A few thoughts about cycle touring.

SCycle touring; a few thoughts.

We're having a rest day in Cres after a few hectic days in the saddle. After a session of bike maintenance, perhaps time to consider what works well while cycle touring.

The bicycle is an amazing invention. They carry big loads for relatively long distances powered by a good breakfast. 

The correct size cassette and chain rings are important. If we didn't have a 22 tooth cog in the front and a 32 at the back we would still be close to Dubrovnik surrounded by a blue cloud. Also pedals with clips on one side and flat on the other work well.

I would still recommend flat rather than drop handlebars especially at our age. Get your bike set up correctly preferably by someone who understands the requirements of touring before leaving. Our visit to Dan Grobler has certainly made a big difference.

Ortlieb panniers are worth the expense. Waterproof, easy to pack and carry, and easy to take on and off the bikes. The Ortlieb bar bags also work well for valuables and stuff needed along the way. It is useful to have a day pack with waterproof cover which we strap to the top over the carrier between the panniers. We are not camping so can manage without front panniers, but beware - this can make the steering quite wobbly going up very steep inclines.

Reliable rain gear is essential. Our Craft cycling rain jackets have worked well so far. Yet to  test our woolen gloves and 'sealskin' socks. 

Don't underestimate how long it takes to get places. When fully loaded (and that means a bike of 35 to 40) kg, one can work on 12 km per hour.

There is a lot of admin. The daily routine goes like this. Up early to miss the traffic. Breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and honey, then pack and go. Coffee break with local snacks like walnuts, dried figs and cranberries at about 30 km. Arrive at destination between about 1 and 2. Look for accommodation. A room with cooking facilities is worth an extra few kuna. Find a market, bakery or supermarket for bread, cheese, tomatoes, salami and beer, and have lunch. Do washing, stretch and shower. Explore the town. Plan the next day's cycle. Cook supper or find a cheap restaurant, and have a good meal. Do some correspondence, download photos etc. Bed.

Washing clothes is our least favourite thing. But made a whole bit better with a Scrubba - a tough plastic bag that seals and is a human-powered washing machine. Takes less than ten minutes. www.thescrubba.com  Available from OutdoorEscape, Stellenbosch - great present to give to dad and for mum to use.

  

A small speaker that blue-tooths to the iPhone for decent music is great for getting through the washing and stretching routines.

The mobile kitchen is essential. Ours is a Cape Union Mart zip bag with plastic plates, spoons and forks, Swiss Army knives, dish cloth, salt and pepper mix and the all important plastic spray bottle of olive oil.

A twisty clothes line made from a long piece of thick covered elastic, mosquito repellant, a 'cat of nine tails' charger wire that connects to numerous different devices, insulation tape of good quality, and ziplock plastic bags are good to have.

Tools - the most important is a decent cork screw!