File: Capture.jpg (246 KB, 1028x818)

246 KB JPG

So like 15 miles? Congrats I guess...

File: Capture.jpg (198 KB, 1062x675)

198 KB JPG

>>1864673
That church is almost 100 miles from the ocean. Finish the job you lazy fuck.

>>1864673
Based, post photos, tips, budget etc.

>>1864673
Post gear plz. Which cargo rack are you using? Did anything break on you?

>>1864673
you are the man

File: IMG_20221001_122018.jpg (1.05 MB, 2016x1512)

1.05 MB JPG

>>1864681
Pic was taken the last morning of riding.
>>1864713
No budget. Just tried to stay frugal. I tentatively had 5000$ in mind but I was way under that. Even several hotel days and a spa day in Salt Lake City, and lots of eating out. You could do this way cheaper than I did. Rode with some guys who used an old bean can for their cooking pot. They hardly spent a dime on anything but food. Met other guys who stayed in hotels every night.

Tips:
Get clip in pedals. I rode the first 3500 without them, and the last 700 with them, and I'm glad I switched. I'm sure everyone else knows that but I'm not a bike fag so I didn't really know how much "better" they are.
Don't give up. I didn't train and I almost quit my second day in. I almost quit everyday for 2 weeks. It was all mental. I know touring people are way into it but this was my first tour, so it was all new to me.
Talk to everybody. That is the true magic of touring. I had so many interesting things happen.
I would advise anyone to get bigger than 32 cm tires. The offroading was never fun.
Do NOT use downtube shifters. Get really easy to use indexing shifters. It sucked shifting this thing.
Kickstand is not optional. I didn't get one until Kansas, and it made things so much better.
Get the best and lightest backpacking camping gear. I had an un-insulated air mattress and it was too cold to sleep in the snow. I had some hard nights. I also had a cheap 2 person tent, because I'm tall and sleep diagonally, but a smaller tent would have been so nice.

File: IMsdfG_20221011_172537.jpg (1.28 MB, 2016x1512)

1.28 MB JPG

>>1864746
Lone peak alta handlebar bag. Great bag overall. Removable so I kept my valuables in it and used it like a purse when I left my bike. It was the only bag that wasn't waterproof so in storms I would put my phone and wallet and bible and stuff in a ziplock bag.
All 4 panniers were Ortlieb. Obviously they are great. I had to use electrical tape on my racks to fill the clamps though. No big deal.
Axiom Journey DLX Low Rider Front Rack - My bike only has one set of studs, and this rack fit. In hindsight, I would rather have a front rack that is one piece and that I could put something on top of. But the front racks worked well.
Ibera Bike Rack - Bicycle Touring Carrier Plus+ for Disc Brake Mount, Frame-Mounted for Heavier Top & Side Loads - After 1000 miles or so one of the screws down low sheared off. They were just 5 mm. Cheap Chinese steel. I drilled out the holes to 6 mm and just put through bolts in. RIP the frame but I had to keep going.
I had 3 spokes break on the rear wheel on 3 different days, all near each other, (got them repaired one by one),with the last time the back wheel bent too much to ride. Had a new wheel made and kept going. I had to hitchhike back 100 miles which sucked.
My clothes were all wool, which meant I didn't have to do laundry all the time. Sea to summit pillow, and towards the end an R6.3 sea to summit pad. Kelty 40 degree down mummy bag with a hefty liner. Pocket rocket stove (stolen in Kentucky by drugged out hillbillies). Spare tire, spare tubes, spare spokes. Hose clamps and zip ties were my repair parts, and they held my broken rack in place for a while. What else do you want to know?
>>1864764
Thanks man! I'm pretty proud of myself right now.

File: 4r4r023_083825.jpg (661 KB, 1512x2016)

661 KB JPG

>>1864713
I had the 12 map set of the Trans-America route. I did about 2/3s of the trail, and 1/3d my own route. Those maps and that route are absolutely amazing. There are so many great places and people hosting cyclists. Also warmshowers is king. But really I loved the solitude and camping so much. Two girls offered to sleep with me for free, and I was also offered mushrooms, and lots of beer and weed. I'm not a degenerate though; just thought it was interesting that some people are impressed by the mundane. I didn't have a bike computer, but I think that would be nice. I used a SHIMANO Dynamo DH-3N72 Generator Hub, and a Sinewave rectifier. It works, but not as well as I had hoped. I would usually charge phone and lights where there was an outlet somewhere.

>>1864673
awesome job anon fuck the urban planner haters mad that their "why aren't cities more walkable' thread died.

You are actually doing something fun. And on a rig even the biggest shut in on here can afford. But of course they won't so expect lots of hate.

Nice fucking job not doing it on a long haul trucker or a hoboleg

also you have my bottle and thus exquisite taste.

>>1864673
Noooo you're meant to spend $2500 setting up a Kona Sutra and then ride down some river trails for 2 summers

>>1864882
>I didn't train
based

based

>>1864673
>Stop in the parking lot of some random ugly-ass building
>Stage your entirely uninteresting cheap old bike covered in ratty bags
>Take a photo to post online
What compels cyclefags to do this? Motorists never bombard you pictures of their stock '04 Camry in the lot behind a Wendy's

>>1864918
>motorists never bombard you pictures of their stock '04 Camry in the lot behind a Wendy's
Lmao have you ever visited /o/?

>>1864918
kek this is true there must have been better photo opportunities than the side of goyslop buildings

File: Untitled8.png (2.59 MB, 1918x940)

2.59 MB PNG

>Oi looks like a right nice spot for a photo shoot, think I'll just stop off here

>>1864936
>>1864918
keyboard warriors sitting at home staring at their $5000 road bikes and angry that no girls offered them drugs and sex

>>1864882
Very, very nice. I'm considering a similar trip but in Europe and it's great to know it's possible to do it for rather cheap.

>>1864884
>stolen in Kentucky by drugged out hillbillies
when you were using it?

>>1864888
>Two girls offered to sleep with me for free
Did you take upon their offer? Also what do you mean for free, where they hookers or something?

>some people are impressed by the mundane
Anon give yourself some credit, biking across america is a little more than that, even if possible to be achieved by anyone with the correct mindset.

>>1864882
>Tips: Get clip in pedals.

But I'm not a homosexual.

>>1864888
>wearing a helmet

lmao

Average mileage per day?

>>1864884
What else do you want to know?

Tell us about the Kentucky hillbillies or any other odd encounters.

>>1864891
>also you have my bottle and thus exquisite taste.
Classic. I loved my bottles.
>>1864904
Even the guy I rode with sometimes who trained still had trouble in the Appalachians. There is no easy way over those long, steep rollers
>>1864918
>>1864930
Good eye. One of those photos is the Sonic burger in Great Bend, KS. I'm a terrible photographer. I just took pics wherever I was. I didn't go out of my way for better photos.
>>1864936
I spent the night there, so I took the photo when I was leaving in the morning. I don't do photoshoots.
>>1864954
No I was camping behind a church and left it out for breakfast on a table. That was one of the few nights I locked up my bike, which is amazing. And no, the girls weren't hookers. I didn't take them up on their offer. I'm a Christian so no sex outside of marriage for me. The first girl wasn't attractive but the second one was. I was certainly tempted but not for the first time in life. There are countless loose women in the world.
>>1864965
Good
>>1864967
>Average mileage per day?
Somewhere around 60. I rode over 4000 miles and somewhere between 65-75 days of riding.
>>1864977
>Tell us about the Kentucky hillbillies or any other odd encounters.
I stayed with an absolute stereotypical jewish man in Illinois. Complete atheist liberal. He was very personal with his questions, and after I told him I don't have sex he started getting crude and teasing me. Also he was growling with anger when he talked about Trump and how much he hated Jesus. Then a few days later in Kentucky, I stayed in a literal southern mansion with an old couple, and that guy was the opposite. Hated blacks and literally foamed at the mouth screaming about Biden. The contrast between those two guys was really eye opening to me at what a waste of a life it is to be so in love with politics.

File: 123123.jpg (984 KB, 2016x1512)

984 KB JPG

>>1864977
>>1864982
So that night my stove got stolen was surreal. I was not prepared for the cold wave that hit, so I didn't sleep well. I heard these hillbillies all around in the woods hooting at each other. I don't know how else to describe it, because I've never heard anything like it. They would let out a long hoot, then call something out like "War da fuk yoo at?" Then repeat a couple times, at which point another hoot would come from another direction with some reply. Some Kentucky people I had trouble understanding because of how thick their accents were. So I knew those people were around, I just didn't think they were so close, and I never heard them right outside my tent stealing my stuff.
But that part of Kentucky was devastated by floods earlier this year. It was actually really really sad to ride through and see the destruction. There were all kinds of clothes and trash up in the trees above the rivers, and houses destroyed. At first I just thought it was a really trashy place, but then I learned what had happened. I hope whoever stole my stove can actually benefit from it and doesn't use it to just cook drugs with. But who knows.

Do you have any good pics of your bike all loaded up? I had 3 months to figure out everything I want to do differently on my next tour (if there is a next tour)

>>1864982
>the girls weren't hookers
So why would you mention for free lmao.
Also how did the situation developed into them offering sex? How much time did you spoke to them?
>multiple stories of anons getting offered sex during touring trips.
I really need to get me on the road.

>>1864982
>after I told him I don't have sex he started getting crude and teasing me
And then they wonder why everyone hates their gross kin.

>>1864983
How did you kept your gear safe during your trip? What did you do when going for grocery errands?
How is the whole dynamic of having a bike with you 24/7?

>>1864983
> if there is a next tour

Yes. Yes there will be a next tour. Sounds like you had an adventure, you might end up looking back on it as one of the most fun and interesting things you did.

