Cycle Touring Day 1

Hmmm, not a great day cycling today, in fact, possibly one of the least enjoyable cycles I have ever done. I was carrying far too much weight. I need a trailer. The bike handled the weight well, in the 100km I cycled today, but long-term it will be too much of a strain on the bike and my arms too for that matter! I looked into getting a single-wheel trailer during the planning stage, so I already know it's a choice between a BOB Yak and an ExtraWheel.

I am so glad I figured all this out today, on the first days cycle from mum's to dad's, so I can leave half of what I brought today (which I don't need to take to Ireland with me) and collect it when I come back through with my trailer en route to Dover.

The main issue today was that I had far too much weight on the front of the bike meaning that just keeping the bike straight was putting such strain on my arms and shoulders. I had pins and needles in my hands for the first couple of hours - not an enjoyable experience in the slightest. I could not simply transfer the weight from front to back as the back was already overloaded itself. A trailer is the only option as I am going for so long and I have already stripped my kit down as much as possible. Unlike many who go cycle touring with little weight, I will be taking hiking boots, for example, with me for when I am working on farms and when I fancy doing something other than cycling.

Now that I have emptied and repacked my panniers, the weight is so much less, meaning that tomorrows cycle to London will, hopefully, be a much more enjoyable experience. In the meantime, I will choose the trailer and get it delivered in time for when I pass back through here on my way to Dover. Sorted!

I did manage to snap a couple of pics today for your enjoyment :)

Totally overloaded and ready for the off.

A bit of an understatement that's for sure!

Surely not, unless it's just to go in the tea! The Council equivalent of leaving the Christmas decorations up all year round I guess :)