Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Cycle Tours => Topic started by: lewis noble on March 31, 2016, 04:27:26 pm
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I thought I would let people know my plans for a long ride this summer – there will be things I want advice on I expect, so I’ll start it as a new thread.
My Sherpa continues to serve and suit me very well – it was built up from a Ripio onto a new Sherpa 530S frame with 853 forks in July 2015. It is very similar to the ‘lightweight Sherpa’ in the menus at the end of the Thorn brochure – C2 I think. Straight bars (I have fairly short arms and prefer an uprightish posture), DT Swiss 32 spoke rims on Deore hubs, XT chainset (so I can get shorter cranks), thumbie shifters, XT brakes, Tubus rack. Saddle – Specialized. There is really nothing I would change on it. The wheels run sweet and true despite fast rides on urban potholes, transmission excellent. In this trim, the Sherpa is an agile, fast and robust bike.
The only thing about the bike I am uncertain about is footwear / pedals – I have used GR9 pedals + toe clips with some excellent Merrell trainers for years – no plans to change. But the trainers are now worn out and held together with Shoe Goo – and I have found nothing to compare with them for comfort and firm grippy soles – working on it.
In June, I will be setting off to ride from St Malo to Nice, through most of Western and Southern France. My plan is to follow the route in the excellent book France en Velo. Travelling to St Malo by train / ferry, back from Orange on European Bike Bus.
http://franceenvelo.cc/route/
Accommodation – mixture of B&Bs, whatever I can find, and a lightweight tent – depending on weather, tiredness, availability etc. I will be travelling as light as possible – no cooking gear, just a mug, plate and spork. Most campsites have a café / bar on or near them. I have been loaned an OEX Lynx EV1 tent by a friend who purchases kit for a big outdoors company – good friend to have! Very light, bigger than many 1-person tents, fits perfectly fore-aft on the rack.
Panniers etc – small Topeak bag under the saddle for tools, spares etc. 2 Ortlieb panniers. Tent on top. A Carradice zip roll bag as a bar bag – I am not keen on most bar bags, and the fact that this will not be all that easy to get to or remove is a bonus as far as I am concerned.
I’m looking forward to the trip, but yes, pretty apprehensive about it. Close on 1000 miles – longest sustained ride I have done since the late 1960s, and I will need to maintain a pretty decent (for me) daily average to avoid running out of time or money. But here goes. Living in the Peak District, and often holidaying in the hilly Jura region of France, I reckon I can handle the hills . . . he says . . . .
Advice please! – on electronics – something I never used to bother about!! I will be taking a Sony compact camera, and a Nokia Windows phone. Also a Garmin 1000 – mixed feelings about that, happy with maps, but a Christmas present . . . I still have to figure out how to use it. All use the same micro usb port, so will borrow a Power Monkey, only 1 lead needed.
The camera is a Sony DSC RX100. Large sensor, beautiful pictures, and I know how to work it. But no built in wifi, which makes sending pictures harder. I suppose I could swap the card into the phone and use that, but that sounds fiddly at the end of a long day. Any other ideas? I am reluctant to change kit because of cost etc.
Bike preparation – unsure about this . . . New brake pads fitted, and there is the old dilemma of overhaul versus ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. I may replace the chain, possibly the EBB bearings, and leave it at that.
I’ll let people know how I get on.
Lewis - Sheffield
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Hi Lewis,
that's an excellent tour. I had it pencilled in for last year then family events intervened. I really like the book it comes with as it has excellent pictures. Perhaps not the easiest to follow on the road though. I have trawled the internet for a gps route without success. There are some big hills (will you take in Ventoux!) but it is the heat in the south I'd be most concerned about.
Sounds like your sherpa is the perfect tool for the job. I'm a luddite when it comes to cycle clothing but I do like spd shoes (the mountain bike type you can walk normally in and look like trainers). They help my dodgy knees by keeping my feet in a good position on the pedal. They release pretty easily if you come to an emergency stop.
Geo
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Thanks Geo . . . Yes, some big hills, but I think long and steady . . . Ventoux? We'll see, I would like to.