File: asdggg.jpg (600 KB, 2016x1512)

600 KB JPG

>>1864985
>So why would you mention for free lmao.
Because hookers just offer because it's their job. It doesn't give you the self esteem boost. The first girl was pretty young. She was the maid in a run down motel I was in. She came into the hot tub I was in after her shift, and after talking a bit she asked to come back to my room and spend the night. Obviously she was horny. The second one was my masseuse in Salt Lake City. As we were talking it changed from small talk to her getting really flirty. After I was dressed and leaving she got really touchy, told me she liked me, and asked if she could come to my room for the night. Hard to turn that down after 60 minutes of her massaging my butt and talking softly to me. I suppose she could be a hooker but it was a high class hotel, and she did not seem like the type at all.
>>1864986
>How did you kept your gear safe during your trip? What did you do when going for grocery errands?
If I was at a Walmart I would lock it outside. But most of the time errands were in small places like dollar general, or a restaurant. I would just leave it outside, but take my handlebar bag with all my valuables. 99% of the trip was in small town white America, which is the least threatening locale I can imagine. Also, it's a 62 cm bike that weighs over 100 pounds. Most people would have trouble stealing it. Also, I figured most people don't really understand panniers, and wouldn't think about trying to take them. Most cross country people I met also mostly just left their bikes unlocked. It never felt like a big worry.
>How is the whole dynamic of having a bike with you 24/7?
It's really easy and I got used to it fast. Most daylight hours were spent either riding or camping right next to the bike. I did several warmshowers, and always just left my bike at their homes. I guess the first few days it was weird having the bike around all the time, but it quickly just felt like my second skin. It felt more strange walking than it did riding.

>>1864936
>this is considered nice in the US

>>1864995
Really cool shit brother, people like you are a big inspiration for us that want to do the same. I wish you well and happy roads.

>>1864995
is that an ibera rack
why are you taking lewd pics of your bike in the shower

>>1865001
looks nice there are trees it's clean and buildings are not too high

awesome story and I appreciate the gear advice. nice to see someone who isn't a bikefag doing a tour. funny how a bikefag would overthink this trip and you did it with a random old touring bike

>>1864982
>Good
lol

File: Kansas Kamp.jpg (1.31 MB, 2016x1512)

1.31 MB JPG

>>1865009
>>>1864995
>is that an ibera rack
Yes. Just don't use the stock hardware I guess, because it broke. Other than that I liked the rack.
>why are you taking lewd pics of your bike in the shower
I brought it in there to clean. Bad idea.
>>1865012
All you need is a bike that is comfortable (right size frame with a leather saddle) that can hold the weight of whatever you're carrying.
>>1865005
This trip was one of the most amazing things I've ever done. I don't know how I've changed yet, but I have changed.

>>1864888
why'd you cover your hands? are you black? tattoos? neither seems like a good reason

>>1865029
Did you have any issues with ticks while camping? Lyme disease seems to be spreading across the entire country now

File: 1639532263245.png (213 KB, 390x398)

213 KB PNG

>>1864882
>I didn't train
>rode more than 4000km for his first tour
You maniac.
>Do NOT use downtube shifters
You handlebar is way too high for downtube shifters. Otherwise stay based.

>>1865012
>a random old touring bike
that is a god tier classic

>>1864882
Wasn't it annoying to brake, given the angle of your brake handles?

>Kickstand is not optional. I didn't get one until Kansas, and it made things so much better.
None of my bikes have one, I toured with all of them in the past year - two months on the road all in all - and I can't say it's been a problem, it's slightly more annoying in daily life but still not problematic. There's usually something to lean the bike against or I'm far away from civilization and can just dump it on the ground.

File: roscoe.jpg (322 KB, 1920x1440)

322 KB JPG

Picrel is my bike, 2.6" tires. The plan is to tour northern Scandinavia for a few weeks June/July next year, 35L backpack, doing 30mi a day. How feasible is this?

>>1865152
its not crazy but getting the backpack off your back will help and so would getting rid of the suspension fork and offroad tyres

>>1865152
dude spec luggage carrying on your bike.

>>1865163
>>1865165
On my last bike I tried panniers which cracked, and bikepacking bags that wouldn't stop shaking. Any good alternates?

File: axiom_403002_01_12_z.jpg (37 KB, 600x459)

37 KB JPG

>>1865168
Cargo cages hose clamped on your fork. Strap dry bags on them. Or just regular bottle cages there, with storage containers in them and straps for extra security.

A frame bag for inside the triangle.

I would run a rear rack. You could either get some better panniers or just strap bags on it. If you're riding offroad then ortileib-style panniers with rigid hooks are not ideal. You want panniers with bungey style hooks. A lot of old ones are like that. Like pic rel style of attachment.
You could also zip tie a metal basket on the rack and put things in that.

Some good straps are critical. Ones that cinch down not just bungeys with hooks.

File: hose clamps.jpg (140 KB, 1895x616)

140 KB JPG

>>1865152
This actually works quite well. You can do a round of tape if you don't want to scuff the fork. Foil tape is best.

File: tetrarack.jpg (27 KB, 430x430)

27 KB JPG

>>1865170
I'll have a look around for different pannier bags, no eyelets would something like picrel work?
>>1865171
I'll try this out, actually have a set of fork mounts in the garage

>>1865171
and adding 2 800ml containers is not a huge amount of storage, but it's quite useful, well worth it. Helps you be micro-organized and if you put heavy things in there it will make the bike more stable especially with most of your stuff on the back.

>>1865173
do you really not have the lower rear eyelets?

>>1865175
Not even - bikes made for trail riding so wouldn't make sense for those conditions

>>1865045
No ticks. I've pulled them off hiking before but nothing on this trip.>>1865136
>Wasn't it annoying to brake, given the angle of your brake handles?
Not really. On big downhills I would just go into the drops. I have really long fingers so the position isn't bad. I'm sure it could be better though.
>>1865152
I can't imagine carrying a backpack when you could just strap the weight on to the bike. I biked with a backpack in college and it sucked.

>>1864982
>He was very personal with his questions
let me guess also not very open when you asked the same of him

>>1865088
>a god tier classic
it's a downtube shifting relic that probably can't go over 700x35mm. OP is cool for riding it but clearly he wants more convenient shifting and more offroad capability, he said it himself.

>>1865245
yes but it's still a god tier classic
I'm not sure which direction to even start bickering with you in lol

>>1864673
OP are you gonna keep the bike? You could convert to some indexed bar-end shifters, or even STI. You already bought a cassette wheel right?

>>1864673
Also man, you're riding marathons. It's definately not a bad play but tire -size- is almost less important than type. Marathons are extremely rigid tires and do not ride well offroad.

>>1865249
it would be very fitting for him to throw it into the Atlantic

>>1864982
It's just such a shame that you biked coast to coast, perhaps the experience of your lifetime and you taken snaps of the shittiest places

>>1865259
And he has the memoroes of that trip. You don't need to take photos of everything to remember what you've done.

>>1865245
That doesn't change what he said, that the bike while old was still known as reliable.

>>1865267
I know but this is a coast to coast trip, not just selfies taken while getting ready for a night out. But I suppose autists have fantastic memories

>>1865259
>>1865567
Are you retarded? Not everyone is a professional photographer. I just took pictures of where I was at. Not going out of my way like a retard to instagram my life for you.

>>1865658
I thought your pictures were great. Congrats on the trip. Have you thought about doing RAGBRAI? You should at least register for next year's lottery for spaces.

>>1864884
I know this bike hostel. You did leave a donation for your stay right anon. ?

>>1865029
>Just don't use the stock hardware I guess, because it broke.
were you carrying above recommended load
would you recommend fatter bolts or what
how would your problem play out if it were an aluminum frame

>>1865889
I once read an autistic post about how hi tensile steel bolts are the best for bicycle racks, so I bought some. I can't remember the reasoning behind it though

>>1865896
Hi ten doesn’t gall

>>1865896
more worried about the frame you said your frame was ruined and you have steel bike
what material were the bolts that came with the rack isn't hiten steel cheap they must already be hiten

>>1865897
>gall
galvanize?

File: 2016 thistle.jpg (2.02 MB, 1944x2592)

2.02 MB JPG

Nice.

Did you go on any 'day rides'? Leave your big bags in a hotel room/warm showers, etc, and poke around the city you're in? Or a nearby state park, etc? It's been years since I've really gone touring, but a lot of my favorite memories are from those days.

File: $20.jpg (1.64 MB, 2592x1944)

1.64 MB JPG

I love seeing oc on /n/.
It's the lifeblood this board lacks.
Your posts had me looking through my old pics for an hour. My longest-ever tour was a hilly 1600 miles (OH-WV-PA-MD-VA-DC-VA-NC-TN-KY-OH).

>Get clip in pedals
Haha
I never post about touring stuff, but maybe I should. I like flat pedals & one particular kind of Vans, but that's way to flexy for laying down miles, so I made custom carbon fiber inserts to reduce shoe flex while pedalling. They're not great for walking around, but it was no great task to untie my shoe & pull the insert. I also reasoned that since they're a commodity shoe, if I somehow ruined a pair along the way, I could just grab another (but that never happened).

>Do NOT use downtube shifters
The #1 advantage of moving away from dt shifters is being able to use a larger framebag. Pic is what I use on an olde 63cm steel frame, so you could fit something similar, and still have room for two side-entry bottles inside the triangle. I don't care for most bikepacking stuff, but I'm 1000% into framebags.

Really, the main reason I got started with sewing was so I could make all of the bike bags & camping gear I wanted. The machine 'paid for itself' after the first bag I figure. I had one pair of panniers (my Ortlieb grocery getters), but ended up making two new pairs to get what I wanted. In the same way that the framebag fits the frame, the panniers are the largest that fit my racks, no heel strike, stiff, external 'drying' features, etc.

I also made a fanny pack (my 'purse'), and a hammock setup. Got tired of messing around with a tent, pad, uneven ground & wildlife. So a hammock & tarp & underquilt & top quilt. RIP old down duvet. Sounds like a lot, but it packs quite well, and weighs less than my old tent setup.
I swear, some day I will take the right pics during the construction process & divest my sewing knowledge here.

>>1866057
Sort of 'metal smearing' up to & including friction welding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galling

>>1866343
there's a couple of sewing machines at the thrift store I've been eyeing for some of the same reasons. not so much bike bags per se although I'm sure I would, but just being able to make and alter my clothes so they work right since I'm tall and skinny and nothing off the rack fits right. and I have a ton of clothes that need repairs. but also I have a lot of stuff that I love except it has ie a 70s collar that I want to alter and etc.

I'm a carpenter so I'm used to building stuff to customize my apartment and I make little hacks for stuff on my bike all the time so I've been wanting to start doing the same with clothes and custom bags etc for a long time now

>>1866343
Would you share some pics and any info about sewing your own bags? OP here, and I thought a lot about how I wanted more custom bags. Now that I proved to myself that I can bike a long distance, I want to build the dream bike I spent 4k miles thinking about.
>>1866316
I did a little bit, but not much. Since I was late in the year I was just trying to get through it to beat the winter. Those few 20 mile rest days with sightseeing were amazing though.

>>1864918
anon I...

i driven my bmx across the country from skatepark to skatepark a few times

ive gone on a few short trips via backpack but i am always too tired to bmx that way.

