Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Got an 8L restrap saddle pack + dry bag for sale. https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/321401

FYI you can click the spanner icon and 'create route' from someone else's ride on strava, then export the gpx. No premium needed.

Yep. Needs to be padded out a bit to stop it rattling around but works fine.

The whole thing is pretty rigid so very little swinging round if you've done it up properly. I don't really notice mine (until I carry the bike up the stairs when I get home, then it's pretty noticeable).

Ta, I knew there was a way to get at it, I've done it before, but it was quicker to go to rwgps.

Thanks @aggi @AWu-Tang and @Alan_tbt

https://mapstogpx.com/strava/ Problem solved.

That’s genius

Impressive. Got a full kit list for what’s packed in that photo?

So after all these discussions, what’s the verdict on something like the Restrap Bar bag versus Alpkit’s handlebar dry bags?

I can't answer this as I haven't used the restrap bag. But i do use the alpkit handlebar dry bags without issue and they're cheap as chips. It doesn't have a holster which isn't an issue with my setup, but imagine it could be for others

I used the smaller alpkit one with a additional strap over aero extensions.
I would have preferred to have a holster like the restrap one to put the drybag in.
It's quite annoying to undo and redo the straps going over the bars once a day whereas with s holster you cram stuff in the drybag and click click it's on no matter if you took care when packing the drybag to make it a nice shape.

Lots less faff with the holster, feed pouch on the Restrap is really handy as well, for easy access foods or phone/wallet etc or even toiletries if touring.

Is there a website where I can upload a GPS trace onto a map then toggle nearby facilities (shops, hostels, campsites, etc)?

RWGPS - as you zoom in it shows more facilities, most of which you can get more info on Google Maps. Or upload route to google maps or use the Garmin basecamp software. Most GPS software will do this and had different levels of detail you can set .

I've been using rwgps but never noticed this. Maybe I just need to do more zooming.

gpxeditor.co.uk allows you to switch between google maps (with streetview), satellite view, OS maps and OSM so you can manually check out what's near your route.

RWGPS does this kind of thing too. It has about 10 different map overlay options - Google, Sat, Topo, bike paths on/off, terrain on/off.

Good to know. Does it have OS maps available? I've got used to gpxeditor now - I like the clean interface and the fact that you don't need to login - but might try RWGPS as an alternative.

Don't think so. 99% of my routing is on road so it's not something I use. I think Bing maps has an OS layer so perhaps that would do what you need too?

Garmin basecamp

very useful app for mapping my ultra routes to go on my garmin but fuck me if it isn't the least intuitive bit of software i've ever used. how it loads maps off devices rather than let you import them is insane and the lack of useful scrolling ability while drawing routes without changing tools every 200yds to drag the map across to then lose your selected route, to draw another 200yds is fucking maddening.

Bing does have OS maps at 1:25k - it's very useful. But being able to switch between the different maps with the gpx track visible is invaluable.

Meeting a mate for atrip for a few days. he';ll either be training/driving from Arbroath.

Looking for inspiration for somewhere in the middle of us. Not really got a clue on where to go. looking at north wales but unsure. Or anywhere in the middle of England. Any ideas?

"garmin"
"least intuitive bit of software i've ever used"

Are you new here?

Steal a Welsh audax route? Wales is much nicer than England for cycling.

Some GoPro clips from the Dorset trip. Want to get back and do it again soon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlUkLzTgQgM/?taken-by=mattsparkes