2011 - Our Short Tours
11-10-11 | 03:29 PM
#101
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
October 28 - November 1 - Melbourne Cup long weekend
We did a hub-and-spoke tour on the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Friday - drove to Warrnambool after work, arriving very late
Saturday - hoped to do some cycling but the weather was terrible. Chilly, very windy, and raining. Instead we checked out the city and stopped to watch a bicycle race ... the 262 km EASTERN OAK MELBOURNE TO WARRNAMBOOL CLASSIC 2011
Sunday - cycled west to Port Fairy and back on tandem. That was really nice. In the past when we've been in that area, we've stayed in Port Fairy, so it was interesting to see it from a slightly different perspective.
Monday - cycled east from Warrnambool, kind of meandering along the coast and exploring.
Tuesday - drove home via the Great Ocean Road
The photos start here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-...detail/?page=8
The race ...
Cool day along the ocean ...
Looking out over the ocean from the whale watching platform ...
Along the Great Ocean Road ...
(Click each photo for a page of additional photos)
Friday - drove to Warrnambool after work, arriving very late
Saturday - hoped to do some cycling but the weather was terrible. Chilly, very windy, and raining. Instead we checked out the city and stopped to watch a bicycle race ... the 262 km EASTERN OAK MELBOURNE TO WARRNAMBOOL CLASSIC 2011
Sunday - cycled west to Port Fairy and back on tandem. That was really nice. In the past when we've been in that area, we've stayed in Port Fairy, so it was interesting to see it from a slightly different perspective.
Monday - cycled east from Warrnambool, kind of meandering along the coast and exploring.
Tuesday - drove home via the Great Ocean Road
The photos start here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-...detail/?page=8
The race ...
Cool day along the ocean ...
Looking out over the ocean from the whale watching platform ...
Along the Great Ocean Road ...
(Click each photo for a page of additional photos)
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
12-09-11 | 05:10 AM
#102
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
A different sort of tour
Rowan and I decided to make the last weekend in November a 3-day weekend by taking the Monday off. We spent the weekend in the mountains, in an area we've passed through briefly some time ago, but an area we had talked for some time about visiting, and exploring.
Also, a few months ago we decided to take on the 7 Peak Alpine Ascent Challenge: https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions...Challenge.aspx
And so, it all came together on that last weekend of November ... we visited, we climbed, and we explored.
Saturday 26 November - Rain was predicted all day today, but when we set off on the first climb (Falls Creek), it was actually quite nice ... relatively cool, mix of sun and clouds.
The climb started immediately out of Mount Beauty, but wasn't too difficult for the first half (16 km) to Bogong ... a climb of course, but a few descents to break it up. The second half (16 km) was a steady climb to the top. And it got cooler and more overcast as we climbed.
4 km from the top, it started to rain ... a cold rain. And about 1 km from the top, the wind started to blow and drive the rain across the road. Fortunately we were close to the top then.
We got a stamp in our passport booklets, then carried our bicycles up a long flight of stairs to a restaurant where I had two large mugs of hot coffee, and Rowan had a latte and a hot chocolate. And we tried to warm up. After sitting around for a while watching the wind and rain, we decided to start going down.
We made some clothing adjustments and began the slow descent. The clouds had rolled in, and we were in a thick rainy fog for several km. We finally got out of the fog, but it continued to rain all the rest of the way down, so it was a bit of a slow descent.
I should have changed clothes entirely because I was quite chilly by the time I got to the bottom. Rowan, however, was fine.
Stats:
Distance 32 km (up)
Rise: 1300 metres
Grade Average: 6%
Grade Maximum: 10%
All that, and no walking. I cycled all the way to the top! There was a time the only way I could have done this climb would have been to walk most of it. But now, I found this to be a fairly comfortable climb.
We saw several other cyclists around ... there were 4 others at the top of the climb with us when we got there, but I think they were all doing different things. It was nice to see other cyclists going through what we were going through.
Sunday 27 November - Today we took on the Harrietville to Mount Hotham climb.
The Harrietville - Mt Hotham climb is one of the more difficult climbs of the 7 in the challenge because of the steepness of the grades encountered, and also sometimes because of the weather at the top. It can get very, very windy and cold up there.
