small.
- If you don’t bring the lock and cables, thatll save a lot of weight. 10% of your packed weight right there. I understand the desire for security, but 4# of cables and lock is a big penalty. Get a thin cheap light plastic coated cable and use it as a deterrent. If its visible, itll keep most from messing with the bike. Keep in mind too- touring bikes arent being stolen while on tour often. You are typically either in campgrounds which are inherently low traffic areas and have people who are busy doing things they came to do(vs steal your bike), or you are in small towns at shops with your bike right out front.
- Books and games…maybe limit it to ‘book and game’ – singular not plural? If you finish a crossword book, then get another in the next town. If you finish a book, then get another in the next town. That could help save some weight too.
Hope your next trip out is more enjoyable from a riding perspective!
mstateglfr,
Yea, the lock and cable have to dealt with. A lighter weight cable and simple lock are better ideas. Thanks. One book and one cw puzzle would work. I know my sleeping bag and tent are both weight hogs and can be replaced with better options. I think the olive barrel is cool as hell but we do have dry bags to use in place of the barrel. I checked out the link and they have some pretty cool stuff.
Thanks, Tony
08-02-17, 08:55 AM
#35
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Take a few more trips, paring down things you don't use each time. Leave them at home and see if you get by without them. My biggest killer has been clothes. I always overpack those. Not a lot of weight, but a lot of bulk, but I never seem to understand what I don't need.
16# for tent and bag is incredibly heavy, mine came in under 10#, and they aren't anything particularly expensive or crazy.
Lock, I agree with others, two tours even through populated areas and all I have dealt with is cable locks. Only exception was when I got to Amsterdam and was leaving it locked up on the streets, I stopped in a bike shop and bought a U-lock for those couple days.
16# for tent and bag is incredibly heavy, mine came in under 10#, and they aren't anything particularly expensive or crazy.
Lock, I agree with others, two tours even through populated areas and all I have dealt with is cable locks. Only exception was when I got to Amsterdam and was leaving it locked up on the streets, I stopped in a bike shop and bought a U-lock for those couple days.
Yep, the tent and bag and pad are my biggest enemy right now with the U-lock and cable being second. Clothes aren't an issue for me. I can wear the same shorts and socks for days. Underwear and tee shirts are a must change on a daily basis.
Thanks for the input, Tony
08-02-17, 08:59 AM
#36
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indy,
It's a Surly rack but I don't know the model. The top platform is quite short as my trunk bag won't sit properly unless I mount it sideways as the picture shows. Do you think a different front rack might help with handling?
Thanks Tony
08-02-17, 09:09 AM
#37
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A change of clothes, a few pairs of socks and underwear, small tent and sleeping bag, and a little food. What more do you need? You could fit that all in one pannier. My last multi-day trip was with about 13 lbs of gear and I felt that was too much. But I also spend months at a time traveling other countries with nothing more than my trusty 24 liter Deuter backpack loaded to about 7 pounds. Once you take a trip with nothing more than bare essentials, you realize how very few things are actually bare essentials.
I understand not everyone can afford one of those fancy 1/2 pound ultralight tents. I can't either! Do the best with that you have. But try to keep your weight <15 pounds (excluding water) and you will have a very enjoyable trip! And no traveler ever said, "I really wish I would have brought that fourth pair of jeans!"
I understand not everyone can afford one of those fancy 1/2 pound ultralight tents. I can't either! Do the best with that you have. But try to keep your weight <15 pounds (excluding water) and you will have a very enjoyable trip! And no traveler ever said, "I really wish I would have brought that fourth pair of jeans!"
08-02-17, 09:18 AM
#38
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Minimalist is good, but it has to be minimalist to your definition of minimal. I regularly travel Europe for a week and a half to two weeks on nothing but a carry-on sized Kelty backpack, doesn't mean everyone is going to enjoy that method of travel, or that my definition of minimal prefers lots of clean socks and underwear over two sets and regular time wasting washing them.
08-02-17, 09:27 AM
#39
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Probably an older version of the Surly Nice rack. I have only ever toured with a front platform rack and I don't see anything nice about the current version, if only because of its weight.