According to Garmin, the Edge 1000 has preloaded maps - but where?! I'll get no. 1 son on the job.
Pedals - I've just never got on with spd. I'm sure I'll find something.
Regards
Lewis
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Hi Lewis, I'm a big fan of Merrell footwear, but I don't like to peddle very far in them, I'm like Geo & prefer SPD's. I use Shimano PD-A530 pedals, SPD's one side, regular flat the other for regular shoes.
Your trainers do sound let's say " Broken in" and if like mine; very comfortable. If you have as you say no plans to change your pedals, it would be a good time to invest in some new trainers......
Have fun on the trip, you will be fine and take it at a day at a time. don't forget to put a rest day in now and then.
Andy
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Hi Lewis!
Best of luck on what sounds like a wonderful tour ahead!
I like Merrells also for general use, but I'd like to offer an endorsement of my Shimano MO-88 MTB SPD shoes for touring....even if you decide not to fit them with cleats for use with SPD pedals.
The soles offer good isolation and the shoes are very supportive for walking and have a good interface for use with platform pedals.
I would not have thought it possible, but I found them ideal for my 2014 double-crossing of Europe. They did well by me as my only shoes for many tourist-walks along the way, including a 21km day walking in Prague. The high-carbon rubber sole wears well and I liked the combination of velcro and ratchet-strap for quick adjustments. The sle design ejects mud well.
The MO-88 is now history, replaced by the similar MO-89, but you might well find your ideal "cycling vacation" shoe unexpectedly among the SPD offerings. Just because they are "cleat capable" does not mean they must be fitted with same. The "Click'R" series of Shimano shoes intended for commuters are increasingly popular with cleated and uncleated riders here in recent months. Might be worth a look: http://www.shimano-lifestylegear.com/us/pd/technologies/clickr.php
All the best,
Dan.
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I have an older version of these; great for touring (mine are just back with a wee bit of green). So good I bought another pair for when my current ones are done. I wore them in temps up to 48c and they were fine.
https://www.evanscycles.com/northwave-spider-mtb-shoe-EV235460
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Thanks everyone for the replies - very encouraging.
It's interesting that the shoes / pedals issue has attracted the most attention! I tried hard with spds a few years ago, just couldn't get used to them. With my coordination perhaps worse now than it was, I'm reluctant to try again - especially as it can be an expensive business trying stuff out. And the run up to a long tour is not a good time to experiment!
In my experience, a careful trainer / pedal combination, with firm soles, tread enough to bite on traditional 'rat-trap' pedals but not enough to restrict entry / exit from toe clips, works well. But Dan, I will look at what you recommend.
I reckon I can do it. I am allowing 34 days away from home - 3 weeks riding, rest / fun days, travel at beginning and end. One of the advantages of this route is that if I get problems, weather, illness etc, I just stop around Orange, explore other areas (e.g. Vercors - fascinating in French history) and then get the bus home, leaving Provence for a shorter tour, perhaps with my wife next year. But my aim is to do the lot.
Thanks to all, keep comments coming. I am away for a few days now, a friends wedding (a camping wedding, the best sort!) and may not get wifi. So no replies till next week.
Best wishes to all
Lewis
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In my experience, a careful trainer / pedal combination, with firm soles, tread enough to bite on traditional 'rat-trap' pedals but not enough to restrict entry / exit from toe clips, works well. But Dan, I will look at what you recommend.
No no no, Lewis! :o If you are using toe clips and straps, then you most definitely do not want to use shoes with straps, as they will catch on the toe straps and make a mess both going in and getting out.
Not a problem if you use only toe clips, but the thicker soles might require fitting MTB toe clips with more toe height.
You'll do fine on the tour, no worries there.