The ride starts in Harrietville, a lovely little town, and immediately starts climbing. The first kilometre or so is quite steep (what a rude way to start a ride!!) and then it kind of settles down into a grade where I could maintain a comfortable 7 km/h for the next 8 km. We were surrounded by forest providing shade, and full of all sorts of birds all singing away. I overheated 400 metres into the climb, and was down into shorts and a short-sleeved jersey from there for most of the rest of the way up.
At the 9 km point we encountered, "The Meg". The Meg is quite a steep climb that goes on for about 1 km. We both cycled all the way up and then stopped for a little break. My heart rate felt like it was beating so fast, it had just gone into one big beat.
After The Meg, the road becomes significantly more gradual ... flat in places ... for the next 10 km. That was a wonderful part of the route. We could keep up a decent pace, and there were great views of the valley below. We also encountered a lot of other cyclists coming down ... including one who started the ride at the same time we had, and presumably made it to the top and was already on his way back down!!
At the 20 km point, the ride got tougher. First was the climb to Mt St Bernard, a tough climb similar to The Meg. Then there was a brief rest before we were faced with the first "wall". The road descends suddenly and steeply for about half a km, and then climbs straight up the side of the mountain at about 18% for 1200 metres. I made it 500 metres before I was off and walking, but Rowan rode all the way up.
There was another brief rest period (a climb where I could maintain about 7 km/h again), and then ... another "wall"! I had driven this route back in 2004, and I remember a "wall", but not TWO walls!! This one started at about 18% and then eased up to probably around 12% after about 1.5 km. I made it 500 metres ... and walked the rest of the way. On this one, I walked probably about 2 km.
At the top, we put on light jackets because it was a good deal cooler up there, and because there was a descent into the Hotham Heights village. But we were really fortunate with the weather today. It can get pretty nasty up there.
The only thing open was all the way through to the other side of the village. It's not ski season, so these mountain top resorts are quiet. But we were able to get our passports signed and get some nutrition before the return trip.
In the first 10 km on the way down, we had three fairly significant climbs. But the rest was pretty good. I'm not a good descender, so I liked the flattish bit in the middle the best, but we managed to get down all right.
And we encountered no rain at all!
Stats:
Distance 30 km (up)
Rise: 1320 metres
Grade Average: 4.2%
Grade Maximum: 18%
Monday 28 November - Today we took on the Mount Buffalo climb.
The Mount Buffalo climb begins in Eurobin, which is not much more than a hamlet. We found a place to park, unloaded the bicycle and cycled to Porepunkah ... a relatively flat ride along a lovely road. Good way to begin a climbing ride! At Porepunkah, we turned down the Mount Buffalo road, and for the next 5 km or so, it continued to be flat. Nice!
But that all came to an end with a practice hill. I took the hill a bit too hard and was huffing and puffing by the top. I really wondered about my ability to finish this ride and reach the top of the big climb, and I questioned the wisdom of doing 3 tough climbs in a row!!
Down that hill, a little more flat, and then, roughly 11 km into the ride, the real climbing began and did not end until the top, almost 30 km later. Switchbacks ... lots and lots of switchbacks.
One of the best parts of this route was all the waterfalls ... the sound of falling water accompanied us all the way up and we passed all sorts from little trickles to gushing torrents.
Another good part of this route were the many views of the valley below.
Although I think this route was easier than yesterday's, I struggled ... my legs were tired and I didn't feel particularly well. I had good moments where I found my rhythm ... and those moments lasted about 20 minutes at a time, but then I had to rest a minute.
However, we kept plugging away, and all of a sudden we crested a hill and began a descent into a hollow quite near the top. From there it was up to the Park Office and up to the little shop at the top where we got something to eat and drink. And we completed our third climb!
I've been developing my climbing skills ... a year ago, I would never have even considered doing a climbing challenge like this. Now I'm a slow, but relatively steady climber.
However, I am still not fond of descending ... but we made it down.
Stats:
Distance: ~40 km (up)
Rise: 1095 metres
Grade Average: 5%
Grade Max: 11%
Of the three climbs we did this weekend, Rowan said he'd like to do the Hotham one again because of the spectacular views, and I said I'd like to do the Mt Buffalo one again because of all the waterfalls.
