CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

CCE Overnight Capables

(875 posts)
  • Started 6 years ago by I were right about that saddle
  • Latest reply from gembo

  1. steveo
    Member

    Excellent!

    Posted 6 years ago #
  2. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    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 6 years ago #
  3. unhurt
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  4. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    1) I think this is the standard rig.

    b) Cable lock.

    iv) Dunnet Head and you know it.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  5. crowriver
    Member

    The h-loops are rather overpriced IMO. A more reasonably affiordable alternative:

    https://www.alpkit.com/products/love-mud-confucius

    Posted 5 years ago #
  6. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @crowriver

    Them bars got the loop but lacking 36˚ of sweep. Sweep and price key to the Jones experience.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  7. crowriver
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  8. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  9. crowriver
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  10. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  11. crowriver
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  12. unhurt
    Member

    @crowriver I think you're describing “consumer capitalism“ rather than bike packing specifically.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  13. crowriver
    Member

    @unhurt, I agree.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  14. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  15. steveo
    Member

    Had a quick blast up to Bonally last night, nice evening but confirmed I have no bike fitness.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  16. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  17. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  18. unhurt
    Member

    Pseudo-bikepacking trip pictures (and a few from Orkney beforehand).

    Posted 5 years ago #
  19. Nelly
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  20. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  21. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  22. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  23. Nelly
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  24. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  25. unhurt
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  26. minus six
    Member

    @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 5 years ago #
  27. steveo
    Member

    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 5 years ago #
  28. fimm
    Member

    Lovely photos, unhurt.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  29. steveo
    Member

    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 Flickr

    Might need to click through for a pic of the actual bag.

    Posted 5 years ago #
  30. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    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 5 years ago #

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