All the best,
Dan. (...who wishes your friends a happy camping-wedding)
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I too have given up on spds and reverted to flats. I was quite comfortable getting in and out of them but a. they killed my right knee something chronic and b. I reasoned that riding off tarmac made it all the more critical that I was able put a foot down quickly. I've stayed with my Shimano MT34s, well until they are worn out. I like the stiff sole and would look for a similarly stiff sole in any future pair of trainers or something similar. If snakes are an issue a pair of miltary-type boots might be a good bet, but probably overkill for France
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/five-ten-aescent-mtb-shoes-2016/rp-prod132476?gs=1&gclid=CLvjgfXT68sCFUJmGwodFOEP6Q&gclsrc=aw.ds
http://www.altberg.co.uk/product/desert-tabbing-boot-classic-beige/
With regard to pedals: I like DMRV8s myself although I've read the grumbles of others about them. I like the fact that you can service them and, using a very small allen key, inject some grease into them when necessary; you can replace the bearings easily too.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/dmr-v8-grease-port-flat-pedals/rp-prod3177
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DEFINITELY the last post before I sign off for a few days . . .
Dan, I think we may be getting confused about the meaning of straps?? I mean the straps that link the toe clip ends to the pedals, not straps on the shoes, which yes, can catch on clips and other things. I would be meaning trainers similar to . . . .
http://www.merrell.com/UK/en_GB/roust-frenzy/17578M.html?ref=roust%20frenzy&dwvar_17578M_color=J21801#q=roust+frenzy&start=1
Firm soles, small serrations on the soles, comfortable . . .
But as ever, open to suggestions and comments. And my existing Merrells may well make it!!
Pedals likely tobe mks GR9s or MKS Road.
Have a good weekend, everybody.
Lewis
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That looks like a good tour, and 1,000 miles in three weeks seems a reasonable goal.
My own most recent long tour was from Brittany, down the west coast of France and through northern Spain to just touch Portugal, then back. It dates from 2011 when I was 55 years old.
I imagine the terrain for your trip is roughly equivalent - fairly flat or gently undulating to start with in Western France, but more challenging as you get further south.
I did my tour in October, as I had an opportunity for a month off at that time of year. 2011 was atypical, with very high temperatures in Brittany at the beginning of the month. I had a wide range of temperatures, from just above freezing early in the morning in the mountains, to 35° C (afternoon temperatures at start of trip in Brittany and again near Portugal).
I had a slightly less suitable bike than a Sherpa, didn't camp, I used youth hostels, pilgrim hostels and "pensiones"/hotels.
I also don't use SPD, I prefer toeclips, toestraps and old-style black leather cycling shoes with stiff soles and heels. These are OK for walking short distances, reasonably water-resistant, and easy to polish-up to look reasonably smart.
One thing I did for my 2011 tour that I never did before was training before the trip. I did regular 50 km rides about twice a week, with occasional longer rides (up to 120 km) when I had time. I got in about 2,000 kms of extra riding in the six months before I left. That was mainly because I only had limited time - a maximum of 4 weeks to do about 3,300 kms.
I also planned for the option of cutting short my tour if my knees played up or I got ill - easy to put my bike on the train to cut about 600 kms off the return journey if necessary (it wasn't).
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After reverting back to flats due to continued aches in my knees, I ended up with a pair of FWE flats pedals from Evans and never had the need for toe clips as my feet have never slipped....
https://www.evanscycles.com/fwe-flat-alloy-pedals-EV180198?esvt=44588-GOUKE1070736&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-521626-1&esvcrea=85157036936&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvo=EV180198-NA-SVR&esvaid=50080&gclid=CO7sjuun88sCFTAz0wodxksHUQ (https://www.evanscycles.com/fwe-flat-alloy-pedals-EV180198?esvt=44588-GOUKE1070736&esvq=&esvadt=999999-0-521626-1&esvcrea=85157036936&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvo=EV180198-NA-SVR&esvaid=50080&gclid=CO7sjuun88sCFTAz0wodxksHUQ)
Footwear - I like to use karrimor walking shoes as they have a little flex up front but a solid sole, also work well off the bike
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-mount-low-mens-walking-shoes-183075?colcode=18307504 (http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-mount-low-mens-walking-shoes-183075?colcode=18307504)
I would just take a spare SD card for the camera and use that when needed, pictures can always be uploaded when you get back home. Never used a Garmin, though do have mapping software on my galaxy phone mainly used as a GPS when I am unsure exactly where I am, never leave home without paper maps and a compass electronics can / do fail.