I doubt the rack itself is the problem. As someone else noted, your front bags are huge. I will add that you appear to have them attached to the top lateral bar. If I am correct about the model of the rack, there is a bar lower down. Attaching the bags there will lower the load. (See the photo below where you can see my front panniers attached to the lower lateral bar of my Nitto Big front rack. Not as low as low riders but not high either.) But in your case that might be a problem because of the size of the bags. You don't want them too close to the ground.
Also, look to pare down what you carry, not simply the weight of the things you carry. The below photo was taken at the start of a two week, nearly 800 mile trip in MT and ID that I did last month. I had to pack for all sorts of potential weather, including bad weather at altitude, and I carry a relatively elaborate "kitchen" compared to many (e.g., two pots, a liquid fuel stove, and even a small, light cutting board). Even with all my stuff, I didn't need to use the front rack platform at all. In fact, these days I only use it on the rare day when I need to carry a lot of food (I will strap the sleeping bag to it to free up space in the right, rear pannier) or when I am in camp and need to transport a bundle of firewood. (You don't know unstable until you have tried that last one.
)
08-02-17, 09:34 AM
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Several years ago there was a Canadian guy posting on this forum who had an extensive list of off-bike clothing he planned to carry. Can't remember the entire list, but IIRC it featured something like 8 off-bike shirts and numerous pairs of pants. The list was so crazy that part of me thought he was yet another Touring forum troll.
08-02-17, 09:48 AM
#41
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A change of clothes, a few pairs of socks and underwear, small tent and sleeping bag, and a little food. What more do you need? You could fit that all in one pannier. My last multi-day trip was with about 13 lbs of gear and I felt that was too much. But I also spend months at a time traveling other countries with nothing more than my trusty 24 liter Deuter backpack loaded to about 7 pounds. Once you take a trip with nothing more than bare essentials, you realize how very few things are actually bare essentials.
I understand not everyone can afford one of those fancy 1/2 pound ultralight tents. I can't either! Do the best with that you have. But try to keep your weight <15 pounds (excluding water) and you will have a very enjoyable trip! And no traveler ever said, "I really wish I would have brought that fourth pair of jeans!"
I understand not everyone can afford one of those fancy 1/2 pound ultralight tents. I can't either! Do the best with that you have. But try to keep your weight <15 pounds (excluding water) and you will have a very enjoyable trip! And no traveler ever said, "I really wish I would have brought that fourth pair of jeans!"
Thanks Tony
08-02-17, 09:52 AM
#42
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We didn't move campsites, so that helped ~ camped same place two nights. Our second day was unloaded riding.
But for one night you should be able to get down to 20~25lb pretty easy.
As your packing hold each thing before you pack and say: If I don't have this, will I die during the trip?
- Probably you can get down to your bike and a tarp!
Since you're experienced canoeing you are probably comfortable being uncomfortable. I think that's key to taking less and less each trip. I think I read that in Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival.
Cheers!
08-02-17, 09:53 AM
#43
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Just on the books....
I love books when I'm on tour. On one of my first tours, one of my rear panniers held a sleeping bag.... and books!
Then I got a kindle.
One of the best things I got for the bike!
By the way, I also email a copy of all possible info I may need to my kindle (including maps) so I have a backup.
And don't be embarrassed about your weight for one overnight trip.
It's a practice trip - and it worked because now you have a couple of things to improve on.
A few more in as many different conditions as you can manage will soon tell you pretty much everything you need to know.
First up, look at stabilizing the bike, be comfortable on it, and learn the rest as best you can.
Figuring this stuff out is all part of the adventure!
Good Luck!
Frank
I love books when I'm on tour. On one of my first tours, one of my rear panniers held a sleeping bag.... and books!
Then I got a kindle.
One of the best things I got for the bike!
By the way, I also email a copy of all possible info I may need to my kindle (including maps) so I have a backup.
And don't be embarrassed about your weight for one overnight trip.
It's a practice trip - and it worked because now you have a couple of things to improve on.
A few more in as many different conditions as you can manage will soon tell you pretty much everything you need to know.
First up, look at stabilizing the bike, be comfortable on it, and learn the rest as best you can.
Figuring this stuff out is all part of the adventure!
Good Luck!