And of course ... photos of all three climbs:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-...7628158353695/
Also, a few months ago we decided to take on the 7 Peak Alpine Ascent Challenge: https://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions...Challenge.aspx
And so, it all came together on that last weekend of November ... we visited, we climbed, and we explored.
Saturday 26 November - Rain was predicted all day today, but when we set off on the first climb (Falls Creek), it was actually quite nice ... relatively cool, mix of sun and clouds.
The climb started immediately out of Mount Beauty, but wasn't too difficult for the first half (16 km) to Bogong ... a climb of course, but a few descents to break it up. The second half (16 km) was a steady climb to the top. And it got cooler and more overcast as we climbed.
4 km from the top, it started to rain ... a cold rain. And about 1 km from the top, the wind started to blow and drive the rain across the road. Fortunately we were close to the top then.
We got a stamp in our passport booklets, then carried our bicycles up a long flight of stairs to a restaurant where I had two large mugs of hot coffee, and Rowan had a latte and a hot chocolate. And we tried to warm up. After sitting around for a while watching the wind and rain, we decided to start going down.
We made some clothing adjustments and began the slow descent. The clouds had rolled in, and we were in a thick rainy fog for several km. We finally got out of the fog, but it continued to rain all the rest of the way down, so it was a bit of a slow descent.
I should have changed clothes entirely because I was quite chilly by the time I got to the bottom. Rowan, however, was fine.
Stats:
Distance 32 km (up)
Rise: 1300 metres
Grade Average: 6%
Grade Maximum: 10%
All that, and no walking. I cycled all the way to the top! There was a time the only way I could have done this climb would have been to walk most of it. But now, I found this to be a fairly comfortable climb.
We saw several other cyclists around ... there were 4 others at the top of the climb with us when we got there, but I think they were all doing different things. It was nice to see other cyclists going through what we were going through.
Sunday 27 November - Today we took on the Harrietville to Mount Hotham climb.
The Harrietville - Mt Hotham climb is one of the more difficult climbs of the 7 in the challenge because of the steepness of the grades encountered, and also sometimes because of the weather at the top. It can get very, very windy and cold up there.
The ride starts in Harrietville, a lovely little town, and immediately starts climbing. The first kilometre or so is quite steep (what a rude way to start a ride!!) and then it kind of settles down into a grade where I could maintain a comfortable 7 km/h for the next 8 km. We were surrounded by forest providing shade, and full of all sorts of birds all singing away. I overheated 400 metres into the climb, and was down into shorts and a short-sleeved jersey from there for most of the rest of the way up.
At the 9 km point we encountered, "The Meg". The Meg is quite a steep climb that goes on for about 1 km. We both cycled all the way up and then stopped for a little break. My heart rate felt like it was beating so fast, it had just gone into one big beat.
After The Meg, the road becomes significantly more gradual ... flat in places ... for the next 10 km. That was a wonderful part of the route. We could keep up a decent pace, and there were great views of the valley below. We also encountered a lot of other cyclists coming down ... including one who started the ride at the same time we had, and presumably made it to the top and was already on his way back down!!
At the 20 km point, the ride got tougher. First was the climb to Mt St Bernard, a tough climb similar to The Meg. Then there was a brief rest before we were faced with the first "wall". The road descends suddenly and steeply for about half a km, and then climbs straight up the side of the mountain at about 18% for 1200 metres. I made it 500 metres before I was off and walking, but Rowan rode all the way up.
There was another brief rest period (a climb where I could maintain about 7 km/h again), and then ... another "wall"! I had driven this route back in 2004, and I remember a "wall", but not TWO walls!! This one started at about 18% and then eased up to probably around 12% after about 1.5 km. I made it 500 metres ... and walked the rest of the way. On this one, I walked probably about 2 km.
At the top, we put on light jackets because it was a good deal cooler up there, and because there was a descent into the Hotham Heights village. But we were really fortunate with the weather today. It can get pretty nasty up there.
The only thing open was all the way through to the other side of the village. It's not ski season, so these mountain top resorts are quiet. But we were able to get our passports signed and get some nutrition before the return trip.
In the first 10 km on the way down, we had three fairly significant climbs. But the rest was pretty good. I'm not a good descender, so I liked the flattish bit in the middle the best, but we managed to get down all right.