Don't forget a wall plug, can always charge the phone / camera / garmin, if booked into a B&B or on the campsite from the USB lead
Enjoy what looks to be a great ride
Carlos
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I'm planning the same jolly and am a little frustrated at my inability to follow the 'France en Velo' book instructions for downloading the PDFs of individual route sections as appears page 254. I'm sure it must be my incompetence but all I can get is a page of advertising.
Any help would be much appreciated!
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I found a way, and I think have them as a doc. Only just back from weekend away, will not be able to access for a day or two. I found them by accident, no idea how.
Pm me your email address and I will get in touch.
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sounds an amazing trip. My wife has the RX100 - as you say, lovely camera. If you stop somewhere with free wifi could you download from there - via a usb lead?
Good luck
Ian
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Simple question, hopefully, to those who know France or understand radio transmission! As an inveterate radio 4 listener, I'm wondering how useful will my wee digital/FM receiver will be as I progress South from St Malo. If not a lot, I'll know to leave it behind!
Thanks in anticipation.
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Link below will help.....
http://www.french-waterways.com/france/radio-tv.html (http://www.french-waterways.com/france/radio-tv.html)
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I live in South Brittany. I can still pick up World Service/Radio 4 on 198 khz long wave, the quality is OK most of the time (sometimes poor in certain weather conditions), but I can't pick up anything else from the BBC in reasonable quality by traditional radio. Not tried recently further south, but I imagine long wave reception must get very iffy the further you get from the transmitters in the UK.
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To bring people up to date on my planned St Malo / Nice ride. . . .
I'm leaving Sheffield on 13th June, arriving St Malo by ferry the following day.
The Sherpa is running better than ever it feels like to me . . . I've finally settled on a choice of saddle (specialized Body Geometry) and pedals (mks sylvan road) that suit me, rear gear and brake cables replaced, a dry / overtight hub bearing sorted, and I also put new external bearings on the bottom bracket. Tyres / tubes / rims all ok, wheels running 100% true. Drive train working well, wear well within limits, not broke so I'm not fixing it, set up / adjusted by someone who's good at that.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this will be the longest tour I have ever done, and the first time I've cycle camped for . . . . decades. I'm taking a v light tent, minimum of equipment, will camp or B & B depending on availability, weather, etc.
I've been collecting stuff together to make sure everything fits OK, instead of having a last minute rush as I head off for the train station. I will be relatively lightly loaded for a Sherpa, but it just doesn't notice the weight in terms of handling.
I would welcome advice on spares / tools - long time since I got an extended ride kit together.
I plan to take -
2 tubes and puncture kit.
Tyre boot / patches (not taking a spare tyre - 99% will be on tarmac)
Chain power link / chain tool.
NOT taking a multi-tool; I'm not keen on them, because of eyesight / focussing problems, much prefer decent tools of the (limited range of) sizes I need. Screwdrivers (e.g. to adjust v brakes) from a dismantled multi tool.
Tyre levers. Also plastic lever to get tyres back on - easy on my tyres, but not always if I'm helping someone else.
Arno type straps to secure tent to rack, lock brake on, secure bike to railings and racks on ferry / in trains etc. And spare ones!
Cable ties. Insulating tape.
Pump. Press gauge.
If anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know! I'll be passing through a few large towns, but much of the time in rural areas.
Lewis
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I always carry zip ties and rubber bands. Minimal weight and lots of uses.
Good list though.
Loire valley in the autumn was fantastic.
Great food and wines.
Good luck. Keep us up to date.
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Tool list is great, add some duct tape and bungie straps - though as you taking the arno straps may not be needed, but so convenient to have and multiple uses.
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On my last long trip, in addition to the tools/spares already listed I took :
Good quality 6” adjustable end wrench.
Crank puller.
