Bag Recommendation for First Brevet
John
probably a 200K for starters. I need to add a bag to my Rambouillet.
I'm thinking of starting with one bag - hoping that will be enough for
this type of ride. Would you recommend a front bag or rear bag? I
know the front bag would give me a place for my map, but not sure if
there are other factors I should be considering.
Feel free to reply directly to lindbe...@hotmail.com
Thanks,
John
Bruce Herbitter
Something big enough to hold it all will probably be a saddle bag. You can hang a bar tube for assorted odds and ends you want close at hand, and use a clip on type cue sheet holder.
John
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rperks
you will want to carry and then look to a set of bags that hold it in
the places you will want it on the bike. My Roadeo is similar to the
Rambouillet in design and I think it is safe to project some of my
loading experience to your situation. The bike will handle just fine
with a load, although how big and where you put it will make a
difference. Here is a pic of my Roadeo set up for last winter.
http://oceanaircycles.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Roadeo-fenders-11.jpg
I have since put on a larger saddle bag, and cary lighter things in
the Hobo style bag up front. While never terrible, much more than 8
lbs in the front was never as nice as less or nothing. I load things
from front to rear with frequencey of use and then weight being the
controling factors.
I thnk your hopes of using one bag are possible. I realy like the Hobo
style of bags, but would move the tools to a roll under the saddle to
get some weight to the rear. If you need to carry more bulky winter
layers then a carradice or sackville may be in order. One of the
barsac options will support a map, but just do not be tempted to
overlod it as you only bag.
The most important thing is to get out there and ride, prove all this
loading crap to yourself, and learn what you like. NEVER let all the
keybooard analysis keep you from riding the rides that you want to
do. I, as many of us, survived years of long rides with a backpack,
lots of memories and survived to tell the tale. You would be amazed
what you can do with a camel back from the clearance table.
Rob
-
http://oceanaircycles.com/
On Nov 11, 7:11 am, Bruce Herbitter <bruce.herbit...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I just set out on my 1st 300K last weekend, on a Saluki. I used a L'il
> loafer on a nitto mini front rack and a large Acorn saddlebag behind. I
> packed an extra baselayer and socks for when it would get colder/damper
> after Sundown, second pair of gloves, a spare tire, 2 spare tubes, 1st aid
> kit, lots of food, tool kit, extra batteries, extra lights, and a recharger
> for the cell phone & Garmin. I had room to stow a Showers Pass touring
> jacket which came off during the warmer hours of late morning to early
> afternoon. I did not have excess storage room going to waste. If you plan
> to pack lighter, you'd need less.
>
> Something big enough to hold it all will probably be a saddle bag. You can
> hang a bar tube for assorted odds and ends you want close at hand, and use
> a clip on type cue sheet holder.
>
>
>
> On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 8:19 AM, John <lindbergj...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > One of my goals for 2012 will be to complete my first brevet -
> > probably a 200K for starters. I need to add a bag to my Rambouillet.
> > I'm thinking of starting with one bag - hoping that will be enough for
> > this type of ride. Would you recommend a front bag or rear bag? I
> > know the front bag would give me a place for my map, but not sure if
> > there are other factors I should be considering.
>
> > Thanks,
>
> > John
>
> > --
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> > "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
> > To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
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> > For more options, visit this group at
>
> - Show quoted text -
William
http://www.flickr.com/photos/45758191@N04/6198958056/in/set-72157627665133171
The thing that got me sold on handlebar bags was the Brand V boxy
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/bavbb.htm
Maybe try that out for a while? Very affordable entry into handlebar bags
William
Esteban
they're on a min-tour, others take almost nothing but gu packs and
water.
Here's what I would bring: very little. Wear wool and you won't need
layers. On a cool day, a LS wool jersey (ie. Woolistic) with a wool t-
shirt underneath will do everything you need. I wear Ibex wool
kinckers. If you want to go hobo-style with layers of wool t-shirts
and a seersucker, the most you'll need to pack is a windbreaker. If
its wet out, the wool jersey will do fine in light precipitation, if
its really raining, a some kind of rain jacket might be in order. I
wouldn't ride in cotton, as it will wear on you (rather than vice-
versa).