>>1864982
>Even the guy I rode with sometimes who trained still had trouble in the Appalachians. There is no easy way over those long, steep rollers
iirc the roads go straight over the mountains instead of finding the mellowest routes winding through valleys like on the west coast.

>>1865045
>Did you have any issues with ticks while camping? Lyme disease seems to be spreading across the entire country now
i once went to a hobo convention and a number of them were making refrences to having to take lyme disease meds.... a lot of them made refrences to taking liver meds from drinking too

>>1864918
because he did something cool on it. if some carfag did something interesting in an '04 Camry, it would warrant a boring photo.

>>1864673
Well done Anon! How long did it take you?

>>1864673
Well done OP. You're an inspiration.
>>1865259
>forgetting that he's got to go back again now. Take an art director with you OP

>>1866343
>It's the lifeblood this board lacks.
>/drt/: am i nothing to you

>>1866998
A week less than 3 months. About 70-75 actual riding days.

File: packing.jpg (491 KB, 2048x1536)

491 KB JPG

rate me ride

>>1869502
looks neat, what frame is that - nice fork and what crankset is that?

>>1864918
> Motorists never bombard you pictures of their stock '04 Camry in the lot behind a Wendy’s
Have you ever seen a car photo

>>1869502
wow that thing is incredibly cool
love the friction triple + new sti.
looks great on those tires
love the cantis
saddle is gorgeous

is it ti?

i would prefer a 35° stem with that many spacers. either for higher still bars, or, to delete some spacers. The mismatched diameter of your spacers make them look sketchy not cool.
your headlight mount is hideous
I would go insane with my legs rubbing the framebag and saddlebag. I prefer a carradice-style saddlebag.
Pack time on your setup must be pretty annoying.
The stuffed full saddlebag just doesn't do it for me. Must sway too right? I'd do an axle mount rear rack or tubus grand expedition in the front or something.
Also don't love how your frame routes cables by sliding them through braze on tubes rather than having cable stops and sections of housing at the seat cluster. And top-pull fds always look wierd with the cable going off at an angle into space. I prefer a pulley on the seat tube when they come from above.

9/10
my autistic nitpicking is worth 1 point from an incredible setup.

>>1869502
Looks really comfy, I like it.

Are you happy with Gravelkings? I am contemplating between those and some fast XC tyres for my build.

is a rope tackle useful for tying shit on a bike securely incase you lack stretchy cord

>>1864882
>Don't give up. I didn't train and I almost quit my second day in. I almost quit everyday for 2 weeks. It was all mental.
This.
Second and third day are the hardest. Manage your riding time, take breaks, and don't give up. After those the 3rd day it becomes easier.

>>1864673
i thought this was about tourism on bicycles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yyl6mVet7QM

extremely based op. this is my goal for hopefully 2024. to prepare for it i will do the entire east coast greenway in 2023. do you have any socials (ig, discord, etc) to keep in touch in? would love to pick your brain a bit for when i plan mine

>>1875934
drop your socials and he may add you

File: P1010079.jpg (1.47 MB, 3200x2400)

1.47 MB JPG

1992 Roberts off road touring frame currently being built up for some bike packing tours next spring and summer.

I've been given max 2 years to live so this is my last project.

>>1876622
love dat saddle

>>1876622
>I've been given max 2 years to live so this is my last project.
oh no what man whats wrong

>>1876643
bicyclitis. No cure.

>>1876622
To Velohalla!

File: 20220801_090726.jpg (3.86 MB, 3302x2477)

3.86 MB JPG

Been living the bicycle hobo life for the last 4 years, cycled from California, USA to Ecuador so far.

Riding this bitch. Been good to me so far but I'm riding less and less on roads and the so called dirt roads of South America are rough as fuck, wish I had something with fatter tires but whatever, it works.

Photo taken somewhere in Colombia.

File: 20220722_111903.jpg (3.48 MB, 3302x2477)

3.48 MB JPG

>>1880145
Here's a bit more close up of the bike, I just liked the background of that one better.

>>1880145
bless you anon
your stickers are fucking stupid but that is a sick rig and life

you burning out on being itinerant at all? Good at making friends on the road? Working ?

File: GOPR7963.jpg (3.73 MB, 4000x3000)

3.73 MB JPG

>>1880148
Thanks, each sticker comes with a story, or at least a person associated to it, so I like them there for memory. Some of them are shit paper ones and they are getting rekt by the weather though.

>you burning out on being itinerant at all?
I've been living the hobo life on and off since I was 22, gonna turn 34 this year. Not everything with a bike. This is probably the longest time I've been doing it non-stop. But I guess only a bit, mainly due to age and also I almost left this life after spending a year+ of the pandemic with a gf in Guatemala, but she broke my heart and now I'm back at it again. I kind wanna reach Patagonia by the end of this year, more because weather plays a bigger factor the more South I go and also because I wanna reach my goal and see what I do from there.

>Good at making friends on the road?
Yeah, I've been an introverted shy kid most of my life but this way of living forces you to be social and open up. Plus being able to speak almost fluent Spanish is really making the whole social experience so much better. When I entered Mexico I only knew 2 words in Spanish so it was a very different experience.

>working?
Yeah, when I get a chance, I'm a cook so I either find work in restaurants when the pay is good or if I find a cheap/free place to stay in a tourist town I just come up with something to make with local ingredients and sell it to tourists.

>>1880154
very cool man very cool

>>1880145
>>1880147
>>1880154
Yeah this is unfiltered kino. Happy roads anon.

>>1880154
living the dream
let me know when you're in chile, you can use my shower

>>1864884
So two bags on a frame? Was enough for a sleeping and cooking system and other clothes? Im curuois how you kept a spare tire too

>>1880154
cool H-bar. I have swept-back bars with a forward hand position on my rig and it rules, really completes to bike.
safe travels, anon, keep posting

File: GOPR7920.jpg (3.7 MB, 4000x3000)

3.7 MB JPG

>>1880159
Thanks king

>>1880204
Based, will do. Let me know how I can contact you and I will.

>>1880221
For sure, one of my fav parts about this bike, that bar is super comfy. I mainly rode bmx and mtb before so I don't like drop bars too much, so this is perfect for me.

File: route1.jpg (99 KB, 810x626)

99 KB JPG

Anyone touring Europe this year?

Going to start at the end of February in Portugal and work my way to Scandinavia.

Doing it alone, but would be interesting bumping into people along the way.

>>1864918
>Motorists never bombard you pictures of their stock '04 Camry in the lot behind a Wendy's
Laughing my FUCKING ass off.

Bump or new thread?

>>1883462
we're only at 109 replies, just bump it

>>1864882
I prefer 25c armadillo specialized tires - a little bigger for the load but still fast for the road.
gear can't be too light - I ended up leaving behind my MSR stove setup because it just wasn't worth the weight.
weight is everything.
stealth camping is pretty fun.
Ohio - Boston - Miami
probably need to do another tour to get my mojo back, did this 15 years ago

I live in Massachusetts and visited Salem during October for Halloween. Then I discovered the East Coast Greenway. I'm totally in love with the idea of trying it as soon as possible but it seems like a lot of preparation would be required typically. Also I'm a NEET so there are issues there.

File: 1661197092569.png (457 KB, 756x737)

457 KB PNG

>>1864918
>Motorists never bombard you pictures of their stock '04 Camry in the lot behind a Wendy's

>>1883939
>East Coast Greenway.

That looks pretty sick. What would I do in terms of prep? I guess having an ok bike and gear. I doubt you'd need to pack that much as you'd be near towns and stuff. Camping wild might be interesting.

>>1885103
Too bad it's absolutely dead. I wanna talk about touring as I'm about to do a big one, and there is no one to shoot the shit with ;_;

>>1885106
people on the road?

>>1885107
No, people in this thread. Planned adventures, gear, cool stories.

>>1885108
well fren perhaps you should make a new thread. I'd like to myself but I can't take the time off work and also I live in New Zealand which is a dangerous shithole with bad weather kek

>>1885109
New Zealand? Bad?!

Everyone is making it out to be a Utopia!

I live in Sweden, took a few months off work, (e.g.: have enough money to say fuck it and quit), so I've got the perfect chance.

>>1885108
maybe posting yours will spark some conversation? I'm going on a month-long tour in a couple weeks but I don't really have much to say about it

>>1885109
>bad weather
Nah the holidays are just at the wrong time.
February/March is always nice, that's when you want to go cycle touring here.

>>1885117
Same, leaving at the end of February, starting in Southern Portugal (flying with my bicycle), and it should take me about 5-6 months?

see >>1882020


I did some touring before, but maximum 10 days, and reliant on camp spots. This one is fully self-supported, meaning, stopping only to wash clothes and buy food. Wild camping is my main means of accommodation for the night.

A little worried about my general fitness, as I've put on a bit of weight over the last year or so.

I also have never used a dynamo hub, I hope it works out ok cos it's my main power supply.

Overall, looking forward to it, and I hope to finish it without too much trouble.

File: led lenser p3 core.jpg (94 KB, 2000x1756)

94 KB JPG

>>1885121
>I also have never used a dynamo hub, I hope it works out ok cos it's my main power supply.

they're fantastic for running lights and riding at night /early morning.
Charging stuff is eh. I rec you charge a power bank and then charge your phone off that, or you'll fuck your battery up.
Minimizing how much you use or even need devices is the critical thing.

Make sure you have a decent low-power flashlight that takes AAAs. Pic rel is very good.

>>1885121
Also man, wild camping is just not that viable everywhere. There's no shame in doing like 1 day a week in a campsite and having a shower. It can also be a nice way of hanging out with other bike tourists/ people.

File: busch-muller-busch-muller(...).jpg (139 KB, 1652x1652)

139 KB JPG

>>1885122

I've got one of these little guys, pic related, which has a buffer battery and offers a consistent flow of voltage. I've yet to test it, but it seems the way to go. Also, will have a 20k mHa powerbank so that will be constantly filling up. I opted for a Shimano 3d32 as it has a very similar power output to the SON28 but at a quarter of the price. What's the catch? It weighs more.

>>1885124
True, in Spain you'll get a nice fine if you're found. But doing some research and it's primarily around the touristy areas and since I'll be off-season, I think it should be ok. But absolutely, I will stop every few days to chill. My gf will fly down every couple of weeks, so a hotel will also be in order

I will however, one trick I developed was my shower and dash technique at big campsites. I simply cycle into one, no one notices some guy on a bicycle, I spot the bathrooms, park my bike out of site, get my stuff, shit/shower/shave, and then fuck off, it's worked about 5-10 times now. No one stops you, no one cares. It's only the big RVs that get attention.