Frank
08-02-17, 10:15 AM
#44
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OTOH, while I overpacked clothes the past two times, I really do not regret bringing some trusty Red Wing boots for off bike use. And those second pair of regular shorts came in handy when I crashed in my first pair, and tossed them out because they were ripped and bloodied...
Minimalist is good, but it has to be minimalist to your definition of minimal. I regularly travel Europe for a week and a half to two weeks on nothing but a carry-on sized Kelty backpack, doesn't mean everyone is going to enjoy that method of travel, or that my definition of minimal prefers lots of clean socks and underwear over two sets and regular time wasting washing them.
Minimalist is good, but it has to be minimalist to your definition of minimal. I regularly travel Europe for a week and a half to two weeks on nothing but a carry-on sized Kelty backpack, doesn't mean everyone is going to enjoy that method of travel, or that my definition of minimal prefers lots of clean socks and underwear over two sets and regular time wasting washing them.
Probably an older version of the Surly Nice rack. I have only ever toured with a front platform rack and I don't see anything nice about the current version, if only because of its weight.
I doubt the rack itself is the problem. As someone else noted, your front bags are huge. I will add that you appear to have them attached to the top lateral bar. If I am correct about the model of the rack, there is a bar lower down. Attaching the bags there will lower the load. (See the photo below where you can see my front panniers attached to the lower lateral bar of my Nitto Big front rack. Not as low as low riders but not high either.) But in your case that might be a problem because of the size of the bags. You don't want them too close to the ground.
Also, look to pare down what you carry, not simply the weight of the things you carry. The below photo was taken at the start of a two week, nearly 800 mile trip in MT and ID that I did last month. I had to pack for all sorts of potential weather, including bad weather at altitude, and I carry a relatively elaborate "kitchen" compared to many (e.g., two pots, a liquid fuel stove, and even a small, light cutting board). Even with all my stuff, I didn't need to use the front rack platform at all. In fact, these days I only use it on the rare day when I need to carry a lot of food (I will strap the sleeping bag to it to free up space in the right, rear pannier) or when I am in camp and need to transport a bundle of firewood. (You don't know unstable until you have tried that last one.)
I doubt the rack itself is the problem. As someone else noted, your front bags are huge. I will add that you appear to have them attached to the top lateral bar. If I am correct about the model of the rack, there is a bar lower down. Attaching the bags there will lower the load. (See the photo below where you can see my front panniers attached to the lower lateral bar of my Nitto Big front rack. Not as low as low riders but not high either.) But in your case that might be a problem because of the size of the bags. You don't want them too close to the ground.
Also, look to pare down what you carry, not simply the weight of the things you carry. The below photo was taken at the start of a two week, nearly 800 mile trip in MT and ID that I did last month. I had to pack for all sorts of potential weather, including bad weather at altitude, and I carry a relatively elaborate "kitchen" compared to many (e.g., two pots, a liquid fuel stove, and even a small, light cutting board). Even with all my stuff, I didn't need to use the front rack platform at all. In fact, these days I only use it on the rare day when I need to carry a lot of food (I will strap the sleeping bag to it to free up space in the right, rear pannier) or when I am in camp and need to transport a bundle of firewood. (You don't know unstable until you have tried that last one.
)howdy - my co-rider bought breakfast - WAAY too much - so that's stuff I didn't pack in the photo sitting on top under bungees.
We didn't move campsites, so that helped ~ camped same place two nights. Our second day was unloaded riding.
But for one night you should be able to get down to 20~25lb pretty easy.
As your packing hold each thing before you pack and say: If I don't have this, will I die during the trip?
- Probably you can get down to your bike and a tarp!
Since you're experienced canoeing you are probably comfortable being uncomfortable. I think that's key to taking less and less each trip. I think I read that in Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival.
Cheers!
We didn't move campsites, so that helped ~ camped same place two nights. Our second day was unloaded riding.
But for one night you should be able to get down to 20~25lb pretty easy.
As your packing hold each thing before you pack and say: If I don't have this, will I die during the trip?
- Probably you can get down to your bike and a tarp!
Since you're experienced canoeing you are probably comfortable being uncomfortable. I think that's key to taking less and less each trip. I think I read that in Tom Brown's Field Guide to Wilderness Survival.
Cheers!
Just on the books....