And we encountered no rain at all!
Stats:
Distance 30 km (up)
Rise: 1320 metres
Grade Average: 4.2%
Grade Maximum: 18%
Monday 28 November - Today we took on the Mount Buffalo climb.
The Mount Buffalo climb begins in Eurobin, which is not much more than a hamlet. We found a place to park, unloaded the bicycle and cycled to Porepunkah ... a relatively flat ride along a lovely road. Good way to begin a climbing ride! At Porepunkah, we turned down the Mount Buffalo road, and for the next 5 km or so, it continued to be flat. Nice!
But that all came to an end with a practice hill. I took the hill a bit too hard and was huffing and puffing by the top. I really wondered about my ability to finish this ride and reach the top of the big climb, and I questioned the wisdom of doing 3 tough climbs in a row!!
Down that hill, a little more flat, and then, roughly 11 km into the ride, the real climbing began and did not end until the top, almost 30 km later. Switchbacks ... lots and lots of switchbacks.
One of the best parts of this route was all the waterfalls ... the sound of falling water accompanied us all the way up and we passed all sorts from little trickles to gushing torrents.
Another good part of this route were the many views of the valley below.
Although I think this route was easier than yesterday's, I struggled ... my legs were tired and I didn't feel particularly well. I had good moments where I found my rhythm ... and those moments lasted about 20 minutes at a time, but then I had to rest a minute.
However, we kept plugging away, and all of a sudden we crested a hill and began a descent into a hollow quite near the top. From there it was up to the Park Office and up to the little shop at the top where we got something to eat and drink. And we completed our third climb!
I've been developing my climbing skills ... a year ago, I would never have even considered doing a climbing challenge like this. Now I'm a slow, but relatively steady climber.
However, I am still not fond of descending ... but we made it down.
Stats:
Distance: ~40 km (up)
Rise: 1095 metres
Grade Average: 5%
Grade Max: 11%
Of the three climbs we did this weekend, Rowan said he'd like to do the Hotham one again because of the spectacular views, and I said I'd like to do the Mt Buffalo one again because of all the waterfalls.
And of course ... photos of all three climbs:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/machka-...7628158353695/
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
12-27-11 | 02:36 AM
#103
Thread Starter
In Real Life
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under
Bikes: Lots
Boxing Day Cycling Tour
We just returned from an overnight cycletouring & camping trip. It was a test tour to see how we would go with overnight cycletouring and camping. We've done lots of hub-and-spoke tours, and we did a short tour up Vancouver Island in August, staying in motels and with friends, but the last time we camped was Easter 2010, and the last time we did a cycletouring & camping tour was .... ummm ... 2008! It was time to do it again.
88.74 km on Monday (Boxing Day)
80.12 km on Tuesday (today)
Total tour distance: 168.86 km
The theme of this tour was ... WIND! Head and crosswinds on the way up ... and head and crosswinds on the way back. Beautiful little ocean beach destination, but mostly flat fields and pine plantations on the way out and back. I'm not sure we'd cycle that route again, but we liked the destination spot and may drive up there tomorrow or the next day.
We rode our titanium road bicycles. I carried a full Nelson Longflap Carradice and large handlebar bag, and Rowan carried a full Nelson Longflap Carradice, small handlebar bag ... and pulled a trailer loaded with our camping gear.
We tested new mats, which seemed to work quite well ... I'll have to let Rowan tell you the brand etc. And I tested a new down sleeping bag which I picked up from MEC in Canada when we were there in August. That was nice! It's the warmest little sleeping bag I've ever owned.
Rowan brought cooking gear in case we were going to end up free camping along the beach, but we got into a caravan park, and as with most caravan parks here in Australia, there was a good kitchen.
In fact, this one had a comfortable hall, and we spent the evening lounging on the sofa reading.
Tonight we're back at our headquarters caravan park. This little overnight tour was a part of a bigger travelling, exploring, and hub-and-spoke tour in an area we have not visited before. And any minute, we'll be going for a pasta dinner to celebrate our little overnight tour.