2 x 5 mm Allen bolts with nuts and washers.
2 x 4 mm hex bolts with nuts.
Spoke key.
1 spoke nipple.
Spare spokes (taped to seat stay).
Spare chain.
Rags.
Chain lubricant.
Small syringe of grease.
I actually used :
- Chain tool, lubricant and rags when I needed to maintain the drive train or fit new chains. Spare chain not really necessary, as easy to buy locally. I bought and wore out two other chains, getting through a total of 4, due to the sand and muck on some of the tracks I used, rainy weather for part of the time and the U-brake fitted to the bike (this tended to spray road dirt onto the chain). But I didn't need to touch the chain during the first 900 kms, on tarmac in dry weather.
- Pump and pressure guage. But not the spare tube and puncture kit, no punctures at all.
- Grease. When a pedal bearing started playing up - injection of grease (through a small hole drilled in the pedal cap) solved the problem till I got home and dismantled the pedal.
- Cruciform screwdriver for derailleur adjustments.
I came close to needing the spoke wrench, as I damaged the rear rim, but the wheel stayed true enough not to interfere with braking.
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Hi Lewis, I'm off from Hay on Wye tomorrow for a Brittany Ferry crossing Wednesday night for the same route. I popped into the 'Works' and picked up two spare pairs of their best 99p reading glasses. Taking all the tools in the world won't help me if I loose my glasses!
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Good luck!! Both on the main ride and the 2 days to Portsmouth . . . .
Yes, for many of us specs are an essential!!
I should have added chain lube to my list, by the way, some of you have mentioned that - I've got a small bottle I'll take.
We look fwd to hearing how you get on.
Lewis
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Thanks For your previous help and good wishes! By the way I found downloadable gps files for 'France en Velo' on the Ride with GPS web site. https://ridewithgps.com/users/723342
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Something more on spares . . . .
My brother, who is pretty good on things mechanical and bicycular, suggests I take spare spokes, as I will be 'heavily loaded . . . '
My wheels are 32 h DT Swiss XR 425 rims, built and supplied by SJSC. In the 2 years I have been riding on them, no problems at all, running 100% true, no sign of rim wear on brake tracks. A strange choice of wheel for a Sherpa perhaps? But it's what I went for and they give a very responsive and enjoyable ride.
I suspect that the urban riding, with speed bumps, potholes etc that I do puts more strain on the wheels than the relatively gentle riding on better French surfaces I will be doing.
In any case, I don't think I will be heavily loaded. Credit card / B and B type touring - yes, I'll be taking a tent and sleeping bag, but the combined weight of them is 3kg. No cooking gear. I will be using a bar bag (actually a v small Carradice saddlebag mounted on the bars) for the spares, tools etc - that weighs in at 1.6 kg all in - I haven't weighed the rest.
My inclination is NOT to take spokes, I wouldn't know what to do with them anyway, and would have to limp along to a bike shop. And my understanding is that the DT Swiss wheels build into a light but strong wheel. Interestingly, I don't think it is listed in the new Mega brochure . . . .
As usual, any observations welcome.
Lewis
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Lewis,
I don't think you will be "heavily loaded" on this tour at the weights listed.
The wheels should be fine. You have (relatively) fat tires protecting 26in rims, and the wheels don't have a lot of use at this point and were well made, have proper tension, and still run true.
For what it is worth, I think you'll be fine. I have seen more wheels damaged when people who are unfamiliar with spoke replacement and truing...try to do so. You'll not be too far from a bike shop in any case, and could likely catch a ride if needed.
If you do decide to go with new spokes, be sure to also pack the appropriately sized spoke wrench.
All the best,
Dan.
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Thanks Dan - always good to get the advice I wanted to hear!!
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So I don't think I'll be taking spare spokes. I will, however, take all the spokes currently installed in the wheels.
Lewis
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I'm sure Dan's right about spokes. Years ago I bought one of these http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/fiber-fix-emergency-replacement-spoke-prod20155/ and it has been in my bag every since. It might be useful one day although I suspect there is some skill needed to get it to work properly.