I love books when I'm on tour. On one of my first tours, one of my rear panniers held a sleeping bag.... and books!
Then I got a kindle.
One of the best things I got for the bike!
By the way, I also email a copy of all possible info I may need to my kindle (including maps) so I have a backup.
And don't be embarrassed about your weight for one overnight trip.
It's a practice trip - and it worked because now you have a couple of things to improve on.
A few more in as many different conditions as you can manage will soon tell you pretty much everything you need to know.
First up, look at stabilizing the bike, be comfortable on it, and learn the rest as best you can.
Figuring this stuff out is all part of the adventure!
Good Luck!
Frank
I love books when I'm on tour. On one of my first tours, one of my rear panniers held a sleeping bag.... and books!
Then I got a kindle.
One of the best things I got for the bike!
By the way, I also email a copy of all possible info I may need to my kindle (including maps) so I have a backup.
And don't be embarrassed about your weight for one overnight trip.
It's a practice trip - and it worked because now you have a couple of things to improve on.
A few more in as many different conditions as you can manage will soon tell you pretty much everything you need to know.
First up, look at stabilizing the bike, be comfortable on it, and learn the rest as best you can.
Figuring this stuff out is all part of the adventure!
Good Luck!
Frank
08-02-17, 10:45 AM
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I'd highly recommend not crashing, if you have the option. I'd also highly recommend not cycling with a glass beer bottle in your cargo shorts pocket back to the hotel from a lovely Leuven bar on wet cobblestones to help accomplish that 
But I was sure glad I packed a second pair of shorts in that one instance!
But I was sure glad I packed a second pair of shorts in that one instance!
08-02-17, 10:55 AM
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Just to be clear, I remove the panniers and tent before making firewood runs. I have carried bundles on the front and rear rack at the same time for distances of up to a mile or more. Once you get moving it's not that bad. You just need to avoid making any sudden turns.
08-02-17, 11:25 AM
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I'd highly recommend not crashing, if you have the option. I'd also highly recommend not cycling with a glass beer bottle in your cargo shorts pocket back to the hotel from a lovely Leuven bar on wet cobblestones to help accomplish that
But I was sure glad I packed a second pair of shorts in that one instance!
But I was sure glad I packed a second pair of shorts in that one instance!
Just to be clear, I remove the panniers and tent before making firewood runs. I have carried bundles on the front and rear rack at the same time for distances of up to a mile or more. Once you get moving it's not that bad. You just need to avoid making any sudden turns.
I checked my front rack and lowering the front bags to the next bar lowers me 6" and still allows 9" clearance to the ground. good tip.
08-02-17, 12:09 PM
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I'd also suggest getting cut nowhere, unless you are traveling with a medical professional and a well stocked first aid kit (as I was)
08-02-17, 12:21 PM
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Had two chunks of broken beer bottle impaled in the outside of my thigh, with I'm sure a lot of lovely grit and dirt. Actually, pulling my groin was the bigger issue for the next few day's riding, but I still have some nice scars from that one!
I'd also suggest getting cut nowhere, unless you are traveling with a medical professional and a well stocked first aid kit (as I was)
I'd also suggest getting cut nowhere, unless you are traveling with a medical professional and a well stocked first aid kit (as I was)
How many of us can take a medical professional with us?? Well, except for you.
That's pretty nice that he took care of you. Did you need stitches?Tony
08-02-17, 12:41 PM
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OP, as said, lighter load. Next trip, could you rent or borrow tent/sleeping bag? My REI rents both. As to less, I put it all out on a table first before I pack. Just returned for some bikepacking in the VT Green Mt Nat. Forest. My 55 F bag was just cutting it. Not expecting 48-50 F lows overnight in VT in July. Huge fan of wool base layers, way awesome. I usually plan for 2 sets of on bike clothes and 1 warm/ 1 colder set off bike. Last Monday saw 10 hrs/50 miles of saddle time and 8 hrs of rain. Challenging to say the least. Rain coat, helmet cover and waterproof hiking boots were key for the whole 4 days. For me the line between minimalist and cold/wet can be thin. The bikepacking can be very not near anything else with little backup. On road touring you might have better access to plan B. Do what I do, get back and see what you didn't use/wear. Cheers.