>>1885175
>I will however, one trick I developed was my shower and dash technique at big campsites. I simply cycle into one, no one notices some guy on a bicycle, I spot the bathrooms, park my bike out of site, get my stuff, shit/shower/shave, and then fuck off, it's worked about 5-10 times now. No one stops you, no one cares. It's only the big RVs that get attention.

dude please stop doing that... They can notice, i've seen several shitfights over it, and bitchy camp managers who accuse me of it when i'm not doing it and otherwise whinge about cyclists and bums. You're just creating a climate of low trust and hostility towards cycle tourists. You have to spread good will not bad when you travel. Most campsites will have a low fee for just having a shower and if it's summer fucking find a river to bathe in.

>>1885175
also
>shave
what the fuck lol

>>1885213

I assume you're in the US? I did this in Scandinavia, first it was accidental, no one was at reception, no one asked, so I left. A few more times I couldn't find a decent camp site and it was 4 days since a decent shower. The only places I found were these "glamping" resorts which cost 50$ for a spot, fuck that.
And that's the main issue, if camping was $10 or less, I'm with you 100%. But when I first started camping, I noticed that in places the only campsites available are about $35, and for a crap tent spot, and with really shitty facilities (sometimes showers are extra). To add more insult, sometimes fees are not that much less than a big RV/Car/camper, what is the point then?

I saw that I was absolutely ploughing through my budget, because I was too much of a pussy to camp wild, especially in a country where it's encouraged.

I don't do it at every opportunity, only when necessary and when I can do it discretely. Believe me, no one notices you're alone on a bicycle when at a big campsite.

>>1885217
Yes?

>>1864995
you sound like a total prude. you will kick yourself later for not fuckin the cute chicks, and taking their drugs. dum ass.

>>1885313
>I assume you're in the US?
Nah NZ.
Everyone here is cagey about poorfag campers trying to avoid paying for stuff, mostly because of young Euros, and it's created a kind of bullshit hostility.
$35-$50 is not uncommon here either, for private campsites in meme places, although our $35-$50 is like $22-$32 US.
I agree fuck that. I won't use those obscenely priced campgrounds.

Still lots of more reasonable ~$20 private campgrounds and DOC ones, usually in really nice areas, but with just a longdrop are $10-$20. Lots of people seethe about that DOC fee, which is an honesty box, and try to avoid paying it, so DOC rangers police it quite aggressively and get defensive about doing so from so many arguments and reluctant people. Which sucks because DOC rangers are extremely helpful and the conservation work they do is excellent. Private campground operators are the same about people sneaking into showers. I guess you're lucky if that kind of culture doesn't exist and it makes touring Scandinavia sound pretty nice.

On the other hand NZ collectively seethes about young euros travelling here and there's a lot of talk about making them pay more and shutting them down and going for 'high dollar' tourists, which generates awful places like Queenstown filled with rich cunts, and the irony is that the entire hospo and tourism sector relies on the labour of those young euros to even function, and these industries cry about worker shortages while turning around and telling them to all fuck off in the same breath.

and yeah, I do a lot of wild camping.

>>1885451
>NZ
>Seething about money
Kek, the eternal anglo strikes again.

>>1885121
>starting in Southern Portugal
I crossed PT north-south but through the countryside instead of the coast.
If you follow your route expect lots of traffic and plenty of subhuman drivers passing you really close without caring for your safety whatsoever.
On a plus side you have lots of beaches where you can throw a sleeping bag and sleep but remember wild camping is illegal here so be mindful of that if setting up a tent. Camping sites are all over the place and for rather cheap, if you prefer the safety and comfort over roughing it for the night.
When you reach Porto getting yourself a Francesinha and thank me later.
t. Portuguese

>>1885451
kiwis want the backpackers back now, they forgot that Germans did a lot of shit low pay work like fruit picking.

>>1885110
It's fine if you're a foreigner with a bit of money. It's pretty soul destroying cycling like a bum and still having to pay $500 a week in rent to keep the rental house open lmao

>>1885474
>It's pretty soul destroying cycling like a bum and still having to pay $500 a week in rent to keep the rental house open lmao
the fuck are you talking about dude
it's soul destroying having a holiday? You can do like 5 days.
If you want to do a long tour then you leave your spot and job.

>>1885451
Well now you know where the poorfag euro mentality comes from.

But on a serious note, I get it, when every one does it, it becomes absolute pandemonium. Rest assured, and to reiterate; I did it because 1) needed to take a shower/shit when there was nothing available for a while, 2) the campsite was absolutely not worth it.

The vast majority of campsites are so overpriced, and cater to wankers in their RV monster trucks, that my presence barely makes a ripple.

I hope NZ doesn't become a rich cunt playground, only a few people will benefit, but your average family will need to deal with high prices on everything. Let the euro poorfags be around for a while longer ;)

>>1885472
Good info. I followed the Eurovelo routes, but I heard similar stories about drivers. Apparently the south - west coast isn't particularly interesting so I want to breeze through it quickly.
As for wild camping, I heard the laws were relaxed a bit? And what do you mean by safety? I heard it's pretty safe out in the middle of nowhere...

>>1885472
Just another question, I see people using the N2 national road to cycle, do you reckon it's better than the coastal road?

>>1885576
>Let the euro poorfags be around for a while longer ;)
lol yeah nah you're all good

File: 07845.jpg (885 KB, 1664x1248)

885 KB JPG

>>1885576
>Apparently the south - west coast isn't particularly interesting
There's pretty neat secluded beaches there but other than that is straight roads and not much else, at the end of february the Algarve and Alentejo's coast should be ok for traffic but when you reach Lisbon metro area and up there's lots of really heavy traffic. But if you enjoy pretty views of the ocean then that's your route.

>As for wild camping, I heard the laws were relaxed a bit?
No, that's not true. Wildcamping is illegal, simple as that. And due to #vanlife people flooding to Portugal and parking all over the place it generated some animosity some time ago. Now it's not really enforced on campers and most people don't care but if for some reason police sees you, you can be fined. Not likely at all, should be said, but please be mindful of that if you decide to set a tent. Sleeping bag you're fine.

>And what do you mean by safety?
I just meant keeping your bike safe if you leave it to go do some errands. Around Setúbal do be aware of gypsies, there's plenty of them there in a couple problematic neighborhoods.

>I see people using the N2 national road to cycle
Kek that's what I meant by "countryside". I followed that exact route, you go through quainter towns but it's not as impressive as cycling by the ocean. It has less traffic and has indeed developed a scene with both cyclists and bikers, pic related.

>>1885607
Solid advice, much appreciated.

>at the end of february the Algarve and Alentejo's coast should be ok for traffic

I was curious about this. I'm flying into Faro on the 25th, and starting on the 28th. Traffic is a big concern as I'm used to calm drivers. I've heard the same story with the off-season drivers being much more calmer, fewer tourists and so on. Any tips on how to deal with Portuguese drivers? Should I wear some high-vis, give special signals, ride defensively?

>but please be mindful of that if you decide to set a tent.
I hopefully will be in secluded forests near beaches, and my strategy is to setup right before sunset, and get up before sunrise. Given the low season, I doubt that there will be many GNR about?

> Around Setúbal do be aware of gypsies
Damn, any more shit spots you can describe? This is exactly the type of thing I'm worried about so I will spend minimal time in Lisbon (awesome city), and hopefully get a accomo with bike storage in Porto.


Here is the Portugal section of my ride:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1JuIQU69XlD_UU8xVAPt-Q0g6vIfgzhA&usp=sharing

Please don't share ;_;

File: PXL_20230128_195141649.jpg (663 KB, 4032x3024)

663 KB JPG

Value added bump:

Here is the update my bike build.

I have no idea about this company "Serious", only that they existed in Germany, and are no longer found anywhere.

This bike is a rough copy of the Kona Sutra with some slightly cheaper parts here and there but at half the price:

https://www.probikeshop.com/en/gb/serious-yego-trekking-bike-green-2020/196257.html

Got it in 2020, did a bunch of tours in my country, worked out really well.

This year (>>1882020), I've added a few upgrades:

- TRP spyre C brakes
- Ryde Sputnik rims on both wheels. Front has a 3d32 Shimano hub, the best value for money (https://www.cyclingabout.com/best-dynamo-hub-bicycle-touring-bikepacking/)
- A friend built the wheels, who used to do so professionally for various amateur and semi pro riders
- B&M USB-werk power adapter thingy for my electronics and stuff
- New front and rear lights
- Bunch of other crap; e.g.: oversized waterbottle holder, nalgene bottle holder

Still am going to upgrade the pedals.
The drive train might need replacement after this tour, but I'm very impressed with the Alivio set that I have.

>>1886135
>I have no idea about this company "Serious", only that they existed in Germany, and are no longer found anywhere.
They're found here https://www.fahrrad.de/serious/ and I've seen them around in many other stores. They've been popping up more and more in the last few years.
I had the impression that it was an eastern european brand. Czech or Slovak maybe? But googling I can't find any information about it now. That in itself is suspect. In any case, it's a dumb name. I'm immediately suspicions of a brand that feels the need to explicitly state that it's "serious". Makes me think it's anything but.

>>1885683
>Any tips on how to deal with Portuguese drivers?
Watch out for BMW and Seat Ibiza, specially if the driver is on the younger side, they're well known for being small brained. Drivers here don't actively try to hurt cyclists but they do commit plenty of traffic offenses so have that in account and ride accordingly.
Since you're crossing the Vicentine coast (Algarve-Alentejo) in early march there's no need to sweat it, traffic will not be that heavy at all, the problem starts around mid May.
Lisbon-Porto corridor has heavy traffic year round but I took a look at your map and you are sticking to actual coastal and secondary roads and avoiding N(acional) roads, if you do that then you'll be following a much safer route with slower speeds. Try to do that.

>my strategy is to setup right before sunset, and get up before sunrise
If you do that then you're golden honestly. Forests there are plenty, mostly Eucalyptus with lots overgrown underbrush you can find places to camp. You can also ask farmers permission to camp for the night on their land, most will have no problem with it.

>I doubt that there will be many GNR about
And you would be right to assume that, but don't fuck around with fires because they'll show up if you do. I've had drones being flown over my campsite looking for forest fires.
Remember what I've said before, it's unlikely you have problems camping but it's still illegal and when that's the case you are always dependent on the mood of the law enforcement goons if they catch you. Play it safe and smart.