88.74 km on Monday (Boxing Day)
80.12 km on Tuesday (today)
Total tour distance: 168.86 km
The theme of this tour was ... WIND! Head and crosswinds on the way up ... and head and crosswinds on the way back. Beautiful little ocean beach destination, but mostly flat fields and pine plantations on the way out and back. I'm not sure we'd cycle that route again, but we liked the destination spot and may drive up there tomorrow or the next day.
We rode our titanium road bicycles. I carried a full Nelson Longflap Carradice and large handlebar bag, and Rowan carried a full Nelson Longflap Carradice, small handlebar bag ... and pulled a trailer loaded with our camping gear.
We tested new mats, which seemed to work quite well ... I'll have to let Rowan tell you the brand etc. And I tested a new down sleeping bag which I picked up from MEC in Canada when we were there in August. That was nice! It's the warmest little sleeping bag I've ever owned.
Rowan brought cooking gear in case we were going to end up free camping along the beach, but we got into a caravan park, and as with most caravan parks here in Australia, there was a good kitchen.
In fact, this one had a comfortable hall, and we spent the evening lounging on the sofa reading.
Tonight we're back at our headquarters caravan park. This little overnight tour was a part of a bigger travelling, exploring, and hub-and-spoke tour in an area we have not visited before. And any minute, we'll be going for a pasta dinner to celebrate our little overnight tour.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
12-27-11 | 05:42 AM
#104
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
Exped. I had had some issues with the Thermarest and knockoff self-inflating sleep pads, mainly in the hip area, but also with some delamination on more than one mat, including a Thermarest one.
I had read some of the reviews here about the Big Agnes and Exped mats. The Big Agnes issues with leakage put me off, so it was down to the Exped.
I should also explain that some time ago, I retried the traditional "lilo" type mattress and found it to be something closer to what I wanted, but it was too narrow and too heavy.
When we went to Canada in August, I set out to get the Exped mattresses for me and Machka, and got a good deal on them at MEC in Vancouver. The model is the Exped 7 M (size 183x52x7cm or 72 x 20 2.8 inches, weight 860g/30oz).
The trip this week was our first opportunity to try them. And I liked mine -- it was long enough and wide enough and thick enough and warm enough... it ticked all the boxes. It was even a bit noisy, but I didn't slip off it. I think Machka liked hers, too.
The one significant issue is the inflation process. The inbuilt hand compressor is not efficient by any means, and I have read that previous to this model, Exped provided a bag to help inflation. I am considering making up a bag with suitable sized nozzle to make the whole process more efficient.
This trip also was the first chance I have had to use my TW Bents single-wheel trailer (similar design to BoB) on a tour, and on the back of ostensibly a go-fast road bike (ie, not a touring bike or MTB).
I like it, a lot. It's not something I would consider taking on an overseas tour, or one that requires travel on bus, truck, plane, train, or carrying up stairs, simply because it is a hassle over using panniers which can stay on the bike when being lifted. Having said that, the TW Bents trailer is designed to fold flat, which is a feature that does help with logistics.
Because we were using our randonnee and LD Ti bike which don't have any rear eyelets/braze-ons, Machka's carrying capacity was limited to her Carradice Nelson Longflap. I also had a Nelson for my clothing, but the rest of the camping gear went in the trailer -- two sleeping pads, two lots of bags (I use two lightweight bags and liner, Machka uses one down bag), inflatable pillows, cook and eating gear, tent, seat frames for the sleep pads, and other bits and pieces. Sorry, but I don't know how much it weighed, but an estimate would be in the 10kg/22lb range.
I knew the trailer towed OK on the back of my touring bike (Fuji touring) and MTB (aluminium Avanti) after various shopping trips since I acquired it in 2008, but I wasn't sure about the lighter and, on paper, more flexible Ti Hasa/Saga frame.
As it turned out, the whole rig performed flawlessly in a broad range of sealed road conditions, from really crappy rough shoulders, uphill while I was standing to pedal, downhill at speeds up to 50km/h and even over a little bit of gravel. No feelings of shudder, swaying or lagging. I did, however, make sure there was a little more weight towards the front, as is needed on any trailer.
The TW Bents came with a large orange waterproof bag with fold-down closure. We didn't have any rain while riding, but I suspect the bag would hold up quite well in wet weather.
