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Newbie questions
Hi every one, thanks in advance for your help. I am going to do a 5 day tour from Marin County to Cambria for the Eroica CA weekend with some friends. I haven't done any touring since 1978 when I had paniers and a rack. We have lodging arranged, and everything I need at the Cambria end will be transported down by my SO via car.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4cda86fdee.jpg this is what I was thinking for my set up. 2 5.5 L dry bags on the forks, and a small (3.4 L) triangle bag as my main storage. A top tube bag for things I need at hand, and a handlebar bag for my DSLR. I also have a feed bag along side my stem to hold a long lens. I am a bit worried about water availability on part of the route, and I have tried to ride dehydrated a couple of times this year to great sorrow. So I have used some Wolf tooth adapters to rig 3 bottles in the main triangle and one under the down tube. OK, here is what I don't know... Is this too much, not enough, or just right. I figure I need some tools, 2 sets of kit, toiletries, sandals or shoes for off bike, shorts, shirt for off bike, jackets, etc. All comments and suggestions welcome. MARK |
Originally Posted by mgopack42
(Post 22198454)
Hi every one, thanks in advance for your help. I am going to do a 5 day tour from Marin County to Cambria for the Eroica CA weekend with some friends. I haven't done any touring since 1978 when I had paniers and a rack. We have lodging arranged, and everything I need at the Cambria end will be transported down by my SO via car.
this is what I was thinking for my set up. 2 5.5 L dry bags on the forks, and a small (3.4 L) triangle bag as my main storage. A top tube bag for things I need at hand, and a handlebar bag for my DSLR. I also have a feed bag along side my stem to hold a long lens. I am a bit worried about water availability on part of the route, and I have tried to ride dehydrated a couple of times this year to great sorrow. So I have used some Wolf tooth adapters to rig 3 bottles in the main triangle and one under the down tube. OK, here is what I don't know... Is this too much, not enough, or just right. I also have a cheapie seat bag, figure 10 L., But I don't care for the thing wagging behind me. I figure I need some tools, 2 sets of kit, toiletries, sandals or shoes for off bike, shorts, shirt for off bike, jackets, etc. All comments and suggestions welcome. MARK |
Originally Posted by cyccommute
(Post 22198476)
It sounds like you aren’t camping. That’s what usually increases weight and the need for more space. If you can get all that you need into the space you now have, that’s all the space you need. If you have a tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking gear, and food, you probably need more space.
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You haven't told us some key info., are you self supported - I.E. camping, tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, stoves, food, etc..... or a credit card tour (staying at motels, eating at diners ?. As well and if camping, what gear are you planning ?. Hard to critic your setup without knowing what you plan on bringing.
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Are you shipping your Eroica bike down and riding your modern mike to meet it?
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Impossible to give a meaningful answer. I can camp and cook on long tours with that much or less capacity. Someone else might not have enough room for their clothes. It depends on what you want/need to have along. I'd suggest assembling the stuff you will take and do a test packing. When it comes down to it, staying in motels and eating in restaurants you really aren't going to get into too much trouble by making bad packing decisions. You'd survive with nothing but a credit card and taking too much would just mean being unnecessarily loaded down. Neither would be the end of the world.
Bottom line... For me that would be very generous amount of packing space for the trip. It might be nice if you plan to want a lot of off bike clothes or something. Otherwise maybe it is overkill. It depends on how you pack though.. |
It’s not too much if you can handle the weight and still enjoy yourself. I would certainly err on the side of more water if sources will be infrequent at times. You don’t always have to fill all your capacity if sources will be frequent along some stretches. Consider light versions of things. E.g., synthetic, convertible pants instead of jeans. Take the DSLR if you intend to make good use of it. I crossed the US and then some during one trip with an obscene amount of film camera equipment because that is what I wanted to do. Never regretted it even though many days would have been easier without it.
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As long as you have water, are prepared for bad weather, minor breakdowns and have something comfortable to wear, you should be good to go
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The whole taking a dslr and additional lens thing to me isn't worth it. It's significant weight, you have to worry about water and shaking the crap out of good equipment, and from my personal experience, it's just not worth it.
I'm biased as I've never carried good photo equipment on bike trips over 30 years. To me it's a bike trip, not a photo trip, and point and shoots have always been the correct compromise for me. as mentioned, I'd put more of an emphasis on water, but as I'm not familiar with the area and temps, I can't really comment on how much you need. all I know is that as you said, not enough water is a real, real drag and not fun at all. |
Thanks Admins for merging the two posts.
Thanks all for your responses. I am planning on carrying 4 750 mL water bottles, and i think for most days, I will not need that volume. There is a stretch of the coast with very little in the way of places to get water though, an I am sure I will need it that one day. As someone mentioned, I dont necessarily need to fill them all every day... the first day through the SF peninsula for instance, and the last day is all down hill and very short day. I guess my next step is to lay out what I intend to bring, and decide if I need it, want it or can go without it. Weather should be pretty stable along the coast, and this is still well before the rainy season, but it can get chilly in the mornings. As we will likely be spending more time (most days) post ride off the bikes, I need to figure that part out a bit too. |
This is my credit car touring packing list. I've used it for long weekends and I did a lot of washing in motel sinks. I have room for some food and carry snacks in my back pockets, but I usually eat in restaurants.
Wallet with cards and money iPhone, earphones, backup battery and charger Multitool and tire levers Spare tubes, power links and patch kit Pump Rain jacket Long sleeve shirt Convertible trousers Socks Underwear Balaclava Gloves Off bike kung-fu shoes. Shower cap, to go over bike helmet in rain Small cable lock First aid kit Bic lighter Head lamp Emergency mylar blanket Toilet kit Pen and notebook Nylon backpack (in case I need to carry extra stuff) On bike or worn (not shown) 2x 1L water bottles Sunglasses One set of clothes https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8b1c2cb0f8.jpg |
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