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I will, however, take all the spokes currently installed in the wheels.
<nods> A good choice, Lewis, and will solve the storage problem as well. ;)
All the best,
Dan.
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Posting again, with a 'trial' photo . . .
Thorn Sherpa in vineyard, Jura, France, August 2015.
If this works, it will make it easier to post pictures of bike prepared for this tour . . .
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It works and displays properly, Lewis, and it is a delight to see your lovely machine displayed here. The upgrade to the Forum software removed the earlier restrictions on file size so bigger (higher resolution) photos will display.
However (it seems there are always "howevers" in life...) bigger files often do not display without scrolling except on larger screens and will more quickly eat up data allowances on mobile devices, and server storage space may eventually need to be expanded if large attachments become the norm.
For these reasons, it is still a good idea to resize attached photos if possible, but I understand that can be a daunting task on some devices.
All best wishes for a wonderful journey, Lewis! Looking forward to more about it and After.
All the best,
Dan.
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However (it seems there are always "howevers" in life...) bigger files often do not display without scrolling except on larger screens...
Indeed - my screen is fairly large, or at least seems so to me, at 2048 x 1152, but I have to scroll so much to see that picture that I can't really make sense of it. A shame, because it looks lovely judging by the thumbnail.
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Great . . .
I'm doing a trial load up tomorrow - will post a picture.
I've got a pretty good camera - Sony DSC RX 100 - very compact but with a large sensor for the camera size. But the sheer convenience of these phone cameras and wifi is remarkable . . .
Lewis
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Here are some resized options...
Original (above) is 1.47MB in size and measures 2592x1456 pixels.
The (Large) below is 108KB in size and measures 1024x575 pixels. It looks fine on my PC with a 15.6in screen. I have to scroll around a bit to see it all on my Samsung Galaxy S4 Android phone in portrait or landscape modes.
The (Medium) below is 73KB in size and measures 800x449 pixels.
The (Small) below is 52.5KB in size and measures 640x360 pixels. This one I can view in its entirely on my smaller S4 in either portrait or landscape mode. It shows easily on my Note 4.
As I recall, you have a Mac, Lewis. To batch-resize your photos is pretty straightforward:
(1) Select all the images you want to resize.
(2) Right click (CTRL-click) on them and select “Open With Preview.”
(3) In Preview, go to Edit > Select All.
(4) Once all images are selected, go to Tools > Adjust Size.
(5) Enter the width or height value to resize your photos. If you select“Scale Proportionally”, the photo will be um, scaled proportionally.
(6) Save, close. Now you can create your Forum post, then click on the "Attachments and other options" link below the text box, choose "Attach" and navigate to where the resized photo is stored on you Mac, select it, and it will upload when your post is published.
Best,
Dan.
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Here is Sherpa, prior to loading up and making sure everything fits and works loaded. 530S frame, Rav 853 forks. XT chsinset, 165 cranks. 22/32/44 I think, 11-32 9sp cassette. 1.6 Supreme tyres, xl tubes. Patented wheelantiflop (TM) device installed. Specialzed BG saddle. Much frame padding! Paintwork looks so good I can't bear to think of train/ferry/lampost damage, but it will happen I know.
DT Swiss wheelbuild by sjsc.
Lewis
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More photos . . . Comments later if I am on computer
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Bike and pilot look ready for anything, Lewis! All good to go, and good wishes go with you. Take care, and may the winds be at your back.
Best,
Dan.
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I'm glad the photos came out, though wish I had had a more smiley face on . . . but it is reassuring to know that I can post photos as well as comments while away.
The last major tour I did was in 1967! Round the coast of Scotland, camping, b&b, whatever I could find. On a Witcombe road bike I bought for £5 in a junk shop and learnt how to rebuild. I wish I had kept up my touring / distance cycling, but career, working abroad for a spell, children etc . . . .