As for the contents of luggage, bring an extra tail light, 3 or 4
"bars" (Paydays, fig bars, etc that can be replenished at controls),
enough electrolyte pills to ward off cramps (one per hour), two tubes
and a patch kit. Really - what else do you need for a 200 or 300K?
That's one bag. Front bag is always preferable. Rear bag means
you'll get off the bike to access stuff.
On a randonee, the things like weight matter. Over time, overpacking
will wear you down. Light is good.
On Nov 11, 7:34 am, rperks <perks....@gmail.com> wrote:
> As Bruce said, I would work backwards from the list or pile of stuff
> you will want to carry and then look to a set of bags that hold it in
> the places you will want it on the bike. My Roadeo is similar to the
> Rambouillet in design and I think it is safe to project some of my
> loading experience to your situation. The bike will handle just fine
> with a load, although how big and where you put it will make a
> difference. Here is a pic of my Roadeo set up for last winter.
>
> I have since put on a larger saddle bag, and cary lighter things in
> the Hobo style bag up front. While never terrible, much more than 8
> lbs in the front was never as nice as less or nothing. I load things
> from front to rear with frequencey of use and then weight being the
> controling factors.
>
> I thnk your hopes of using one bag are possible. I realy like the Hobo
> style of bags, but would move the tools to a roll under the saddle to
> get some weight to the rear. If you need to carry more bulky winter
> layers then a carradice or sackville may be in order. One of the
> barsac options will support a map, but just do not be tempted to
> overlod it as you only bag.
>
> The most important thing is to get out there and ride, prove all this
> loading crap to yourself, and learn what you like. NEVER let all the
> keybooard analysis keep you from riding the rides that you want to
> do. I, as many of us, survived years of long rides with a backpack,
> lots of memories and survived to tell the tale. You would be amazed
> what you can do with a camel back from the clearance table.
>
> Rob
Tim McNamara
On Nov 11, 2011, at 8:19 AM, John wrote:
> One of my goals for 2012 will be to complete my first brevet -
> probably a 200K for starters. I need to add a bag to my Rambouillet.
> I'm thinking of starting with one bag - hoping that will be enough for
> this type of ride. Would you recommend a front bag or rear bag? I
> know the front bag would give me a place for my map, but not sure if
> there are other factors I should be considering.
Some will tell you that a handlebar bag is the only way to go, and not only that but it has to be mounted French style on a little rack. I don't buy it. Certainly that works and, if your bike has the geometry for it, works very well but there are other viable options.
I have done brevets- including a brevet series and the 2003 PBP (which I didn't finish due to tendinitis that developed in both knees)- using a second generation Banana Bag. This worked great. Putting a rack and bar bag on this bike (Gunnar Crosshairs) resulted in a horrible front end shimmy. Even just the empty rack destabilized the steering.
I have done brevets with a Berthoud Mini 86 bag on a Nitto mini rack on my All-Rounder. This too worked great. The steering feels slower with the bag and rack (I also have an old Sanyo BB generator mounted to the rack because it can't be mounted at the BBs due to the shape of the chain stays, so that adds some weight to the rack setup).
I've also done a brevet or two with an Eclipse (I think) handlebar bag that I bought in about 1978. It's very light, made of nylon with an internal stiffener and has a "rack" that loops under the stem and over the top of the bars- sort of like the Nitto Boxy rack but without bolts. There are some shock cords that hook on the dropout eyelets and a detachable map case shaped to fit typical US road maps. It installs in about a minute but would only work with a traditional "7" shaped stem. It's so light that it seems to have no effect on steering unloaded. It had been sitting in the basement for years and I resurrected it after seeing one of the fastest local randonneurs using the same bag on his custom Chris Kvale randonneuse. The down side is that it sits level with the tops of the bars, instead of low like a rack mountie, and thus the weight you put in the bag may have a greater effect on handling- I haven't been able to compare that very readily because my bikes are all quite different.