>Damn, any more shit spots you can describe?
This highlighted part of your route is shitty, it's the suburbs of Lisbon so even though most people are your common working class, law abiding folk, there's also many gypsies, africans and criminal scum there. I've been there a few times and I've wandered around the supposedly dangerous places alone and half drunk without a single problem but at night I don't recommend you camping there.

1/2

File: shithole.png (464 KB, 564x330)

464 KB PNG

>>1885683
>>1886186
2/2

Find yourself a private camping park, an hostel, couchsurf or a tinder slut.
Now don't go around being paranoid, you being Swede you probably have 10cm on the average Portuguese so if some random retard starts shit tell him to fuck off and ride away, 95% chances nothing bad happens either way.

As for the rest if you find yourself needing a lift, bike tools or something when you reach Porto's region be sure to post here and I would have not problem helping you anon. I know there's another Portuanon here and he's from further south, Lisbon region, I'll try to redirect him to this thread to see what input he can give you.

>>1886165
Yep, they were hugely popular before 2021, then just vanished.

I did some sleuthing and found that the rims are from some random Polish company, so there is evidence that these bikes are put together in Easter Europe. The frame is a mystery, but again, after looking for an extra derailleur hanger, I found similar frames in Novara bikes, which are now defunct

In any case, the frame on my bike is steel, solid as can be and I haven't had any issue with it. The name is beyond fucking stupid, I hate it with a passion and to add more insult, it's not a sticker but instead under clear lacquer. My strategy is to just cover it in stickers, especially those of each country I pass through.

File: portugal alt.jpg (130 KB, 1064x755)

130 KB JPG

>>1886186
>>1886189

>suburbs of Lisbon

I took your advice and I've made some amendments to my route, pic related. The other reason was that Eurovelo 1's suggestions are abysmal, and add a whole lot of pointless detours I'm not interested in. So instead, through Setubal, and onwards to Montijo. I am a little sad since I wont do a photo stop at Cristo Rei, maybe when I'm on my day off in Lisbon. But I've been there before.

>Now don't go around being paranoid
I noticed that when you're on a bike, you're not at all threatening, in fact, it gets people curious and in some cases really open to you. I've had good experiences in the past, but in one country.

>As for the rest if you find yourself needing a lift, bike tools or something when you reach Porto's region be sure to post here and I would have not problem helping you anon.

You've seriously given me excellent advice already. I really appreciate it, it's likely it might make a big impact to the overall journey and outcome, so again, big thanks for the offers and advice :)

How do you deal with bike cases for one-way flights? Either I need to fly to one end of the tour and cycle home or I ride to the destination and fly home, acquiring a case there. The destination (Key West) is small so it would be impossibles to source a case there and backtracking to Miami would definitely be non-ideal. I think want I really would like is the to ability to order or send it to a secure address/business and then pick it upon arrival. Looking into the possibility of the UPS store or some kind of "porter service" being able to do this. The complexity of this type of planning suck some of the enjoyment of the simplicity out of it. Makes me just want to plan a more extreme round trip tour.

File: Cardboard-bike-boxes.jpg (39 KB, 900x501)

39 KB JPG

>>1886345
You don't need or want a case.
Go to a bike shop and get a cardboard box from them. They get them in all the time and throw them away. It will be free. A larger chain store will always have these boxes on hand but a smaller one you might want to call and ask them to save one for you.

They will also likely have a bin filled with packing doodads, the fork end-spacers, plastic and foam, that you could pad it out with. You'll have to take the front wheel, seatpost, and bars off but the rest of the bike can stay pretty much together.
When I ship a bike to someone I autistically wrap and pad it all and ziptie/tape everything together so nothing can move or rattle and it's all padded out but that's not really necessary for touring you can basically just put your stuff in there quickly and it will be fine. Just pay minor attention to ensuring the sharp things won't poke through the box. I think the box can usually fly with you as a piece of luggage.

Then at your destination you can just throw it all away. Take a knife and cut/flatten the cardboard up and it won't be much for a recycling bin. Pretty easy to talk someone into letting you use theirs if there's nothing obvious and public to use.

If you want to send it to somewhere you could send it to a bike store and give them a box of beers or something to let you assemble it there. Most bike shops will be filled with people who have toured or want to support you doing it.

File: full.jpg (2.08 MB, 2133x2304)

2.08 MB JPG

>>1882020
yup, pic related is what I'm gonna do this year. I leave last week of march when the weather is good.

>>1880145
>Been living the bicycle hobo life
how do you deal with food and stuff ? how do you get money ?

>>1888176
Based.

But we're probably not going to bump into each other. When are you in Italy? I'm looking to be there May -> June.
How long are you planning for this?
Any specific gear?

File: EDDE9448-52BC-40E4-8A2A-1(...).jpg (702 KB, 750x621)

702 KB JPG

>>1882020
I’m thinking combining Velo 5 and 15 sometime in May/June but having never cycled on the continent I’m not sure if it’s a bit easy/pedestrian or am over thinking it?

I can probably only afford 3 weeks to do a tour and I’d rather cycle from the UK. I guess that limits the scope for dramatic terrain if I’m going to be going through Belgium or Germany. The Tour de Manche looks like it could be good but probably more for the summer.

Maybe Velo 3 could be a good option?

>>1888229
You have a lot of options.

You can either take a train with your bike and go where you'd like to start.

From there, you can check on the official website whether the routes are developed or not. What this means if that it's sign posted, and has dedicated routes paths or minimal traffic.

I use Komoot to plan out my routes using the different overlays they have. Quite intuitive since you might be expected to ride on a busy road when there are side routes nearby.

>>1880154
keep pedaling sir

i need to get a job again so i can buy a certain lowrider rack i have my eyes on and put a mullet drivetrain on my road-ish bike
after doing some short bikepacking on a massive gear range rigid mtb i'm really into super low gearing. it's so much fun being able to climb like a goat without getting tired even if it's slow
nice thread

1 week away from the big tour lads...

Here is a dumb question, should I bother bringing a laptop?

It's an old sacrificial one that I "borrowed" from work a very long time ago. It doesn't have a usb-c charger, but is relatively small and light.

I figured it might be good to check emails, write shit, and maybe entertain myself during long ferry crossings / hotels / waiting for stuff.

It would fit neatly in my rear panniers but is the extra weight necessary?

Thoughts?

>>1891161
lol bring a phone or go to internet cafes

>>1888176
Riding along the border of germany. Absolutely based route selection.

>>1891161
If you have a decent smart phone, I'd avoid the laptop if you can.
Only reason I'd bring a laptop on a bike tour is if it's a work trip that I've just tacked touring onto the tail end of. And even then, I suspect the added weight was part of the reason I failed to make it to the next city by nightfall like I planned.

Just buy a paperback book. Read until you finish it. Toss in the return slot of the next library you reach. Buy another paperback book. Even cheaper if you see a garage sale or secondhand store on the way.

>>1891215
this
>>1891161
fuck no dude

>>1891183
>Internet cafes
Gosh that is something I haven't heard in a while.

>>1891215
I have a Pixel 4a. It's getting on in age, but it does everything I need.

The only thing, the only reason I see is dumping stuff from my GoPro memory card onto my HDD.

File: DSC_1125_proc.jpg (1.49 MB, 2133x2605)

1.49 MB JPG

hey guys, just got back from a week long trip (that should have been month long but one of the guys injured a knee and the other had to go look after his brother's cat or something)
gonna dump some pics, starting with my rig
>shirts, bibs, socks, towel, gloves, and base layer in handlebar bag
>sleeping bag on top
>tent, cooking stuff and food in one pannier
>thicker clothes and electronic/misc stuff in other
>yoga mat and tent poles on top of rack
pretty rear heavy, I intend to ride with 4 panniers eventually, still juggling options regarding how to attach them to my rim brake carbon fork
sorry for NDS pic, it's a veloce groupset if anyone cares
that bag on top of the pannier is just some trash

File: DSC_1132_proc_proc.jpg (2.6 MB, 4624x2608)

2.6 MB JPG

>>1893433
this is what what every camping site looked like pretty much, paid or otherwise. land owners next to rivers were pretty nice about us staying the night, even though a bit nervous because of forest fires and whatnot

File: DSC_1121_proc.jpg (951 KB, 2608x4624)

951 KB JPG

a cloth coffee filter turns a harsh bike light into a cozy nightlight

File: DSC_1129_proc.jpg (2.4 MB, 4624x2608)

2.4 MB JPG

here's a weird abandoned beachfront building we came across
probably a self builder who ran out of money mid-build or something

File: DSC_1154_proc.jpg (2.81 MB, 2608x4624)

2.81 MB JPG

here's a little trail I found on the last day, on a borrowed bike

File: DSC_1139_proc.jpg (3.26 MB, 4624x2608)

3.26 MB JPG

quiet and sunny port town

File: DSC_1145_proc.jpg (2.9 MB, 4624x2608)

2.9 MB JPG

hoers

>>1886275
>>1886165
>>1886135
I've got a Serious hybrid. I quite like it but I don't know if it's good because I'm a filthy casual. Gets me around and I actually get complements on it. Yes, it's a shit company name but I don't give a fuck.

so what low gear ratio is everyone riding?
I have 34/34 but not sure I could do lengthy climbs with touring loads.

>>1893471
34/34 here also, it's enough for every paved hill I've encountered, but I've wished for lighter gears on dirt ones.

File: old man mountain range.jpg (2.72 MB, 1836x4266)

2.72 MB JPG

>>1893471
24x34

old pic and i'm rebuilding it now with 24x36

>>1893433
>>1893435
>>1893437
>>1893438
>>1893441
>>1893442
lovely pics man

i wouldn't light a fire there probably... brown paddocks. Looks pretty dry.

>>1893471
My first touring bike runs 20x36 as the easiest gear
Current touring bike is I think 24x30

>>1893540
do you miss the lower ratio or is the new one all you need?

File: IMG_0959 (Custom).jpg (1.45 MB, 4000x2733)

1.45 MB JPG

im thinking about buying a Tubus Grand Expedition front rack for my Gunnar

what do you guys reckon

>>1893546
can never go wrong with tubus
green brooks is dope

>>1893535
thanks
yeah we either, butane only
>>1893546
I reckon it lacks the mid-fork mount for it

Anyone had experience with Garmin Edge Explore satnav? The first model, not 2.

