Re: Retro MTB Touring.
Hi All
Yet another tedious yarn from me about messing about in a tent.
Short and sweet as usual. I learnt a few valuable lessons this weekend, due to the fact that a few things went horribly wrong hehe.
The ride overall was tedious and boring, the Northern section of the Trans Pennine Trail seems to be 80% road work. I nearly died of boredom on several occasions.
I used a pair of original and 'Retro' Specialized Hardpack 1.5" tyres. All was fine until I flirted and I mean flirted with the edge of a concrete canal side. It blew a great hole in the side of the tyre. I has to call 'Her Indoors' and ask for her to bring me a new set of tyres, the old ones have gone in the bin.
The campsite was great, faultless in fact. I can't say a bad word about it and would go again without question.
So, lessons learnt before I show you a few pictures:
1. The northern section of the Trans Pennine Trail is not for anyone who likes hills or off road riding. Beautiful countryside but I'll not be riding it again. If I were to go camping with the family in order to have access to York and surrounding area I would happily drive.
2. Retro tyres are for garage queens and should never, I repeat NEVER be relied upon when touring. Retro bike for me, not Retro tyres.
3. In certain circumstances, hot weather being one, it's worth paying £15 for a nights tent pitch in order to get hot water, showers, clean and well maintained toilets, tumble dryer and washing machine. I don't mind roughing it but sometimes you need something more.
4. There is nothing wrong with having dried Pasta and Sauce with a tin of John West Smoked Oysters thrown in it for breakfast.
5. If you camp alone take a book.
6. Use open pedals if you can. I had a few near misses today which, from my experience, would have seen me fall if I had been using my SPD's or toe clips and straps. I have been using large open bear traps with either my Salomon Soft walking boots or my Saucony running shoes.
Now some pics:
Strava routes.
Day 1 on the way there:
http://app.strava.com/activities/66763196
Day 2 on the way back:
http://app.strava.com/activities/66988559