My wife has a an original Carradice-made Boxy Bag and associated Nitto Rack. This is a bit heavier than the Eclipse but very solid and worked very well for her. She has since changed to a small rear rack with a Lil Loafer because of the hand space issue caused by the BxyBg.
I can't say that I thought one was radically superior to the other. For convenience while riding I would give the nod to the handlebar bag. For unobtrusiveness and usability with any bike I would give the nod to the bag attached to the saddle.
Another local, very fast and dedicated randonneur, uses a Carradice Nelson bag. He's been using that for at least 10 years. I've got mine on my commuter/errand/winter/etc. bike and love it. But I haven't tried it on a brevet, it is just way larger than I would need. I'm moderately minimalistic and try to keep the load I carry with me small. For brevets I carry:
Mini tool kit that fits in an Altoids box
(Ritchey CPR-9, Park spoke wrench, patch kit, power link, Park tire boot)
micro Leatherman type tool with pliers
Crank Bros tire lever
two inner tubes
two spare light bulbs for my headlight
Maybe a quick snack like a granola bar
clothing for changing weather as likely to be needed
I see people carry amazing amounts of stuff on rides and brevets, but basically you've got to take what makes you feel confident. Otherwise you ay be worrying as you ride and that's no fun.
Steve Palincsar
> One of my goals for 2012 will be to complete my first brevet -
> probably a 200K for starters. I need to add a bag to my Rambouillet.
> I'm thinking of starting with one bag - hoping that will be enough for
> this type of ride. Would you recommend a front bag or rear bag? I
> know the front bag would give me a place for my map, but not sure if
> there are other factors I should be considering.
You need a container large enough to hold what you need to carry, and
what you need to carry depends.
I'm going on a 200k brevet tomorrow, and I'm packing my bags now. I
have two Berthoud bags: a GB2886 (large size) handlebar bag and a rear
"banana" bag. In back, I have tools and 3 tubes. I like to keep that
stuff separate from food and clothes, and since I'll most likely be
riding near the back of the ride and at most will have only one person
near me during the ride, I can't count on begging a tube if things go
wrong during the ride.
In front I'm carrying: cell phone (left side pocket), headlamp, clip on
blinkie (right side pocket), reflective mesh vest and reflective ankle
bands (front pocket). When I get started, my car keys will go in the
left rear pocket. In the main compartment when I get started I'll have
4 peanut butter sandwiches, some toilet paper, wallet and a pair of
reading glasses. I'll have a pair of arm warmers in the bag for
possible use during the day as well.
It's going to be in the low 30s when I set out, and according to
weather.com it'll get up to the high 50s with a 20 mph wind during the
day, and get back to the low 50s-high 40s after sundown. "Feels like"
temps are going to be 55 at the highest. So I figure I'm going to have
to wear my lightweight tights, because they get too hot once you get
past 50, but 30-something's just too cold for them, so I'll wear wool
leg warmers under them. They'll probably come off by 10 am, as will a
windbreaker, one pair of glove liners and maybe a wind vest. The
balaclava will probably come off around noon. I may take the toe covers
off sometime during the day also.
So by 1 pm that bag is probably going to be pretty full. If it wasn't
going to warm up to 55 I might wear neoprene booties, but when I did
that last weekend it got warmer than expected and they ended up in the
bag by 2 pm, and they're pretty bulky. But in that case, I'd bring a
bungie cord in the bag and probably put the booties on the rear rack.
Now what do you think you are going to need? How cold will it be, and
how much will it warm up during the day? How much food do you plan to
carry with you, and how much space does it take up? What will you use
for the required nighttime reflective gear, how bulky is it, and how do
you plan to carry it during the day? What do you intend to do in the
event of rain? How much space does it take up, and where will you put
it if/when it stops raining?
Steve Palincsar
> Here's what I would bring: very little. Wear wool and you won't need
> layers. On a cool day, a LS wool jersey (ie. Woolistic) with a wool
> kinckers. If you want to go hobo-style with layers of wool t-shirts
> and a seersucker, the most you'll need to pack is a windbreaker.