Thinking of getting one as they are quite cheap now the newer one is out, I really only want the map feature and basic speed/distance display etc. Would also like any tips regarding any decent 3rd party tools etc for route planning.

>>1893619
>I reckon it lacks the mid-fork mount for it
>>1893546
tubus makes separate bolt-on mid-tube mounts, I have them with my surly front rack. very sturdy

>>1893543
I only really needed the lower gearing for 20-30% gradient hills and with the newer touring bike I just get off and push if it reaches that

>>1885414
shut the fuck up, degenerate

Swede anon have you started your tour in Portugal yet?

Here's my list...

>Bike/bags/racks/dry bags
>Tent/footprint/camo net
>Sleeping bag/silk liner/floor mat
>Headtorch/batteries
>Fire lighter/tinder
>Tools/knife/trowel
>Inners/pump/puncture kit
>Zip ties/gaffer tape
>First Aid kit
>Mini stove
>Compass/Map
>Collapsible water carrier
>Soap/wipes/towel/toothbrush
>Provisions/water/Hip flask/Filtration system
>Dry underwear/extra thin layers
>Waterproofs/down jacket/Hat/gloves

I focused very much on ultralight/quality, I also went deep on real world user experiences and reviews for mist items, especially the expensive stuff, I even asked a few questions on here when making my choices. Some items I had to wait several months for the prices to come down, other items I managed to pick up nice used examples. I started putting my kit together last May and I just ordered the final items, like the tent which was used once and the stove which was never used.

Total spent (not including bike) is £770. I'm planning a few trips this year, starting with a handful of relatively local one nighters to get a feel for everything. After that I'll go on a couple of much longer trips.

I'm still waiting for the last few items to arrive, when they come I'll weigh it all and post pics for you to lampoon and attack, until then looking at my list is there anything I've missed?

>>1894606
sounds good to me. you didn't mention any cooking utensils (pot/kettle, pan/lid, bowl/dish/mug, fork/spoon) but I suppose you just forgot to post them since you posted tinder and stove. a pair of cheap wooden chopsticks came really handy on my last trip, great for scraping shit stuck to the bottom of the pot, and for cooking in general.
I'd also add a thin windbreaker, for those cold and dry windy days
maybe something for your face too like a neck gaiter
and a candle to give your eyes a rest from that jarring headtorch

>>1894624
>Candle
>Windbreaker/scarf
>Chopsticks

Added, I have a spork thing but I can see the benefit of a pair of chopsticks and they weigh nothing, candle never occurred to me, good shout thank you.

>>1894624
>candle
based and candlepilled

a candle can be so fucking comfy at a campsite. forms like a protective aura of light

I got a serious bike too. They are good and a plus is that the unknown name makes em look like cheap bikes if you follow my thief paranoia. Gonna evade from the southeast of italy in a week god willing and work my way north up the ev5. Alternatively id like to stay east of the appennines but i despair for free camping on the sea route, and i dont wanna try my luck planning a new route at the foot of the mountains but who knows

>>1894807
beaches are often good places to camp, you can just walk away from the busy part and find somewhere with a little shade and you're set
downside is no drinking water and lots of wind

>>1894818
Dude I also like to camp on the beach but the problem in this stretch is the opposite: west central adriatic is roughly an ultra thin line of sand sandwiched between highways, , railroad, restaurants, big cities and vacation homes with I'm sure many happy runners and dogwalkers and high tides. Imma take the mountain route this time.

>>1894864
damn, both sound like rough options. at least mountains are quieter

File: PXL_20230304_163342533.jpg (3.46 MB, 4032x3024)

3.46 MB JPG

>>1894551
Yeah, I'm in Lisbon right now having a rest until Monday.

It's all going well, but I've got two annoyances:

1) left my down jacket in Aljezur at hostel, they send they will send it to my next rest stop in 2 weeks, but I'm not holding my breath. The nights have been a bit cold.

2) the real issue: Portuguese eurovelo 1 sucks shit. I made the mistake of following it up a super steep gravelly hill and ended up walking my bike for a long time. Since then I've avoided the EV1 and I just take the roads, drivers have been really ok.
I see others, we exchange info and I avoid dumb shit the EV1 throws at me. One example being the sandy beaches that make fuck all sense for a heavy bike.

Otherwise it's good. I've noticed I need to clean my chain every 200-300km. My shifter cable might be getting stretched, but overall it's going well.

Any route recommendations to get to Porto from Lisbon??

>>1894935
cool post bro, can't really help you in your question but it's cool you're out there doing it

>>1894935
You can plot a route on the interior roughly following the tago then pivot to coimbra and from there you got the cp route to porto

>>1894975
Thanks, but i don't see an obvious route along the river. I don't see anything on open cycle maps.

>>1895005
I have no advice on specific roads, but iirc you can cycle up the river to Santarém and Tomar on national roads. Might be somewhat busy. After Tomar you'll hit some hills and climb all the way to Coimbra.

If you take the ocean road, make sure to take a small detour to Baleal and especially to Óbidos to drink some ginja. This route should be fairly level and easy with little movement at least up to Leiria.

File: PXL_20230307_131837042.jpg (3.28 MB, 4032x3024)

3.28 MB JPG

>>1895497
Sweet, nice tip. I'm wild camping on a cliff somewhere close to Silviera, tomorrow I'll stop in Peniche so I'll keep an eye out for that beverage.

Today were many steep hills, I felt weak pushing my bike up, but some paths were completely flooded, so up I went again ...

I noticed the architecture changed a lot in these region, some towns looked like out of the UK.

Here is a nice shot of Ericeira.

File: IMG_4071_proc.jpg (1.53 MB, 4000x1989)

1.53 MB JPG

hey guys, kind of offtopic but I bought some tires from a german store and I got a hellofresh gift card that I have no use for, if anyone here is touring through europe or lives in germany or whatever, feel free to use it. should be 60 euro off
B0715-9631
safe travels my negroes

>>1894807
I’m thinking of doing EV5 (Brussels-Rome) in May/June. Be interested to know other’s experience or any tips e.g. what to expect, wild camping on longer days where there are no obvious campsites. There’s seem to be lots of woodland throughout the route which I assume would be idea for wild camping?

>>1864882
>>1864673
You put on your framebag backwards, also your handlebar fit is fucked up

>>1886165
>>1893466
I had an eastern european hybrid bike called "Baddog" from a company named "Bad-Bike". Seems like it's an eastern european thing choosing bad names. The company is defunct now, might have something to do selling "bad bikes" and even advertising it on their frames in big bold letters.

File: Ian Hibble.jpg (217 KB, 1306x923)

217 KB JPG

>tfw no ATTRACTIVE cycle touring gf

>>1895801
what a good cunt

>>1895895
he just done it without even training or knowing what he was doing before he started, it was super based

>>1895867
Nice and comfy as fuck. Enjoy. Nothing to worry about. Well maintained route, especially first half of your trip. Great wild camping possibilities all along (except switzerland and Lombardy) You done some touring like this before? You plan on wild camping exclusively? Have you got some fat flatland jambons or some nice uphill fit legs?

>>1864673
how can one man be so utterly based?

>>1895954
Only done a few week long tours in the UK before and didn’t attempt to wild camp. I managed some steep climbs through Snowdonia but I’ll do some test runs / training with the kit to check my average speed before committing (whether the few 100k+ days are realistic). I don’t know what to expect with the alps and the difference between the short / high gradient climbs you get in the UK compared to actual mountains.

My plan is to alternate wild camping and campsites for convenience but that’s good to know for Switzerland and Lombardy.

>>1895993
Especially in that direction, and especially for an historic pass like this, you shouldn't expect an excruciating climb but more like a long ascent. You push through, enjoy the scenery, and go downhill on the other side that's it.

>>1894935
>Pr*ça do C*mercio
How bad was the curry stench?

>>1864882
how do you choose where to sleep for the night?
wouldn't there be times when the land is muddy?
what shoes did you use?
lastly, how did you travel back home?
>>1880154
this is truly amazing, man, I'm happy for you

File: SAM_0272.jpg (2.18 MB, 4320x2432)

2.18 MB JPG

>>1888176
You will be going straight through my hometown, I want you to know that it has a big hole that even many locals don't know about.

>>1896050
Horrific

I'm no /pol/cel but Lisbon is full to the brim with street shitters and other undesirables. The hostel i stayed at had a bunch of Bangladeshi guys that just stared at me, didn't speak a word of English or Portuguese. I got bed bug bites from that place. Some of the back streets of the area looked to be straight from some 3rd world hell hole.

It's hard to like Lisbon.

Never again.

>>1896122
Things got crazy after 2017, Portugal is throwing away visas like it's nothing and i's about to get much worse, if that's even possible.
I think brazilians, street shitters, bangladeshis, nepalese and africans are at least 1/2 of the population there. If not more.
The housing problem got so bad that they're now forcing property owners on Airbnb to convert to rental homes or facing the state taking their property. Unbelievable this is happening in a UE country.

>>1896125
Insane shit. I read that a lot of Indians come to get that eu citizenship and then piss off to the UK.

In the South, i saw a lot of agricultural workers who were Indian. Fine i thought, but then when you go to the towns it's full of these guys just loitering and eyeballing you suspiciously, i didn't feel safe, big contrast to the local Portuguese people.

What a shame.

>>1896126
>the towns it's full of these guys just loitering and eyeballing you suspiciously
This made the news recently and people are now realizing the growing problem, Pajeets are literally following girls to their homes after they leave school, last week two got arrested for that and taking pictures. A few of them died too in Lisbon because it was like 20 sharing an apartment...
The south you went through, 5 years ago was mostly portuguese old timers, and few of them since younger people leave, now with the huge influx of agriculture migrants they have taken over small villages and towns, they also seem to drink a lot so that doesn't help either.

That's why I warned you about some parts of Setubal, it's pretty bad there.

After passing Caldas da Rainha and further north gets better.

File: PXL_20230310_140542803.jpg (1.56 MB, 3024x4032)

1.56 MB JPG

>>1896132
Again, hate stereotyping people but I saw it with my own eyes. I tend to say hello to everyone, Portuguese, without fail, even the most thuggish looking smile and wave. The pajeets are confused why whitey is on a bicycle and just eye ball me.

Today I did this fucking amazing stretch of bicycle track. Pic related. I agree, the North is a bit better, Peniche was nice but not mind blowing, Nazare was great. Still go though crappy villages, now I'm a couple k's before Figueira de Foz, thinking of going to Coimbra before Porto.

