Tour Prep

With only about four hours of sleep between Friday and Saturday, and having some fun --and a couple drinks-- at a small shin-dig last night, I was elated when I got back to Ryan's place to flop down and sleep the night away. Compared to ten years ago, I'm better handling the jet-lag of the transatlantic trip. For example, in my twenties I remember laying down shortly after arriving, thinking I was going to puke and pass out, thus creating a disgusting scene that would be surprisingly suitable as an intro clip of Law and Order.

This morning I was raring to get the bike assembled and get the general feel of how it would look and handle all loaded up. Although noticeably heavier with a set and a half of casual clothes, two extra sets of cycling kit, tools, toiletries, and treats, I can still accelerate well from standstill. Riding out of the saddle, even with weighted front panniers, was more comfortable than I thought it'd be. The Axiom front racks proved to be a bit of a problem with my front disk brake (clearance problems) but this was easily managed. And finally, after about a month-long wait, I was finally able to set up my ride with the Apidura saddle-pack, top tube pack and treat bag I ordered a month ago. 

 

Although there's some issues with the panniers (again, disk-break clearance problems), I'm overall happy with this setup. Moreso, I'm itching to start our ride tomorrow, despite what is slated to be a humid, and possibly rainy day.

What will be the first piece of equipment that I'll despise having taken? What will I forget to bring? What will be the first mechanical failure? Will the weather cooperate? All questions I hope I won't have to deal with.