Surely this depends on where you are and what time of year it is. A
couple of weeks ago I went on a ride where it was about 35 at ride start
and got up to 65 by 1 pm. This ride started at 9, but had it been a
brevet with a 7 am ride start it would have been 32. You may be able to
cover a 30+ degree temperature change with a long sleeve wool jersey and
a wool T shirt, but I can't: I need more than that at the start, and
I'll need less than that by the hottest part of the day. And being an
XL size, my clothing's bulky.
And a 30 degree temperature change during the day isn't even slightly
extraordinary. When I was on tour in the Black Hills of South Dakota a
few years ago we had 40 degree temps in the morning, and high 80s-low
90s at noon.
On the other hand, you could be someplace where it doesn't change more
than 10 degrees during the day, and every day's perfect. Or, you could
be one of those people who ought to be Navy Seals, who can do just fine
at 36 degrees in a howling wind with nothing but short sleeve lycra
jersey and lycra shorts. I am not one of those people.
Seth Vidal
> On Fri, 2011-11-11 at 08:01 -0800, Esteban wrote:
>> Here's what I would bring: very little. Wear wool and you won't need
>> layers. On a cool day, a LS wool jersey (ie. Woolistic) with a wool
>> t-shirt underneath will do everything you need. I wear Ibex wool
>> kinckers. If you want to go hobo-style with layers of wool t-shirts
>> and a seersucker, the most you'll need to pack is a windbreaker.
>
> Surely this depends on where you are and what time of year it is. A
> couple of weeks ago I went on a ride where it was about 35 at ride start
> and got up to 65 by 1 pm. This ride started at 9, but had it been a
> brevet with a 7 am ride start it would have been 32. You may be able to
> cover a 30+ degree temperature change with a long sleeve wool jersey and
> a wool T shirt, but I can't: I need more than that at the start, and
> I'll need less than that by the hottest part of the day. And being an
> XL size, my clothing's bulky.
>
Steve,
Esteban lives in southernish california. I think it's fair to say he
doesn't have to deal with large temperature changes or those pesky
'seasons'. :)
-sv
Steve Palincsar
> Esteban lives in southernish california. I think it's fair to say he
> doesn't have to deal with large temperature changes or those pesky
> 'seasons'. :)
Well, there you go. As I said, a lot depends on where you are. Much
also depends on who and how you are. People tend to laugh when they see
me togged out for a cold weather ride - layer upon layer upon layer -
but I'm out there at 25 degrees (what passes for "damned cold" in
Northern Virginia) going on and leading rides that my bike club calls
"Polar Bear rides".
You'll also find me stopping at somewhere between 5 and 10 miles into
the ride to take off layers, because that old "start feeling cold" thing
just doesn't work for me. If I start off feeling cold, I won't warm up,
I'll just get sick.
But what works for me doesn't matter, except to me. Everyone's got to
find what works for them.
franklyn
I am in the Bay Area, but I find this is one of those places where
temperature swing in a day can be quite drastic. In a place with cold
weather, the temperature will likely stay low all day, but here,
depending on where you go on the route, the temperature can go from
the 30's to the 70's within hours. I use my wool base layer and short
sleeve jersey in combination with arm and leg warmers. I also bring a
windbreaker/rain jacket. For me doing brevet, I have to bring a lot of
the food myself (because I am vegan), so managing my stock pile of
calories and having easy access to them is important. That's why I use
a decent size front bag and without a rear bag. Others are right to
say that geometry of the front end matters for loading the weight in
the front. http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklyn/4303265975/in/set-72157615808679968/
Separately, This is a bad example of what you should do in terms of
bag on a brevet:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/franklyn/6318968698/in/set-72157628066787996
I didn't bring that bike with the bag because I thought I needed the
space, but because I forgot to put on the generator wheel on my Ebisu
the night before, so I have to take my commuter, which has generator
wheel on all the time. I agree with Esteban that weight for longer
distance really matters, as I really paid for my forgetfulness on the
brevet.
Franklyn
Larry Powers
While there are a good number of steel bikes with classic randonneuring bags at brevets more people are riding go fast racing bikes with minimal bags, especially at the shorter distances. Even at the longer distances you will see riders who are on go fast bikes with just a small trunk bag. You need to do some rides and see where you fit between the carry everything riders and the minimalist riders.