File: P1010157.jpg (1.98 MB, 4000x3000)

1.98 MB JPG

Just bought picrel from an outdoors shop for £7, it attaches to the saddle rails, stops your saddle pack from swaying plus you can attach a water bottle holder to either side. Thought it was a neat little accessory, will post pics when I get it fitted.

File: indian-bicycle-rider-over(...).jpg (75 KB, 800x600)

75 KB JPG

>>1896313
how much i'd love to be a rich fag with my drop bar gravel bike and my cute saddle bag hopping between tea shops and b&b's

I look more like picrel.

>>1893534
I used to go there as a kid, I dunno if there is cell signal now but if you injured yourself there in Feb you'd be in trouble

>>1893433
how did you do laundry and stuff?

>>1896699
I put a bar of soap, my dirty clothes and some water inside a drybag, slosh and mash it around for a while, then rinse and hang to dry

i want to do something like this but i dont have a bike and the last one i rode was 13 years ago when i was young so i dont really know much about them, so my plan was building a bike from scratch instead of buying one so i can learn so i dont get stranded while on a road. i am also on a budget and in my local market(im in europe) i only see bikes from the supermarket or 1k+ euro bikes. is my plan delusional ? should i buy a cheap bike from decatlhon?

>>1896715
yes, delusional. consider hitchhiking, hiking, backpacking, train hopping as it's the same or better. as for me I am slave to this bicycle machine and I can't do without it, but you can still be saved.

>>1896715
you don't need to build a bike from scratch to learn basic maintenance. the worst that'll happen to you are flat tires, and the very rare snapped cable or chain. all very easy to learn.
decathlon makes some decent enough bikes, the triban line is alright

>>1896715
yeah it's ridiculously expensive to build a custom bike unless you already have a big stash of parts and experience.

Your idea about doing it to learn is a good one but what you should do instead is buy something complete, used, and overhaul it with new consumables like cables, bearings, chain, brake pads, etc. You learn just as much, but it's cost effective. If you can't find that used bike, then yeah, just get something from decathalon.

File: headset.jpg (1.02 MB, 1400x2000)

1.02 MB JPG

I took a several-months-long break from this board.

>>1864982
>still had trouble in the Appalachians
I'm from WV...
>>1866989
>iirc the roads go straight over the mountains instead of finding the mellowest routes
Some places that's true. From a driving perspective, the 'easy routes' (highways, Interstates) usually cut across them.
But if you're touring... don't you want the windy mountain roads? And the little towns, where no one cares if you camp for a day? It feels like the kind of thing that could disappear during my lifetime.

>>1866512
There is usually a sewing thread on /diy/, and I check it/do my best to offer honest advice.
Clothes repairs are pretty straightforward, but altering for fit is a tricky business. In your case, going smaller/removing material/kind of going size L -> size M is doable. And stuff that is more luggage/upholstery oriented is even easier, because it's fixed to a rigid frame, not a dynamic body.

Pic is the headset on my Miyata 1000.

File: 2019.jpg (1.02 MB, 2496x1248)

1.02 MB JPG

>>1866806
>share some pics and any info about sewing your own bags
I promise I will take pics sometime.
I have a few bikes I haven't built up yet, and they need various bags. Most are framebags, but one wants a boxy handlebar bag, one needs rear panniers.
And I have one framebag where I was drunk & got the measurements slightly wrong. So I'll redo that one first, and document the process.
>I thought a lot about how I wanted more custom bags
I didn't intend to go long with this comment, but I'm with you on how small details can make a big difference. Like, 'how to make this so it doesn't sway' or the pocket isn't right, so you 'have to reach down and feel, and straigten this thing' all the time. Stuff like that adds up when you put in a lot of hours.
I checked, and a few years ago I made several posts on Reddit, that went deep on details. But the OP has since deleted their account, and now no one can access that info. (Inb4 "you need to go back"--I've been using 4chan since 2005, Reddit since 2008. Yes--I'm old.)

>>1866806
I also posted that thistle pic. From Columbus, OH, of all places.
I guess my rule of thumb for touring is give yourself N number of days for the riding, and the same N for sightseeing & local rides. I'd say the second one is important.
Not anything racelike/sportive just casual rides, shop rides. You're already there, and with a good bike, and a very relatable conversation topic. Let the locals show you a nice little loop.

Pic is early days, before I started sewing my own stuff.

>>1896753
the sewing machines at the thrift store were missing parts so I didn't get them. still want to get into sewing eventually, if I do I'll definitely mention this thread in the/diy/ sewing thread and try to reconnect there. didn't know there was a/diy/ sewing thread, I asked about the sewing machines on /egl/'s sewing thread. good people but probably not as fast of a board

File: PXL_20230314_200051519.jpg (2.1 MB, 3024x4032)

2.1 MB JPG

>>1895497
>Drink some ginja

It's alright, tasted like regular cherry liquier tbqh.

>>1897603
Sorry anon. It's just a traditional thing to do there, and pretty much the only attraction in that area. I hope it was worth it for the village itself though. I love going there, it's a good balance between genuinely quaint and touristy/corny

Are you still cycling around or have you made it to the end already?

>>1894935
>he fell for the eurovelo meme

>>1893626
Just use your smartphone for navigation man.

>>1898750
Don't have a smartphone.
Anyway I bought the Garmin and it's bretty gud, plan routes on BRouter and then upload them to the Garmin app.

>>1898762
>Don't have a smartphone.

Damn. I myself got a smartphone only five years ago. thought I was pretty late to the party. It's a gamechanger for touring. I was a garminfag before but their devices are extremely limited and IMO straight-up worse for navigation compared to any modern smartphone. Extremely overpriced for what they can do too.

>>1893626
I bought a Garmin Edge 130 Plus with a voucher for around £100 as my first computer. The map is very basic (just a black line on a white background) but given it sends pings for turns I get on fine with it. Have taken the occasional wrong turn so you need to use your own intuition sometimes.

The Garmin App has its own route planner which works fine but for rides I either find GPS files from forums or Komoot.

>>1898734
I actually got this shot in Aviero last week. I left Porto today after spending a few days. Tomorrow hopefully I'll reach Spain to start the next stage.

>>1898749
I've learned to ignore it, a good chunk of it has retarded suggestions.

File: EuroVelo_Routes_2020.svg.png (312 KB, 1024x1090)

312 KB PNG

>>1899053
>retarded suggestions
the minsk-moscow highway is my favorite

File: photo_2023-03-23_01-08-36.jpg (446 KB, 1280x1280)

446 KB JPG

Years ago I posted in /trv/ and here about wanting to do touring, with making the tour of Europe. I worked for 6 years at some IT position, got a few thousands saved and after doing a first 800km tour in France, I'm leaving in 5 days for the big trip. ~8500 to 9000 km, 7-8 months, budget : 3k€ for the bikes, between ~500 to 1000€for the gear (tent, stove, pan, some clothes, panniers etc.) and 10k€ for the year spent outside. Mostly bivouacking, but we have a budget to get hostels in big cities as we want a place to store our stuff, take a shower, and be able to visit around most big cities.
Kind of made it thanks to the advices grabbed in those threads so that's just me thanking you all bastards for sharing a nice hobby with all of us.

Pic related, my bike in January when I wanted to test my gear during a -5°C temps with snow on my tent in the morning. I'll try to come by here once in a while. I managed to have a 230GB internet plan for all the Europe for 20€ somehow + dynamo and decent external battery

File: full_map.jpg (2.06 MB, 2109x2454)

2.06 MB JPG

>>1900507
pic rel is what's planned, even tho it might change a little bit, that's just the general thing with the biggest cities

>>1900507
nice, I'm thinking of doing similar in future (in australia). I've been looking at the bridge club and ogre as something that is useful that can be upgraded for more serious touring when needed. Wondering what dynamo you used and how well it works?

>>1900507
>>1900509
That sounds fucking amazing. Good luck King.

any non silly hats out there? and what type of handlebar tape would be better for touring? never used one

>>1900509
Use route Napoleon instead of following the Rhone. Yeah it's harder but way more pleasant.

>>1896126
>eu
>uk

>>1900509
you'll be passing near my place. I'll be on the lookout with bottle of vodka and dragon dildos.

>>1864673
this is based. you are based. thank you for delivering

>>1864673
How many denominations of churches did you stay with on the way?

>>1864982
>>Average mileage per day?
>Somewhere around 60. I rode over 4000 miles and somewhere between 65-75 days of riding.

74 days is 53 miles/day average

If I were you, desu; I would go to the nearest sports clinic and get your Vo2Max and levels tested. That way, you can have a personal health benchmark that you can reference the rest of your healthspan.

File: jones-hbar-intro.jpg (109 KB, 810x421)

109 KB JPG

anyone use jones bars? thoughts?

>>1901571
personally i loathe swept bars for much real riding. They're fantastic for cruisers but leave you cramped and fuck your back up otherwise.

The front accessory bit is a fun meme but also kinda retarded i met a guy on tour once who had cut his off he hated it so much. It's not really a useful hand position.

For flat bars and touring I would probably run bars with some rise and a -little- sweep, like, normal mtb bars, but narrowish ones, and inner and outer barends for aero and leverage climbing respectively.

>>1901574
thanks anon, you hit upon what i've wanted. I'm currently on a hybrid bike but would like to get into more of an aero position since doing some longer runs. I've looked at aero bars but I don't think they'll fit.
already have the bar end horns but i was thinking i could put them on the front of the jones bars.
hmm maybe i could replace the sora shifter/brakes to get a bit more room on my bars?

>>1901571
I bought myself surly's cornerbar chink knock off on ali for this years trip

>>1901577
My neighbor put a tt bars on his hybrid lol
Inner barends are fine for an aero position, jones and other "alt-bars" are unnecessary unless you need to "stand out" like a faggot reddit boomer

File: IMG_9495 (Custom).jpg (1.18 MB, 4000x2667)

1.18 MB JPG

>>1901577
inner bar ends as an aero position. The outer bar ends are more for climbing. You can do both.

i don't suggest any kind of aero bar though unless your bike has a smooth headset and rides really stable no hands.

Also consider if you can just lower your bars/stem, maybe flip the stem down, or get a longer stem. Especially if the bars are above the saddle height. At or slightly below is probably ideal for most riders.

>already have the bar end horns but i was thinking i could put them on the front of the jones bars.
Jones bars theoretically already the front section is an aero-ish position if you wrapped it there, rather than used it all for accessories. If i had them I'd wrap the whole bar. If you wanted to be even more forward then the main position with the brakes would be cramped.

