In preparation for what I am proposing to do, I decided to do a fully loaded 80KM trek around the suburbs of Melbourne today. It's about what I expect, I'll be doing daily through Europe though admittedly it was perhaps a tad flatter than what I'm likely to encounter....
I just wanted a bit of confirmation that I had the weight evenly distributed and to see how the Troll handled. Sure I'll probably refine how & where I've packed things during the course of my ride, in terms of accessibility to things, but otherwise I think I've got it right.
So what did I pack and how much does it all weigh, I hear you ask, well......
Pannier One
The weight of which was some 5.5 kilograms and comprised of
- Asus Laptop Computer
- Exped Sleep Mat
- Mont Zodiac 700 Sleeping Bag
Pannier Two
The weight of which was some 6.5 kilograms and contained
- My SLR Camera & Two Lenses
- A pair of jeans
- A Windcheater
- A second Summer cycling jersey
- A second set of bib knicks
- A couple of t-shirts
- Several pairs of socks & jocks
Essentially from a clothing perspective, I've got sufficient casual gear that I don't have to go site seeing in my lycra gear.
Cafes, pubs and casual restaurants I'm fine, anything more and I suspect a clothes shopping expedition will be required.
Handle Bar Bag
The weight of which was less than two kilos because it only comprised of
- My wallet
- My phone
- My drugs
- My Canon Powershot camera
Rack Pack Bag
I ran out of time, to load & fit this bag to my bike properly before I went for my test ride.... but am proposing to fill this with my "need to be able to access with ease items" in the event the weather starts to get a bit cold / wet midway through my ride. The weight comes in at around 8 kilograms, which isn't bad considering that it comprises of:
- Exped Venus II Tent
- Exped Tent Ground Sheet
- A Gore - Rain Jacket
- A Gore - Winter Jersey
- A pair of Gore - Rain Pants
- A pair of Ground Effect "Daddy Long Legs' tights
- A set of Winter cycling gloves
- A thermal long sleeved shirt
- Some thermal pants
- My hiking boots
I mean, as someone who used to think riding a carbon road bike, as quickly & efficiently as was possible was the way to go, this feels like I've got the world on my shoulders... Now it may of-course not be the way other's would do it, and I may be carrying more than is actually required, but we'll soon find out.
In the meantime, I do have to be thankful that a couple of friends reminded me there's no need to pack the kitchen sink, as otherwise I suspect it would be a heavier load still.
Now as I say, I suspect things will get moved around somewhat as I try to what works best but who knows.
This is all very much trail and error after all......
As for today's ride, well it went OK and as a result, I think everything is on track. I just can't wait now till the adventure begins.
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