The big plus to a handlebar bag is that it has a great out of the way map case on top of it. It also supplies a place for the things you want to get to easily while riding: cell phone, camera, food or wind breaker. I have found that the mid to large handlebar bags that do not use a front rack did throw off the handling of the bike more then I liked. Smaller bags can be OK but most of the bags that mount to the bars hold the bag very high. early on I used a Boxy Baggins on a Nitto handle bar mount and as long as I kept the load light it was not a problem. The Boxy Baggins/Little Joe was my second generation brevet rig. Note that a handlebar bag can cause some real issues with cable routing.
The Berthoud bag on a front rack with a decular works very well on my Rambouillet as long as I don't over load it. I still use some type of bag under my seat to carry a few small heavy items. If you decide to buy one of these buy the model with all elastic loops. I bought one with leather straps and buckles and it is a nightmare getting in and out of the pockets while riding.
Good luck
Larry Powers
Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain
> Subject: [RBW] Bag Recommendation for First Brevet
> From: lindbe...@hotmail.com
> To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
William
Anne Paulson
weather, but does your plan even work for all the other randonneurs in
your area, let alone places with more extreme weather?
Today, it's raining in LA, the high is supposed to be 70, the low 50.
Presumably a 200K is going to include some hills, and we can assume
that the weather 2000 feet above LA will be somewhat colder and
windier than the weather in the valley. What single outfit will work
all day today? I don't know about you, but no outfit however woolly
is going to work for me both at 70 degrees in the sunshine, and at 45
degrees descending in the rain. For me, if it's 45 degrees and raining
I need to put on more than just a rain jacket at the top of the
descent. A wool hat and rainpants are coming out of the bag at that
point, plus the booties if I haven't already put them on.
On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 8:01 AM, Esteban <prot...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Here's what I would bring: very little. Wear wool and you won't need
> layers.
--
-- Anne Paulson
My hovercraft is full of eels
Christian
newtons--my brevet fuel. My GB22 is just wide enough to hold a
package. Seriously, I plan what I carry based on weather (temp, rain,
sun, etc.) and availability of food--will there access to real food or
just convenience stores and just as importantly I like to know how far
it will be between food stops. I rode a 600k last month where there
was up to 70 miles between food stops so I carried more food. I'm
riding the same brevet as Steve tomorrow and there will be more
plentiful food stops so all I am bringing is fig newtons.
You'll for sure figure it out.
Good luck,
Christian
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
rperks
I live and ride very near to the ride I suspect you are speeking of,
Ventura, and wish I was going, but time, prior commitments etc....Wish
the ride were Sunday
I would do it with the ibex knickers, thin wool top, heavy wool top
and my Patagonia Houdini. If the rain really does show up I have a
heavier rain jacket. Last year I rode fo rhours in all manner of wet
and finally decided that the knickers alone were best on the bottom,
maybe an extra pair of tights if it was in the 30's. The wool can
work some seriois magic in our micro-climates. Just on my rides up to
the mountains form the coast it can go 45 - 30 - 65 in an hour and a
half. I rock the knickers in everything below 65 now that is for
sport and not errands. The Wool up top with a windbreaker layer can
keep one toasty into the 30's with gloves and a hat. I know
everybody is different, just what works fo rme.
I am thinking about making a set of booties for this winter, help wiht
pushing the sandal envelope.
Rob
-
http://oceanaircycles.com/
On Nov 11, 11:30 am, Anne Paulson <anne.paul...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Esteban, you live in Southern California where there's not much
> weather, but does your plan even work for all the other randonneurs in
> your area, let alone places with more extreme weather?
>
> Today, it's raining in LA, the high is supposed to be 70, the low 50.
> Presumably a 200K is going to include some hills, and we can assume
> that the weather 2000 feet above LA will be somewhat colder and
> windier than the weather in the valley. What single outfit will work
> all day today? I don't know about you, but no outfit however woolly
> is going to work for me both at 70 degrees in the sunshine, and at 45
> degrees descending in the rain. For me, if it's 45 degrees and raining
> I need to put on more than just a rain jacket at the top of the
> descent. A wool hat and rainpants are coming out of the bag at that
> point, plus the booties if I haven't already put them on.
