Source
r/bicycletouring•
CallMeBryce

Reddit, do you have any tips for a first time tourer?

So I'm planning a wee touring trip down the west coast of Scotland for about 130 miles. I've not done any touring before as most of my biking experience has been silly commuter racing.

The bike I'm going to be using is my Edinburgh Bike Coop Revolution Cross and I've ordered a rack and two 20L panniers. The two of us are planning to wild camp all of the time so it won't be the lightest of loads to carry.

Any protips, hints or any gems of knowledge in terms of gear or recommended distances, ratio of rest days etc etc...

Any help would be greatly appreciated as we're a bit clueless. Cheers!

Posted Apr 19, 2011, 2:14 PM UTC

1224
computron5000•

Don't expect anything.

7
hungryhungryhipsterRaleighPT•

Except bad weather. Always expect bad weather.

4
computron5000•

Freezing rain headwinds and no shoulders.

7
CallMeBryceOPSurly 26" LHT•

I'm built for shitting rain, snow and hail. It's the sunshine that kills me.

4
chuck02•

Expect sunshine the whole time then!

10
Sirtet•

Expect idiot drivers texting, the new drunk driver, that can't seem to keep their eyes on the road.

2
computron5000•

...and be able to do virtually nothing about it.

2
Sirtet•

I stand silent, your absolutely correct.. be sorta funny if one could put lil blue lights (or the local cops car lights colors) on the front of the bike. so when they pass by, they can get a flutter in the heart thinking they are being pulled by a undercover bike cop.

1
computron5000•

They probably wouldn't be looking so they wouldn't see the lights.

2
riff1•

Bring a few repair parts! I cannot imagine how screwed you'd be if you broke down in the middle of a deserted stretch of nowhere.

#1: Tire tubes. Bring a pump and at least one spare tube. This should go without saying for anyone who's owned a bike for more than six months. Extra points if you've got a hand-sized pump!

#2: Alan wrenches. Or whatever your bolts use. Your breaks are going to wear out after so many miles, as is virtually every bolt on your bike that you'll be putting weight on.

#3: About three extra spokes, and a spoke wrench for 'em. Your rear wheel will be under a lot of pressure for extended periods of time, but if you be vigilant about keeping tightening them each day you should have nothing to worry about. But the spokes themselves are so lightweight and easy to pack, that it would be silly not to bring a few.

That's all I can think of. Don't forget to bring a good book too!

6
Adonom2011 LHT - 1987 Gianella A (fixed)•

The rule of thumb is one "rest day" (<40km) per 6 riding days.

As pertains to all tours, but particularly to Scotland: Hills make you stronger, wind makes you faster, rain makes you tougher

Also, in my experience, 40L is a bit tight for camping, considering what you'll be carrying: tools, parts, stove, cooking pots, food, mattress, tent, clothing, etc. Personal preference: get bigger bags that may be a bit empty (for, say, extra food) rather than having to strap stuff on top, which makes it more complicated to access/remove panniers.

As others have said, DEA

5
CallMeBryceOPSurly 26" LHT•

I reckon 40L will be enough. I'm going by the theory that if I can live unsupported out of a 47L bag for a week then I should be okay.

What would you suggest for tools or spares? I was thinking spare tubes, puncture kit, multi-tool, pump and duct tape. Go light and risk it for a biscuit as they say.

2
Adonom2011 LHT - 1987 Gianella A (fixed)•

Aha. If there are two of you, then that's different, as there are items you can share. Personally, on my next solo trip, I'll have just under 80L of space - lots will be empty, but it will be versatile.

It looks like you have the basics for maintenance down. I would add extra chain links (2), definitely tire levers, and maybe brake/derailleur cables (they don't often break, but it sucks when they do).

Drink before you're thirsty, rest before you're tired. Protracted lunch breaks are delicious.

1
computron5000•

Leave with a helmet,decent lights, bright colors colours hanging of the back/snacks/tubes/patches/bike repair know-how.

And don't expect anything....woops

3
CrackityJonesMotobecane Gran Turismo•

I would keep weight in mind. I am not sure of your route but if you plan resupply stops you can greatly reduce your food weight.

2
CallMeBryceOPSurly 26" LHT•

It's mostly wee towns with an odd corner shop in between so some food will need to be carried but not a huge amount BUT I'm diabetic so I'll end up carrying a shit load of snacks just in case.

1
NeanderStaal2009 Leader 722RS•

Have fun. Look around you. Don't try to get too far too fast. Carry more food and water than you think you'll need.

2
[deleted]•

I have yet to go on my first bicycle tour, but: I keep hearing that it's important to have wheels with a lot of spokes, and preferably fatter tires to take on the added weight. That's really about all the advice I can give that hasn't already been mentioned here :)

2
summerchildeUnivega Viva Sport•

My grandfather gave me his touring bike. It's a 1985 Univega and has custom wheels he had made just for touring. ‎48 spokes on the rear and 40 in the front. Still in perfect true after 20 years.

The bike has 20,000+ miles on it from two transAmerica tours.

8
[deleted]•

Fucking Awesome :)

3
GateWayHugEnter bike info•

My biggest advice is to take your time and enjoy it. Make stops when you see something you like and don't pressure yourself to keep going or you will miss out on amazing experiences.

2
heathcat•

If the headwind slows you down, slow down. Let the trip take you.

1
lil_cain•

is the EBC bike any good? I'm half tempted to buy their revolution country traveller (OT, I know)

1