Another piece of equipment I have to give credit to is our Quechua T3 Ultralight Pro tent. This is a three-person arrangement which, of course, suits us fine as two occupants. We bought this tent in 2007 in France at Decathlon for around 90 euro, and it has been a faithful and durable servant ever since. I don't like having to use more than two poles in a tent, and that's all this one has -- two alloy poles. We had it set up and occupied in well under 10 minutes.
This tent has been rained on heavily (during and post Paris-Brest-Paris 2007) without a single leak, it's light and airy, has a small but useful vestibule, has oodles of room inside for us and gear, and casts a nice plum hue over everything inside. It's rated at 3kg (6.10lbs). The floor is probably not as thick and durable as it could be, but I use a groundsheet anyway, so that is not a particular issue.
Pictures to come later.
I had read some of the reviews here about the Big Agnes and Exped mats. The Big Agnes issues with leakage put me off, so it was down to the Exped.
I should also explain that some time ago, I retried the traditional "lilo" type mattress and found it to be something closer to what I wanted, but it was too narrow and too heavy.
When we went to Canada in August, I set out to get the Exped mattresses for me and Machka, and got a good deal on them at MEC in Vancouver. The model is the Exped 7 M (size 183x52x7cm or 72 x 20 2.8 inches, weight 860g/30oz).
The trip this week was our first opportunity to try them. And I liked mine -- it was long enough and wide enough and thick enough and warm enough... it ticked all the boxes. It was even a bit noisy, but I didn't slip off it. I think Machka liked hers, too.
The one significant issue is the inflation process. The inbuilt hand compressor is not efficient by any means, and I have read that previous to this model, Exped provided a bag to help inflation. I am considering making up a bag with suitable sized nozzle to make the whole process more efficient.
This trip also was the first chance I have had to use my TW Bents single-wheel trailer (similar design to BoB) on a tour, and on the back of ostensibly a go-fast road bike (ie, not a touring bike or MTB).
I like it, a lot. It's not something I would consider taking on an overseas tour, or one that requires travel on bus, truck, plane, train, or carrying up stairs, simply because it is a hassle over using panniers which can stay on the bike when being lifted. Having said that, the TW Bents trailer is designed to fold flat, which is a feature that does help with logistics.
Because we were using our randonnee and LD Ti bike which don't have any rear eyelets/braze-ons, Machka's carrying capacity was limited to her Carradice Nelson Longflap. I also had a Nelson for my clothing, but the rest of the camping gear went in the trailer -- two sleeping pads, two lots of bags (I use two lightweight bags and liner, Machka uses one down bag), inflatable pillows, cook and eating gear, tent, seat frames for the sleep pads, and other bits and pieces. Sorry, but I don't know how much it weighed, but an estimate would be in the 10kg/22lb range.
I knew the trailer towed OK on the back of my touring bike (Fuji touring) and MTB (aluminium Avanti) after various shopping trips since I acquired it in 2008, but I wasn't sure about the lighter and, on paper, more flexible Ti Hasa/Saga frame.
As it turned out, the whole rig performed flawlessly in a broad range of sealed road conditions, from really crappy rough shoulders, uphill while I was standing to pedal, downhill at speeds up to 50km/h and even over a little bit of gravel. No feelings of shudder, swaying or lagging. I did, however, make sure there was a little more weight towards the front, as is needed on any trailer.
The TW Bents came with a large orange waterproof bag with fold-down closure. We didn't have any rain while riding, but I suspect the bag would hold up quite well in wet weather.
Another piece of equipment I have to give credit to is our Quechua T3 Ultralight Pro tent. This is a three-person arrangement which, of course, suits us fine as two occupants. We bought this tent in 2007 in France at Decathlon for around 90 euro, and it has been a faithful and durable servant ever since. I don't like having to use more than two poles in a tent, and that's all this one has -- two alloy poles. We had it set up and occupied in well under 10 minutes.
This tent has been rained on heavily (during and post Paris-Brest-Paris 2007) without a single leak, it's light and airy, has a small but useful vestibule, has oodles of room inside for us and gear, and casts a nice plum hue over everything inside. It's rated at 3kg (6.10lbs). The floor is probably not as thick and durable as it could be, but I use a groundsheet anyway, so that is not a particular issue.
Pictures to come later.
Last edited by Rowan; 12-27-11 at 06:44 PM.