File: 13978ABE-6166-43AC-9B9C-5(...).jpg (259 KB, 1026x766)

259 KB JPG

Newark Bike Project and Urban Bike Project in Delaware are good resources for re-stocking on tubes, clothing, and random other kit like spokes. The ECG literally passes these right by, so not out of the way for you at all, (time allowing for you to pass them when they're open, of course. Maybe reach out ahead).

File: 1984 Race Across America (...).jpg (534 KB, 2001x1514)

534 KB JPG

>>1901577
aerobars are overkill desu, I'm not sure why anyone would used them outside of a closed course

>>1901734
people with flat bars and relaxed fits can find them useful for touring

>>1864882
What size is that blue dry bag on the back?

Also, I'm thinking of touring for the first time later this year and I don't have racks or bags yet. I'm not trying to drain my bank on gucci shit and was wondering which brands I should be looking at for those.
Coming from the backpacking world so all this is new to me and idk what to look for really.

>>1901435
Which city ?

File: P4060177~2.jpg (3.46 MB, 4608x3456)

3.46 MB JPG

>>1900509

>>1902758
Dude you should have done it in the other sense gonna freeze yo ass in denmark and die sweating in italy and rhone valley. You sleeping belle etoile or what?

>>1901571
Also got an hybrid bike that came with flat bar.
Were they cheap I would have bought those Jones bar mainly for the humane sweep because that bar is useless. I got the cheapest with my desired sweep rise and length and it's all I need, done thousands of kms. Bar ends or aero bar are dangerous and useless in my opinion, tweaking with saddle and handlebar angle you can get in to a zen aero comfy touring posture.
I like my shoulders open and relaxed and straight wrists, don't feel the need to change positions. Also with a full rack of luggages is awkward to change grip (especially where you can't reach the brakes with bar ends)I need to have my fingers on the brakes and adequate steering power. When it's a long flat road ahead I just rest my hand where the gear index and it's as aero as it gets.
Bar ends are not only 90s dorky looking stuff, they're also useless,dangerous and anatomically mysterious... they're not gonna get you up that hill, or help you go crosswind

>>1864673
nicely done anon. did you retain feeling in your scrotum?

>>1902811
Nah it should be perfect. I might actually sleep à la belle étoile that's cool. The tour should end in november, so I won't havr much heat in Italia. Maybe croatia will be a bit difficult, but it won't last. And for Denemark, we should be there in May, thr weather should be fine. Right now we got 10 to 15°C in Lille.

>>1902758
Noice

can anyone recommend a nice front rack? something simple, elegant and capable. For a bike with v-brakes, 700c with drop out eyelets and/or mid fork boss's.

Thanks in advance, also if possible aluminium.

>>1904177
I swear by my Surly Nice front rack, but it's expensive. although not aluminum, it's tubular cro-mo steel so still very light weight but much stronger than aluminum. I bought it because it had the highest weight rating I could find. which, like every rating, is low-ball legalese bs. I've greatly exceeded it many times, but that's every rack; the higher number is still better.
Tubus makes good strong racks also but at least at the time I bought they weren't sold in the USA without high shipping costs.

>>1904186
forgot to say, it fits your other criteria, though

File: PIC001 date removed.jpg (180 KB, 1280x960)

180 KB JPG

I spent my easter weekend cycling round the Isle of Arran.
Video diary here:
https://youtu.be/H_G4Rx5abPM

>>1904186
thank you, I will take a look at it.

>>1886135
>marathon plus
based, I have these tires and I don't get flats anymore, even with glass and shit everywhere on our roads here

File: mag1.jpg (1.82 MB, 3832x2776)

1.82 MB JPG

Bought a stack of 90s mtb mags, found this article that was quite interesting to read, I don't have a scanner so test posting to see if readable on here

>>1905087
>>1905088
this was really cool, thanks anon
funny how different and yet still all the same things are

File: P1010046.jpg (1.5 MB, 3200x2400)

1.5 MB JPG

>>1905108
Another interesting article from 1989

File: IMG-20230417-WA0007.jpg (2.39 MB, 3840x2160)

2.39 MB JPG

>>1904500
My guy, I'm still on the road, 2500km done, varied roads and my marathons are still going strong.

Hell, I haven't even need to pump my tires that often. Great tires, but maybe not ideal for heavy gravel and mud.

Greetings from Toulouse.

>>1905486
man, that touring setup looks
[spoiler] SERIOUS [/spoiler]

File: 1682146913109.jpg (2.13 MB, 4000x3000)

2.13 MB JPG

ohayooo
I'm off for a weekend trip to find comfy fit for new handlebars
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDTFSD9K9dA

File: 1682150821813.jpg (2.67 MB, 4000x3000)

2.67 MB JPG

>>1905818
here's better pic of the bike

>>1905828
cool bike but looks like a bad match for completely flat farmland?

File: 1682250267353.jpg (23 KB, 836x346)

23 KB JPG

>>1905883
calm down, there was a mountain

File: 1682252812529.jpg (1.4 MB, 4000x3000)

1.4 MB JPG

>>1906120
it was this one

>>1906133
I stand corrected.
how are you liking those dirt drops?

>>1906224
yeah, I'm liking them, did great job when going down the trail too although riding position is not as comfy and more aggresive so my mind just went full GOTTAGOFAST

>>1900509
Are you avoiding every single even slightly mountainous area on purpose?

>>1906338
I'm 73 years old with an artificial hip and two dud knees, I want to enjoy the trip ffs

>>1900507
Saved this thread in my favourites. Looking forward to future updates and postings.

I used to know a guy in 1990 who spontaneously decided he was going to ride his bike to Alaska from Calgary, Alberta. Helluva trip. He had a great time and did it on the cheap.

>>1906397
ok but how are you planning on escaping from the nursing home first?

imagine an e-touring bike, where you just use the motor to get up to speed, and maybe assist with hills. imagine how far you could go.

how far can you go in a day?

File: minibow.jpg (2.67 MB, 2949x1690)

2.67 MB JPG

>>1908471
>assist with hills
athetop,,,loadup on rocks,regen brakes down for a fulload charge.,morerocks,morenergy.,
,,,erodes the highridges,fills thevalleys.

>>1908498
genius

Drop bars on a touring bike seems very gay. Like bro, are you really going to use the drops? Why? Would you put a spoiler and race tires on a minivan?

>>1908783
Drop bars will be comfy for you if you keep up the diet and exercise anon

File: IMG_1157-2 (Custom).jpg (1.6 MB, 4000x2667)

1.6 MB JPG

>>1908783
Drop bars make MORE sense on a touring bike.
Most racefags set their bar height so that the hoods are as low as is tolerable, and the drop position is practically unusable.

On a touring bike, you put the bars high, and so then having a lower hand position, for riding hard or into the wind, is very useful, and you actually use it quite often.

>>1888176
>Bratislava
I can help with info, service, possibly accomodation and whatever. Let me know if you need something

>bought an expensive bike on a whim thanks to my retarded adhd brain
>want to go on camping trips with it and stuff, wanted to do it for years and bought it just for that
>bought all sorts of gear and have at least basics
>nothing stopping me from going on a short trip
kek, kill my brain please, 1 year later and I've only cycled like 200km on my fancy new bike, it was made for me and feels really good but I'm just a retard. I should lock my phone and credit cards in a safe and bury it.


sorry, just needed to vent

File: banhammer.jpg (1.94 MB, 2903x1981)

1.94 MB JPG

>>1909281
iktf, bro
have a suitable bike and a decent set of camping gear, time off from work is sometimes available , yet I always either get busy with something else, forget about it, or just chill in my time off.
soon.

>>1880145
Huge if big

File: PXL_20230429_145808187~2.jpg (2.86 MB, 3472x2602)

2.86 MB JPG

>>1906338
Yes and no. I just target the big cities I want to visit. I avoid big montains but I'll be crossing the alps anyway.

>>1902811
>>1900507
>>1900509
Update :
40 days, 1800km done, I'm in Ribe in Denmark. I spent a week in France visiting friends in Compiègne, Arras and Lille, crossed Flandres in like 5 days. This country is shit, expensive food but low quality, bruge is overrated as fuck.
Then spent 2 weeks to cross Netherlands, it was great to ride with everything done for bikes. In the end I went to the south to visit the castle of ultrecht + doing Efteling park then went to germany and crossed it quite fast to be in Hamburg the 6th may.
Now I'm in Denmark, it's 20°C, not freezing at all and this country is really nice with camping spot everywhere for free.
For future riders in Denmark, save this we site somewhere you'll thanks me later https://udinaturen.dk/

>>1909281
thats okay. you can do those things.

>>1909281
>>1909318
Get the fuck out of your house and ride.

this thread inspired me to pick up a touring bike thanks op

File: PXL_20230506_161726380.jpg (2.23 MB, 3024x4032)

2.23 MB JPG

Sup dudes, the "Swede" here, I'm in mainland Italy, I finished Corsica last week. Brutal climbing but amazing 10/10 would recommend. Now I'm in a shitty Italian coastal town with gypsies, mafia and other untermensch. Wish me luck.

File: D06ED7DC-E05A-4E57-B152-4(...).jpg (283 KB, 750x760)

283 KB JPG

Heading off this weekend, weather forecast isn’t idea but oh well.

WHY I NEVER TAKE PHOTOS OF WHAT I PACK
NOW I'M WASTING TIME GOING OVER AND OVER ABOUT THINGS I PACKED WONDERING IF I PACKED EVERYTHING

>>1912434
I was just about to begin sorting and packing my stuff, your post made me decide to also take pics of everything, but then I thought I'd quite like to know the weight of everything too so I will weigh and photograph everything I pack.

I have been collecting bits for about 10 months in preparation for a trip next week (and hopefully others in the future). Bought a lot of used items as I was going for quality and weight saving, in total I spent about £650, although I estimate the value of everything when new to be closer to £1.5k not including the bike which I bought for peanuts and refurbished myself, it doubles as my commuter so it's not really fair to include it in the final tally for my bikepacking kit.

Has anyone else weighed all their kit? If yes what did it come to? And why aren't there more kit lists in this wonderful thread?

File: D891E396-E6C6-4D66-9CAA-C(...).jpg (529 KB, 1280x960)

529 KB JPG

>>1912305
Going okay, regret my gearing choices already now the bike must be 5kg heavier once everything was packed.

Go held up for an hour on the first day through France/Belgium not realising there was a bike race on.