>
Anne Paulson
don't know anything about particular rides in Southern California.
Most of us on this list, even beginner randonneurs, have a good notion
of what clothing we need for various weather conditions, and of course
it varies for all of us. For beginning randonneurs, I advise getting
together the clothing you normally wear in the conditions you expect,
and finding a way to carry that on your bike, rather than hoping that
you'll need less than you normally want. Wool is good. Getting to mile
150 soaking wet and cold, and not having enough clothes to keep
yourself warm, is bad. Bringing a little more than you actually end up
needing is not terrible.
It's 57 degrees and rainy here right now. I'm about to go for a ride.
For me, knickers even in these conditions wouldn't be enough. YMMV-- I
think men run warmer than women in general.
-- Anne
On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 12:28 PM, rperks <perk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Anne,
> I live and ride very near to the ride I suspect you are speeking of,
> Ventura, and wish I was going, but time, prior commitments etc....Wish
> the ride were Sunday
>
> I would do it with the ibex knickers, thin wool top, heavy wool top
> and my Patagonia Houdini. If the rain really does show up I have a
> heavier rain jacket. Last year I rode fo rhours in all manner of wet
> and finally decided that the knickers alone were best on the bottom,
> maybe an extra pair of tights if it was in the 30's. The wool can
> work some seriois magic in our micro-climates. Just on my rides up to
> the mountains form the coast it can go 45 - 30 - 65 in an hour and a
> half. I rock the knickers in everything below 65 now that is for
> sport and not errands. The Wool up top with a windbreaker layer can
> keep one toasty into the 30's with gloves and a hat. I know
> everybody is different, just what works fo rme.
>
> I am thinking about making a set of booties for this winter, help wiht
> pushing the sandal envelope.
Tim McNamara
On Nov 11, 2011, at 1:06 PM, Larry Powers wrote:
> While I believe that my gigantic Berthoud handlebar bag is the best bag for randonneuring, I am not suggesting you go out and buy one right away. I road most of my early brevets with a Little Joe bag and a map holder on my handlebars. Use what you have because you may find that after riding a few brevets you don't enjoy it so why spend a lot of money up front? Second if you do like it you can spend your first rides looking at what other riders use and determining what you do and don't like about your current setup. You can then make changes to your rig as the $'s allow.
This is great advice. Randonneurs are usually happy to talk about their setups and the pros and cons.
> While there are a good number of steel bikes with classic randonneuring bags at brevets more people are riding go fast racing bikes with minimal bags, especially at the shorter distances. Even at the longer distances you will see riders who are on go fast bikes with just a small trunk bag. You need to do some rides and see where you fit between the carry everything riders and the minimalist riders.
Yep, I've seen people with 20 lbs of gear for a populaire and people with little more than a patch kit and a tire lever for a 600 K (my friend Doug)
There is a six time PBP "ancien" here who rides an Italian steel racing bike (Guerrciotti, IIRC) with a rear rack and trunk bag. Obviously works for him! No fenders, either. Oner thing for me is that I insist on fenders on my bikes for rainy rides. I dislike riding in the rain to begin with, let alone riding in the rain with water spraying up from the wheels as well as falling on me from the sky.
> The big plus to a handlebar bag is that it has a great out of the way map case on top of it. It also supplies a place for the things you want to get to easily while riding: cell phone, camera, food or wind breaker. I have found that the mid to large handlebar bags that do not use a front rack did throw off the handling of the bike more then I liked. Smaller bags can be OK but most of the bags that mount to the bars hold the bag very high. early on I used a Boxy Baggins on a Nitto handle bar mount and as long as I kept the load light it was not a problem. The Boxy Baggins/Little Joe was my second generation brevet rig. Note that a handlebar bag can cause some real issues with cable routing.
This is a good point, especially with brifters. I use downtube shifters on almost all my bikes nowadays, just two left with brifters (tandem and my old 'cross bike).
