This is a classic touring geometry bicycle regarded by some, as a little dated ... but I love it. It has proved the test of time with its Reynold 631 steel tubing and 700C wheels. They are held together with 36 stainless steel tapered spokes. The components are mostly Shimano but I have customised things to suit my needs.
Tubus front and rear pannier racks have been fitted as well as a Schmidt 6V/3W hub dynamo and Brookes B17 leather saddle. Panniers are manufactured by Oertlieb and keep things dry, even in torrential conditions.
Had considered fitting cow horn handlebars but for the time being I'll stick with the drop handlebars and bar end gear shifters. Cantilever brakes are adequate but not as good as they should be! Don't bother with a bell as I can still SHOUT!
Just fitted a new set of Continental Touring Plus tyres.
Tools and Spares
3 off 700x32 inside tubes
Puncture repair outfit
Set of plastic tyre levers
HD hand chain breaker
Chain links and short length of HD chain.
Spoke wrench
Set of allen keys
Cone spanners
Cassette removing nut and chain wrench
Chain set removal tool
Small 'mole' wrench and pliers
Screw drivers
Head torch
Whistle
Mini sewing kit
Mini first aid kit
Few spare spokes, clothes pegs, small ball of string, cable ties and gaffer tape.
Small tin oil and cleaning cloths.
Cooking Equipment
Sigma multifuel stove with 1 litre fuel bottle.
additional 750cc fuel bottle.
2 aluminium pots and combined lid.
Mylex cup, knife, fork and spoon
Mini tin opener, penknife and several cigarette lighters.
Don't need a plate ... eat out of pot.
Scouring pad and cleaning cloth
3x750cc aluminium drinking bottles ... they're painted black and might cause a problem when out in desert. Probably act like solar kettles! Will carry additional large capacity water bottles where/when appropriate.
Sleeping Gear
Lightweight 2/3 season single man Aztec tent. Low profile, dark brown and excellent for use in 'wild camping' scenarios.
Black pvc exterior footprint ground sheet to protect tent floor.
Thermarest Trail Pro mummy sleeping mat.
Large lightweight rectangular foam mat.
3 season Wasatch mummy sleeping bag.
Silk liner for use with above.
Clothing & Personal Care
1 pair cycling shoes fitted with SPD clips
3 pair white ankle socks
1 set long legged sallops
1 zipped woolen pullover
2 pair padded cycling shorts
2 pair padded grey underpants
2 base layer vests
2 short/long sleeve cycling jerseys
2 handkerchiefs
1 high visibility vest
1 tube bandana
1 foam helmet
1 set cyclist's sunglasses
1 all weather Madison cycle jacket
1 pair cycling mits
1 high wick camping towel
1 shaving kit including soap, toothbrush and comb?
1 jar vaseline
1 pkt 'baby wipes'
suncream, sunblock, lip balm
recreational T shirt, light pair trousers and plimsoles
Gadgets
UK Smartphone fitted with T-moble SIM card for use in USA
Google Latitude personal tracker App
Garmin GPS with US mapping
Solio solar charger for 'phone and GPS
Cateye MITY 8 bicycle computer
Samsung digital camera
USB memory stick
Cables and UK/USA adapters for use with above.
No paper maps! Let's see if this electronic stuff works.
Pens and diary.
Blackburn brake hood mirror.
I'm not carrying a security chain or lock ... the weight of an adequate security device is prohibitive. I daren't let the bicycle out of my sight for a moment ... even when going to the toilet!!
Estimated weight of above bicycle, panniers and equipment 42kg
Mental Attitude
Has to be positive ... but I also have to be pragmatic ... and have planned for 'bad' things. Safety and personal welfare are priorities. Being cautious and 'streetwise' will be at the forefront of my mind and hopefully enable me to make 'sensible' decisions at critical times.
First and foremost I have to enjoy the trip and gain some goodness from the experience.
I'll stop and return home by public transport if the above criteria are not being met.
This is an ambitious bicycle touring expedition not a race nor an 'ego trip' and I hope no one views it any differently.
Wish me luck.
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