Having completed the B2B ride for Sustrans it's time to think through what's been learnt. I don't think it's a good idea to put too much weight in the bar bag. The Ortlieb can hold it but I don't think it does much for handling.
Next thing ...... pare down the weight. I had a tendency to over pack.
Remember where I stored things and keep things that are needed regularly near the top. So have a packing system and try to stick to it.
Go Pro good device maybe best suited to helmet mounting but the Bern was the wrong helmet for this ride. I'll have to check out whether there is a mount for an aero style helmet. The Go Pro eats batteries in this kind of situation. Carry a few spares and only shoot in 10 second bursts.
FujiFilm X100T love this camera but it is quite heavy but much better results than the mobile phone. Fits well in the bar bag but weight ? I ended up putting it in the top of the Ortlieb pannier.
CO2 , pump, multi tool and tubes ...... I think I'll go one tube and pump only next time. Got to take a multi tool cos you never know! Using a Lezyne currently which has done ok. Might look at Park Tools.
Travelling by train with a full size bike. Booked tickets on FGW via Virgin East Coast as you get Nectar points that way and I already had an account set up plus their website works well (although most seem to be clones of each other). You have to pre-book a seat and then tick the box for bike. Only 5-6 bikes per train but no problems this trip. On the whole this worked ok though the ticket consists of a veritable 'park of cards' for a return trip which is a bit of a pain to be honest.
I have used Trainline in the past but prefer Virgin. Though East Coast Mainline prior to the Virgin franchise was fine.
I must not be too precious about the bike. I got a steel bike to withstand the rough and tumble of touring. I forgot to put the cover on the Brooks B17 when stowed in the transport back to Bath which resulted in a seriously scuffed saddle. Cherry Blossom Dark Tan has worked well in bringing back to good condition.
I didn't need the energy bars I had brought as Sustrans provided excellent food stops. The bars available in bike and sports shops don't do much for me though people do recommend isotonic drinks.
Practice climbing more hills!
Try and cut down on the portion sizes of what I eat normally. I need to lose another stone and if I can do that it will be an enormous help when hill climbing.
My next ride is in the Malverns so an opportunity to put these things into practice.
Flower stall at Temple Meads
Temple Meads bike racks
