Trip Preparation Part 3
12/24/23' '
As the final days before the trip arrive I start getting a little trepidatious. I think it’s because I have spent so much time over the last few months preparing. I know every step of the route. I have packed and repacked several times and am confident that what I have loaded is trimmed and just what I need for a three month adventure biking and living in France and Morocco. However, I am experienced enough to know that situations do not always go as planned. This is the reason I have chosen the route I have planned.
The route follows along rail lines. Having visited France last year I know how bike friendly the trains are there. Thus if, the weather is severe or my fitness level is not up to par I can find a nearby train station and continue on.
I have left a few days out where I do not have a reservation at a hotel or hostel. I want to keep the plans fluid so that I can change my itinerary if needed.
With modern mapping it is easy to find alternate routes or places.
I have spent a lot of time making sure the bike is prepared. I did a final check with C and G Bikes out of Belfast, Maine. Brittish Airways have been very good so far. I had a brief scare the other day when I checked my bike in as requested by the airline. I believe I spoke to someone unfamiliar with bikes. I had done my research and knew my bike was allowed to go as checked bags. This person was clearly dumbfounded and asked me to call Cargo. The people in cargo quickly turned me around and sent me back to another customer service rep who was actually familiar. I gave her the weight and dimensions of the bike box and she made sure that all was well and my reservation was confirmed for the bike. Cargo would have charged $800, checked bag was $70. It is very important to check with the airline ahead of time despite how hard it is to reach them. It would be very difficult to arrive at the airport and be turned way. As I said British Airways has been great so far. So the bike is checked , boxed and ready.
It is awkward and somewhat heavy. I have created a shoulder strap to make it easier to lug around. My research tells me that full size bikes are allowed on some trains in England even some trains on the underground. I will keep the bike boxed until I can no longed do so. At the end of the day I do have a long walk. The bike box will be tough but I should be able to handle it. There are bike shops open and I may choose to get off the "tube" and get some assistance reassembling the bike. Though I don't need the help it just might make things easier.
I disassembled the bike with the tools I am bringing. I will bring a bike multitool which contains allen head keys, screwdriver, and a chain breaker. An all in one wrench with multi sized openings, tire levers a pump and an extra inner tube. A patch kit wold be great but I don't like patching tires. A spare tube is less likely to need more repair after a puncture. The only large tool is a tool 15mm open end wrench for removing and installing the pedals which must come off to pack. When I first took my bike to Europe in the 80s I took everything off the bike. The bike box was no bigger than the frame. It was easy to carry. I am leaving the bake tire on this trip. We will see if it is the right move. It will certainly be easier to reassemble the bike this way.
I have two bags. A “tactical” backpack. Tactical is the Amazon catch phrase for anything remotely military looking. It is a convenient backpack. I also bought two small paniers. One of which will be my small bag or “personal item” for Airline size recommendations. The paniers were bought from REI. They are from a company called AXIOM and are made of recycles fishing nets. I thought that was a good idea and the quality was better than anything I could ever get on Amazon.
I pack an LL Bean "packable" backpack...for packing... It's good to use for some food shopping before a stop for the night. I will be in Europe for another two months after Morocco so its good to have a small sack fo short trips.
Maps! I am bringing one for Morocco. I have also downloaded a map of London to Paris to use offline. Go to Google, click on your Avatar in the upper right corner. There is a pull down menu for offline maps. I really prefer the old tried and true Michelin maps.
My repair kit, inner tube, pump, water bottles and a first aid kit al got into my bag. Passports and documents are kept in a passport case I've had for years. I now have a sling bag that fits more things and is more comfortable to wear.
I’ve covered basic clothing but I do like to be prepared for the rain. I do not think there is anything made that will keep you completely dry riding all day in the rain. However, you can make your day more enjoyable by wearing good gear. I try not to overdress. Overdressing can make you very warm biking, even in cold weather. This leads to perspiration which causes real cold when stopped.
Enough can’t be said about physically preparing for the trip. This may include but is not limited to vitamins to ward off stray illness.
Accommodations can be planned ahead. However, I try to find paces that allow free cancellation. On booking.com this costs extra but avoids being charged for a night stay one doesn’t need. This can be done on airbnb.com as well.
More from the road.
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