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At the beginning of April, there was some doubt that we'd be able to go through with our planned cycling holiday in Scotland, with me not having an income. So I haven't talked about it in recent weeks. Then quite out of the blue came a job opportunity (just a little different to what I had been looking for) -- and it's now Game On!
In the dark winter months I read a number of online articles and blog posts about what experienced cyclotourers recommend taking on tour. What you take -- and don't take -- can be the difference between completing an enjoyable journey and cutting a miserable one short due to lack of crucial equipment or supplies.
With our itinerary, we'll be on the isle of Skye on all except the last two days. (Oops, I see I haven't posted the latest itinerary - will do that shortly!)
Yes, there are a number of villages but they are quite small and with minimal facilities -- perhaps a small store. Moreover, they are separated by rugged countryside where anything could happen and leave a rider stranded a long walk away from the nearest settlement -- which may not be able to provide what's needed. We'll be based in Portree, the only real town, for four days but for the most part we'll be off each day exploring much more remote areas.
I've started compiling a packing list. The final decision as to what bicycle spares and tools we take, I'll leave to Adam, who has cycled from Durness to Dover (the alternative End-to-End) completely self-supported and who is a qualified bike mechanic. (Handy, eh?) Although of course I do have a few suggestions to make, a spare rear mech being one, given my string of mishaps last summer!
So here is what I have jotted down so far. It is of course a work in progress and I'd certainly appreciate comments if any readers spot any glaring omissions. By all means challenge any items on my list that you think might be more "just in case" rather than "almost certainly necessary", as I do sometimes try to pack the kitchen sink!
As to capacity, some of these items will be shared between me and Adam. We'll have to decide which of us will carry things like toiletries, first aid kit, chargers.
BAGS/LUGGAGE SYSTEM: 2 panniers, 1 top tube bag, 1 waist bag for valuables
- Money / cards / ID
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Chamois cream in small pot
- Mobile phone
- A few toiletries e.g. sunscreen, Anadin
- Cleat covers
- Maps
- Camera
- Snacks
Ortleib Back Roller City panniers x2, total 40 litre capacity
Everything listed below must fit! I plan to organise contents using vacuum-pack compression bags, resealable plastic bags and 1-2 mesh wash bags
ON THE BIKE CLOTHES
Shorts x3: Rapha, Gore, Specialized
Cap
Mitts x3
Socks x3
Arm warmers
Leg warmers
Gilet
Waterproof overtrousers
Waterproof overshoes (summerweight)
Spectacles
Sunglasses
Watch
Earrings
OFF THE BIKE CLOTHES
Long sleeve fleece / cardigan / merino jersey
Merrell hiking sandals
Nuu-Muu dress (can wear on bike too)
Leggings for evenings?
Panties x2
Bras x2 (both sports)
TELECOMS
Camera batteries x2 & battery charger
Memory card reader
Kindle
Charger (double-duty Kindle & phone)
TOILETRIES
Shampoo / body wash all-in-one cleanser
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Chamois cream
Shaver w/ fresh blade
Microfibre travel towel
Microfibre travel wash flannel
SUSTENANCE
High5 Zero tabs
Atkins Advantage bars
Pork scratchings?
Nuts? Almonds/macadamia
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Bite/Sting reliever – hydrocortisone cream
Antibiotic topical cream
Savlon
Aloe vera gel
Stomach acid pills (prescription, must take daily)
Antihistamine (essential sinus care)
Nasal steroid spray (prescription for sinuses)
Sterimar nasal wash (essential sinus care)
Hayfever eye drops
Imigran kit (for migraine)
Buscopar (for IBS)
Motion sickness pills (for minor ear/sinus problems and/or vertigo)
Sleep Aid (muscle relaxant)
Anadin Extra
Ibuprofen and/or Naproxen (prescription) and/or Diclofenac (if I can persuade my GP to change my prescription to that before we go)
Voltarol rub
ALSO
TPT ball (for tight muscles nearly anywhere)
Physio strap (for knees)
TOOLS/SPARES
Multi-tool (Adam has an amazing one with everything including spanners)
10-speed chain links AND/OR new spare chain
Install breaker link before we go?
Chain breaker tool
Spoke key
Inner tubes
Patch kits
Spare tyre? Something that’ll fit both my bike & Adam’s
Bits of old inner tube and/or old tyre to use as boot
Chain lube
Brake pads for discs
Cable ties
PREPARATION
Complete bike service – cables, clean & check over brakes & groupset; new chain; new disc pads
Will it all fit???
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