So this is a real adventure for me, and after a period of apprehension, I am now looking fwd to it. I have remembered some things from my old touring days ( . . secure panniers properly . . ), forgotten others (. . and close panniers properly . . )
To clarify the photos . . . the 'bar bag' is a Carradice bag, the smallest of the range. Long straps make it fit easily, and I much prefer these sort of bags to the standard bar bag things. Yes, it takes longer to get in/ out, and to remove, but only a matter of seconds. The bag weighs 1.5kg loaded, and contains spare tubes, tools, chain oil, pump, etc etc.
The Altura panniers (I've had them for years) have been reproofed, one side contains the tent and is the bag for stuff that will not hurt too much if it gets wet. The tent will fit front==> back on the rack top, but the narrow Tubus Vega rack is not ideal for that. If the tent gets soaked, I could put it there. The other pannier bag contains clothes and is the 'dry' bag and bag to go into b&bs, hostels etc.
The Topeak underseat bag contains items that might be needed quickly - e.g. Hx key to turn bars if need be on train / ferry, strap to secure bike, sun cream, etc. The contents of that will change as the ride progresses and needs change. If I change plans and settle somewhere for day rides, it will revert to being the toolkit bag. Tools - I've worked out exactly what I might need, and taken 'proper' tools of the right sizes. I find multi-tools difficult as eyesight problems make it hard to see the details sometimes, especially if specs wet.
On top of the rack is a supposedly waterproof bag (purchased by my wife in the back streets of Kathmandu - good name but origin unknown! - with camera, sunhat, etc. That is secured by an elastic strap, Avenir or something I think, hooked onto bolts I have fitted at the rack base.
In ready to ride mode, the Sherpa weighs 12.4 kg. Including rack, pedals, bottle carriers, guards etc. That's less than most of the manufacturers weights on mainstream tourers. The combined weight of the load at the back end comes to 13 kg, inc tent, lock,etc. I always tend to 'overpack' clothes, but I think I have got it about right. The Sherpa just doesn't notice that load, and still steers and handles as sweetly as ever.
So here we go. Thanks for the good wishes, Dan and everyone.
Lewis
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One thing Lewis, lighten your load by leaving out your Three Lions, England replica shirt, particularly if you go anywhere near Marseille!
Bon voyage, I am sure you'll have a great time and cope admirably on this brilliant trip!
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Update relayed from Lewis...it would be a disservice to edit it...
Hello Dan
Only patchy free WiFi, and difficult to post from this phone . . .
Enjoying ride, good progress initially but unable to keep up with the serious distance roadie guys . . . So backed off and will do what I do best . . . plodding, talking as much as I can to les inhabitants, and doing whatever mileage I end up doing.
A shakedown tour would have been a good idea - I'm sure I have more stuff than I need, and should perhaps not have embarked on what is, in reality, a pretty long ride, without touring practice as well as riding training - but family commitments made that impossible.
And then, 2 days in, I developed a dental abscess! Pain, spitting blood and pus, emergency treatment in France (excellent), only now really getting going again.
No problems with Sherpa, faster than many other riders expect and as stable and predictable as ever - a big plus for me.
Feel free to post this . .
Regards
Lewis
All best wishes, Lewis!
Dan.
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Rotten luck Lewis, hope you are feeling better in the dental department. We're having a lot of heavy rain here in UK. Hope you're missing out on this where ever you are!
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Argh!
That's my biggest fear when i tour ;dental problems.
Not much can be done in preparation.
Touch wood, never had a problem myself. But thoughts with you.
Keep smiling.😉
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Argh!
That's my biggest fear when i tour ;dental problems.
Matt, I carry a package of DenTemp with me...useful for patching cavities and resetting crowns. A number of similar products can be found online at Amazon or at you local chemist's. I've also found it useful for covering the exposed roots of broken teeth.
I also toss in a tiny bottle of Anbesol, often prescribed for numbing the gums of teething babies. Same for oil of cloves...or a few cloves to chew on. They all help dental pain.
Don't forget to carry and use your toothbrush, paste, and dental floss, the last useful for myriad things including big sutures of person, panniers, and tire sidewalls.
Been there, done that while on tour. All the above can make Life much more comfortable till proper help is found.
