Trans Am Bike Race / TransAm / TABR

Can't you get a pair of Defeet oversocks and cut out the hole for the cleats a little further back?

Or just get some normal toe covers, cut the back strap bit and sew in a slightly longer bit of elastic so you can hook it behind your cleat...?

I've thought about Belgian booties but never actually bothered. I had my TT ones custom made.

Sandwich bags again I reckon.

You've read enough of my my posts. Do I sound like the kind of guy who sews stuff?

Nah, just double socks and a sandwich bag in each shoe. Was gutted when one bag blew away last year.

No I don't. I'm going to eventually own every tool and every required lube, spray, paste, etc. until I'm basically running a bike shop catering for one, me.

#privateerftw

I use double socks with a sandwich bag between. Worth taking a couple of spares!

Yeah, I'll pack two sets of sandwiches :)

Hmm... should I take my merino or my Helly Hansen zippered stay-dry type undershirt?

I'd guess the merino is going to be warmer but I've only worn the Helly once so dunno really.

I like base layers with zips. But you are right, merino will be warmer. Merino will smell better too. Take the merino.

You've read enough of my my posts. Do I sound like the kind of guy who sews stuff?

Yes:

"I'm going to eventually own every tool and every required lube, spray, paste, etc. until I'm basically running a bike shop catering for one, me."

Name me one bike shop that has sewn something. Maybe it's an English thing but I've never seen it. Suffice to say I'll never sew, build wheels, wrap bar tape. They're just my rules.

And some needles and thread...

Alpkit sew stuff

Anyway it's the sort of skill one might need if one's bib shorts split down the arse whilst one is doing an unsupported solo ride through Mongolia or whatever

Personal experience or unfulfilled dream?

Irrational fear as soon as I get more than 30 mins from the house

Sewing lycra? Can that actually be done?

Pushing a needle and thread repeatedly through fabric is probably not going to trouble me on the 'difficult skills' front but I'm not likely to be carrying needle and thread unless I am very remote in which case I'll probably have spares rather than deal with repairs.

What if all your spares split down the arse? What then?

Edit: I'm just joking really. But bag/shoe/clothing/tent repairs could be important on a ride one day. You could probably stitch together a tyre that's totally shredded or a sew up a wound in the worst case scenario. Worthwhile skill and a needle and thread probably weighs only 5 g if that. You're right though, poking a needle through a bit of fabric isn't hard and you don't really need to learn anything to do it.

I don't carry needle and thread so how am I going to stitch anything? How did we even get onto this? Gaffer tape is my 'sewing'.

How did we even get onto this?

Me spewing nonsense

I should have read the last few pages properly; didn't know you were doing the ride so soon! I realise now that pestering about needle/thread when you're probably doing last minute packing and kit checks probably causes undue stress. I wasn't trying to make any specific suggestions to you, I was just rambling about how sewing is useful for cyclists in general.

I'm chill. I don't panic until I try and stuff everything into the box last minute on Wednesday. :)

I've sent the better half down the street to get me sunscreen and USD. I think I have everything else scattered around the flat, although I can't for the life of me remember if I took a torque wrench to build the bike up last year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=125Quk8gUB8

OK, even I would opt for a sleeping mat that's bigger than a tea towel.

Spare rear blinky fitted. USD cash in hand. Route loaded. Go me.

“Which one of you fuckers is coming in second” haha