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CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.
CCE Overnight Capables
(875 posts)-
Posted 7 years ago #
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Assume from Coylumbridge it's up to Loch Morlich then turn right?
No mate, due south through the trees to Lochan Deò. Lovely so.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Answer me these questions three? (Too much to do tonight + sore head = limited decision-making powers):-
(egy): Bikepacking naïveté: H-loop bars. Big Falkirk-off drybag. Straps. But, to mash the gear & brake cables against the bars or try to squeeze the drybag into the gap? Neither seems 100% healthy for my cables...
(kettő): Dithering about D-locks - mostly in Orkney & Caithness next week. I should just take ye olde £25 cable lock, right? I'll never get the wee D round a fencepost & bike thieves are thin on the ground in Orkney at least.
(három): Campsite conundrum: the windswept/sandblasted but very-picturesque-beach-adjacent Dunnet Bay Caravan & Motorhome site, or the wee non-fancy Dunnet Head Camping with bonus sheltered swim spot round the corner?
Posted 6 years ago # -
Posted 6 years ago #
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The h-loops are rather overpriced IMO. A more reasonably affiordable alternative:
Posted 6 years ago # -
@crowriver
Them bars got the loop but lacking 36˚ of sweep. Sweep and price key to the Jones experience.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@IWRATS, aye but the Jones bars are over a hundred knicker a piece. They're having a laugh - even exotic Japanese imported Nitto stainless steel thingumajiggers are not that overpriced.
I thought this bikepacking was all "just do it" and simplicity, no need for racks, panniers, and fancy knick-knacks. A few toe straps to lash camping gear to your bike, a couple of dry bags, and you're good to go. Seems I was wrong, and it's more about an Apple style consumer display of having the "right" gear, the most designer, elegant, expensive, etc. Bit like many folks' approach to hillwalking/mountaineering then (and some folks' approach to cycling too).....sigh.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@crowriver
The last time I calculated the insurance value of my bicycle it was £57.60. People point and laugh at it in the street. It's a junkyard dog, an aluminium cameleopard. Here's a picture of me bikepacking across a windfarm with literally any other cyclist.
Putting £90 handlebars on a £50 bike is the kind of thing that amuses me, but actually they work really well and are unique as far as I know. The hand position has increased my situational awareness and made me ride more mindfully but also solved my intra-scapular pain issue so far.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Whatever floats your boat, dude.
I reckon these NOS chromed steel Humpert swept back loop bars look like a bargaintastic alternative for the budget aspiring bikepacker. Onky £14.99 + P&P.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Seems I was wrong, and it's more about an Apple style consumer display of having the "right" gear
Only if a Carradice and a cheap drybag count as the right gear.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@steveo, I was thinking more of the endless advertorials for frame bags, handlebar harnesses, seatpost packs, etc. that come up if you search up "bikepacking".
I agree though, using a trusty saddlebag (which might have been used for touring on a different bike) and lashing a drybag to the handlebars with straps should be sufficient.
Don't get me wrong, other areas of cycling and outdoors activity are just as prone to the lifestyle oneupmanship marketing thang. Adventure touring, for example (on a three grand gravel bike, naturally). Pannier wants to sell you this minimalist cookset all made from titanium. And of course you'll want damn fine fresh coffee to go with that.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@crowriver I think you're describing “consumer capitalism“ rather than bike packing specifically.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@unhurt, I agree.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I was thinking more of the endless advertorials for frame bags, handlebar harnesses, seatpost packs, etc. that come up if you search up "bikepacking".
to be fair I've gone with the dry bag lashed to the bars before and its a total pita! Instead I got all my gear well under 20l and get everying under the long flap but if I want to more than 3 nights I'm going to need to redistribute the weight. Those bar harnesses look very tempting in faff saving.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Had a quick blast up to Bonally last night, nice evening but confirmed I have no bike fitness.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@steveo
Blast? I will be ambling at my own pace or the pace of Madame IWRATS, whichever is lower. Also I will stop to Look At Things frequently.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I say blast, I pushed after the scout camp and cruised along the WOL path. My hands and bum hurt more than is reasonable.
Might opt for the lower gears of the mtb for June. Need to get more sensible tyres for it though.
Need to book a train!
Posted 6 years ago # -
Pseudo-bikepacking trip pictures (and a few from Orkney beforehand).
Posted 6 years ago # -
@steveo, as I mentioned this morning, a cheapo hammock weighs next to nothing, rig up with a tarp over and you will be a lot comfier with a few less beasties :-)
That said, chapeau on the bivvy bag
Posted 6 years ago # -
I actually quite like the bivvy bag, along with the air mat, it isn't too bad. There is a certain simplicity too it and it takes up very little space which is probably the biggy at the moment with only the Carradice.
Having said that I've got a new bar bag coming so that'll free up a few litres in the Carradice and I do quite fancy trying a hammock.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@unhurt
Found on the internet and therefore true;
The term "bikepacking" has nothing to do with the age of the rider, nor the pace of the rider, nor the number of miles ridden per day. It has more to do with the intention of riding self-sufficiently. No rules dictate what bikepacking is.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@steveo
I practically take a caravan with me. All part of the fun. You young'uns with your Mylar flysheets and titanium sporks and voluntary night time discomfort, what you like?
Posted 6 years ago # -
I will struggle to make a cuppa next time - used my jetboil zip (I know, I know, its not designed for that, blah) to light a chimney of charcoal at the beach on monday and melted it.........doh
£40 for a new burner assembly - AAArgh !!!
Posted 6 years ago # -
I used my new stove for the first time in anger last night, burns twigs and sticks fairly clean burning too. Bit of a chew on to use compared to a jet boil but I had plenty of time so gave me time to womble some fuel and play with the stove.
Posted 6 years ago # -
I have a twig-fuelled woodgas stove - is it one of those? Burnt a hole in my mum's decking trying it out. It does take an age to boil water, and I always end up taking the wee gas stove instead (carrying both seems excessive...)
Posted 6 years ago # -
@steveo @unhurt dig those twig burners as a fellow enthusiast
but if pushed i'd opt for old school trangia every time
silent and reliable
can it ever be bettered in the field
Posted 6 years ago # -
Yeah woodgas burner that's the one. I got a cheap one on amazon primarily as a toy tbh it's a nice distraction and nothing beats a proper fire but if I need a hot meal I'd have a spirit burner. Having said that, they do not like the cold.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Lovely photos, unhurt.
Posted 6 years ago # -
As requested, my packed out Carradice. I've ordered a bar mount for the drybag under the flap.
It all fits better when it's packed in the house. by Steven, on FlickrMight need to click through for a pic of the actual bag.
Posted 6 years ago # -
So it may be timely to suggest that folk who are coming on this start to pick their routes and buddy up if that is how they roll.
I will be transporting Madame IWRATS and @morningsider by automobile. We will set off from either Nethy Bridge (45km ride in) or Coylumbridge (30km ride in) depending on the group's desire for distance and the time we get there;
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/1858576814
Whatever happens I suggest a rallying point at Feshiebridge where @unhurt will take to the water, almost certainly joined by Madame IWRATS and possibly even by me if I can squeeze my wetsuit into the wine cellar of the trailer.
Would folks now care to declare their travel intentions?
NB: There is no part of that route where mobile phones are guaranteed to work and many where they are guaranteed not to work.
Posted 6 years ago #
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