Poor Lewis was dealing with infection...wise to seek help immediately.
All the best,
Dan.
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Getting WiFi at present, so able to post directly and more easily.
Things are looking up. Dental pain niggles but subsided, and weather getting warmer and drier - tail wind today!! I have cut my mileage / hours down, in deference to painful knees, but I am happy with my progress - now S E of Poitiers, en route to Dordogne. c 340 miles done. Enjoying photography as well as riding.
Problem with Sherpa yesterday!! Plodding into a drizzly headwind, clicking developed on r h B B area. In time to r h pedal downstroke. Intermittent, but 80% of time.
Bearings? Unlikely - I know what people say about Shim EBB bearings, poor life etc, but they seem reliable and were replaced by trusted LBS shortly before setting off. L H cranks bolts checked 100 k in. Pedals - secure, good quality and no play. Toe straps not chafing on crank.
Issue sorted. Clue no 1 - seemed to vary with wind direction relative to bike and speed. Clue no 2 - wearing v comfortable Kercher trainers with firm soles. - suits me.
Will post answer before I log and sign off tonight.
Lewis
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It's your knee clicking!
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Should never put loose change in your socks :P
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Could it have been the aglets on your shoe laces, Lewis?
If I forget to tuck in the laces on my old Detto racing cleats, the can catch -- and click -- on the crank arm on the downstroke, particularly if it is windy.
Glad you found the cause and got it sorted, Lewis.
Best,
Dan.
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You got it, Dan . . . taped off and heat sealed lace ends.
So, I have learned
1) tuck laces in
2) on a well prepared bike, be alert to, but don't get preoccupied by, unusual noises
3) wet headwinds can lead to negative outlook - avoid both.
Lewis
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Getting brief internet access in q Tourist Office, so here is updqte: sorry, not used to keyboqrd, here is update.
About 500 miles in, as I got to the Limousin / Mqssif Centrale, my knees became more and more of an issue - an old problem, treatment of which in the long term is difficult because of other conditions. However carefully and gently I span, low geqrs etc, problem became worse.
So, I spent a few days at a friend's house E of Limoges, and did some lightly loaded day rides in the beautiful rolling countryside around there. Really enjoyed that, so have decided to shorten ride and return to UK early, for a whole variety of reasons.
I'm disappointed to have 'only' done 500 loaded miles, but the hillsand Provence will still be there next year. And I plan to ride across the Cotentin Peninsula to get the ferry home. 500 miles is still further than I have done in 1 'session' for many years.
I'll have to get teeth, knees etc reviewed on return - will not be posting again about that.
Sherpa, of course, superb, on a mixture of surfaces from rutted farm tracks to (accidental!!) Autoroute slip road, fast and just so stable in all conditions. Only thing needed - rear gear cable tension.
Will not be posting until return home.
Lewis
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I'm glad you got down to the Vienne Lewis. You know La Belle France far better than I, but that was my favourite few days of the tour! To me it was a pastoral idyll of narrow lanes, absolutely no traffic and those beautiful red cows. I said to my wife that if post- Brexit Britain goes pear shaped then I would look for the bucolic lifestyle deep down on a small holding, somewhere near Chirac!
Muscular/skeletal issues are such a lottery, looking back I think I was so lucky on my trip, always anxious that my right knee was going to give way! Will you be OK for the return ride for the ferry, I presume you are heading for St Malo, looks quite a long round trip!
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Thanks, yes, I'll be fine. I got the train (long journey, 4 changes, but avoided Paris transfers), and am in Pontorson, a town I know. At Camping Halitosis. Sorry, Haliotis.
V enjoyable 30 mile in the countryside this pm., tailwind out, headwind back, span legs away and thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything gearing up for the Tour de France Grand Depart on Saturday from Mont St Michel.
Getting WiFi in a bar so can post. Yes, the Vienne is beautiful. I stayed a couple of nights at Chabanais, down the hill from Rochechouart, waiting for my friend to be available, and trained/biked to some of the Resistance memorials around there.