Microadventuring, mini tours etc

Good photos

What quantity and kind of stuff should i be taking on a 4 day credit card tour?

A credit card

This is what I would take on a 4 day credit card tour :

1 jersey
2 pairs of cycling shorts (Wearing one carry one!)
2 pairs of underwear
4 pairs of riding socks
2 pairs of normal socks
2 t-shirts
1 good t-shirt + 1 pair of trousers (only needed if mingling with locals at night)
1 pair of converse or vans (or some flatish trainers) for when not riding.
Tools
A decent pump
Spare tubes
Lights
Map + GPS
Rain jacket
Packable Fleece
I pair of water proof leggings, or warmers are enough if you know its fairly dry weather.
Battery Pack
Spare Phone + Local SIM
Chamois Cream sachets
First Aid Kit

Since you are staying in hotels/bb you can wash cloths at night in time for the next day, but its good to alternate so if something is still wet it will dry out during the next day.
No food - buy it there! No cooking stuff, tents, matt or sleeping bag.

I wouldn't even take that much on a month camping tour!

That's why other peoples packing lists are just that, other peoples. You've got to learn what works for you.

I still have a bunch of stuff, stuffed in a bag, stashed in a bush in Dover. I decided that I didn't need to carry that extra 1kg and dumped it all, still need to go collect it!

6 pairs of socks?! Luxurious!

I didn't know gooch cream came in sachets. That seems like a good idea. I'm asking really to make sure I don't forget something obvious.

I was thinking for the cycling part: Jersey, bibs, arm and leg warmers, packable rain jacket, gloves, sun glasses, 2 pairs socks in a (wear one wash one). Possibly base layer if looking cold

Off the bike: 1x trousers, 2x tshirt, 4x underwear (can't beat fresh boxers), maybe trainers, maybe jumper. Toothbrush.

Tools :2x tubes, multi-tool, spare chain link, stick on patches, pump, spokey, cable ties and some tape.

Misc: Garmin, phone, charger, map, NUUN, Chamois cream. Lights are dynamo powered so they aren't a concern.

@skinny and @andy_k any further suggestions for adding or removal?

It's just a case of what you're comfortable with and what the weather is like. I've learned I don't need much to be comfortable and get annoyed having stuff with me.

Just take what you're think you want, if it's too much you'll know for next time!

Riding from istanbul - croatia, over 2 weeks i had.

Tent
silk liner
sleeping matt (actually slept outside in just liner and on matt)

shower proof jacket
polartec jacket
merino hat
jersey
shorts
base layer
1 pair socks
flip flops
swim shorts
t shirt

@skinny - Agreed - you have to come up with what works for you!

But you still need somewhere to start.

@andy_k The socks are because I have irritable feet, and I blister easily so would rather have new socks on long days. I go for the trainer liner style socks rather than full socks when the weather is hot and dirt cheap thanks to SportDirect - they are pretty much disposable.

Totally. I started by taking WAY too much. You only learn what you really need when you're sweating and swearing as you lug it up a mountain! Make you re-asses 'essential'!

My sock comment was just a joke :)

I think it's a good idea to allow one luxury item, even when you're racing - mine's usually a pair of Woolie Boolies or a dry pair of gloves... just don't get carried away...

@rhb didn't cycle, bit of a tent/sleeping bag fiasco and a mate offered a lift instead. micro touring fail but Shambala was incredible! great stages/music/people and the friendliest party vybz of any festival I have ever been too!

A load of people walking around in the nip was my experience a few years ago. That and a lack of anything that wasn't jungle after about 10.30.

Glad you enjoyed. I missed it lots, went to a cycle jumble and Llandegla instead... numbed the pain a bit.

@root there was nakedness for sure, but i think that points towards the accepting atmosphere and lack of ego-judgment-fashion show attitude. there wasn't much jungle tbh. saw lots of smaller bands, pink oculus are worth checking out, balkan beatbox, roni size was there which was great, saw the jungle brothers who were incredible but musical highlight was Vessels. so fucking good im going to see them at XOYO in oct.
@rhb cycle jumbles are good, but i think the only cure will be to buy the early bird tickets for next year, i think me and my mates are going to try and do something there and get free ticks. i think luckyskull may be involved as he runs a night at bethnal green working mens club and im 99% sure it was at shambala too, bearded kittens/drag etc?

Used to get in as staff involved in rides & helping on stall but they're not done any more.

The only way we'll get there again is to get a working gig, hard when we'd have to mix shifts & childcare.

Maybe I should sell stuff at the jumble instead of buying and use the money to get luxury family yurt tickets for 2016...

I've been meaning to go back one year. Its significantly less faff than other festivals.

I want to go on another mini trip again before it gets cold, i'll hopefully have a 4 day weekend in early october, anyone interested? Maybe dorset?

I could be up for that, depends on when in October. Also roads or trails?

Either now that I have my 29er. But i'd need to buy some new luggage...

Apidura set?

I have a couple of days off in between jobs next week. Keen for an on-road overnighter out of London next Monday/Tuesday. Don't mind a short train journey to get to somewhere nice. Any thoughts? J

As this winter's weather is more like that in early spring, I decided to put on a rack on one of my "old" racebikes and go for a 3 days tour from Ghent to the Belgian Ardennes (360 km).

I'd like to ride there in the summer.....

@stedlocks - you mean the Ardennes? Or Belgium in general?