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platypus
@pit
The result of MTB cull:
Salsa got 4 pot Hope brakes, 11 speed XT groupset, 11-50 Sunrace cassette, Surly Sunrise bars, Salsa Firestarter forks, Works Components +1 degree angleset, and fast rolling Vittoria Mezcals. From neo-retro mtb to a capable bikepacking rig.
Took it out for a short overnighter to see how it handles under load. Set out at 08:00AM on Friday and head towards Eastbourn. Linking rideable, or so I thought, parts of Wealdway and Vanguard way. Soon I have realized what a grave mistake that was! It's not the stiles and narrow gates, or even the occasional stairs that were the problem. The paths have not been used for years and most of them were completely overgrown.
At about 2PM I've decided that It's time to cut it short. Instead of pushing through the nettles towards Eastbourn I took a much more pleasant route towards Alfriston.
After getting to the top of the first climb of SDW I was hit with a relentless headwind. The goal for the day was to reach Ambereley. It was 3PM and I had 40 miles of to go.
At about 9PM I got as far as Washington. I was out of water and completely spent. Hills, wind, humidity, and 25 degrees Celsius were a perfect setup for failure. Decided to load up on water and look for a spot to camp.
Got up at 5AM on Saturday soaked and shivering. Turns out that I failed to crawl into my bivy and spent the night only under my sleeping bag. Had to wait till 8AM for the wind and sun to dry out my kit. My smartphone, which I left in the grass, stopped working and I couldn't take any pics.
Past Amberely the trail was packed with runners and walkers. Race to the King was taking place. I have never seen so many angry MTBers in one place. I really wanted to ride all the way to Winchester, but the route was way too crowded for cycling. I cut it short at Petersfield. It was an OKish 200km. I don't think I'll ever do this route again.
The bike and the bikepacking kit were fine. I need a bigger bladder so I can ditch the under the frame bottle. It got covered in all sorts of shit and was useless most of the time. I started heavy loaded at the front. Won't do that again. Makes the bike twitchy. The stem cells can >>>>. How do people climb out of the saddle without constantly hitting them with their knees? Won't be using again.