> The Berthoud bag on a front rack with a decular works very well on my Rambouillet as long as I don't over load it. I still use some type of bag under my seat to carry a few small heavy items. If you decide to buy one of these buy the model with all elastic loops. I bought one with leather straps and buckles and it is a nightmare getting in and out of the pockets while riding.
Mine has the elastic for the main compartment but buckles and straps for the rest. Getting into those little pocket while riding is a pain, but I don't keep anything in them that I'd need while rolling.
benzzoy
>
> .... Front bag is always preferable. Rear bag means
offers immediate access to all my goodies, but my one single
experience riding a brevet with a front bag (take note, LOL!) revealed
that trying to rummage through a front bag to look for stuff or put in
stuff requires some practice and a suitable pace/road. With a bit of
planning, I find it much easier to just stuff items into my jersey
pocket to be relocated when I stopped at controls.
But front bags do look tres cool and proper. :)
benzzoy
On Nov 11, 8:37 am, Steve Palincsar <palin...@his.com> wrote:
> Or, you could
> be one of those people who ought to be Navy Seals, who can do just fine
> at 36 degrees in a howling wind with nothing but short sleeve lycra
> jersey and lycra shorts. I am not one of those people.
California, winters are cold and wet, although it seldom goes below
freezing. Still, we're talking about a wet mid to high 30's. We also
have fairly large mountains with long descents so wind-chill factor is
very significant. This Swiss chap routinely did our rides in cotton T-
shirts and shorts. It didn't matter if the rest of us with 4 layers
couldn't feel our face after descending 2000 feet in one go; when
asked, this chap would nonchalantly say "Oh yes, it's a little chilly"
and then move on.
Some people are just marine mammals in human form.
William
Esteban
in the 40s and low 70s by mid-day, and the cool fog and chill of the
coast yields to either the crisp or very warm mountains 50 miles from
the ocean. Believe it or not, usually rain in the early brevets. Its
not Florida. The Pacific is a cold ocean.
For me, in SD, LA, or SF, its ibex knickers, woolistic, and a Swrve
windbreaker. Your mileage may indeed vary.
robert zeidler
escape the hideous NE winter. I'm going to run light as the food
stops/controls are strategically spaced. 2 bottles, spares, and maybe
a jacket depending on the forecast. I'm running (for that ride) a
69cm Titanium Serotta I was lucky enough to pick up a few years ago.
Everything light and skinny on this one. a small headlight in case I
fiish after dark, and a flasher out back. It will be pretty flat but
the wind will be a factor, no doubt.
I appreciate the advice. Sometimes it's easy to overlook the obvious.
RGZ
Steve Palincsar
> I'm riding the same brevet as Steve tomorrow and there will be more
> plentiful food stops so all I am bringing is fig newtons.
It's a combination of availability of food stops, what's at those food
stops, and how much time you want to spend. My "inner man" has been
known to be fussy, and on more than one occasion things I've eaten on
long rides have disagreed with me.
Also, the quality of "food" varies a lot. The first time I did that
brevet, I bought a hamburger at Royal Farms at mi 105 and discovered
that after a day under the particle beams employed to maintain heat,
whatever that hamburger was originally made of underwent a rather
disturbing metamorphosis, being transmuted into something that quite
turned my stomach. That's bad under any circumstances, but especially
detrimental in the final 20% of a long ride in which every mile is
adding to your lifetime "longest ever."
There's a limit to how much junk food I can stand. Earlier this year on
a Permanent I was reduced to buying a lottery ticket, because all the
available "food" I saw in the store made the gorge rise. If every
convenience store was like that bakery/coffee shop, it would be another
story. I don't know if I could live on pecan sticky buns, but by god I
would be willing to try!
Finally, being a cycling snail, I can't afford to spend the sort of time
the fast folk do at eating establishments. I honor them for their use
of time, and have far more respect for people who sit down and eat a
real honest to god meal than those who suck slime from a little packet,
but you've got to be a lot faster than I am to be able to burn an hour
and a half at a restaurant eating lunch!