Generic Touring Thread

It takes up a huge amount of space. I quit my job to go on a tour but I've had 2 weeks off before I start and I think it's just too much time to overthink things.

Depending on where you're heading, I'd be tempted to go without and if you find you need the extra padding/insulation, buy it while there.

I've used a cheap plastic emergency bag from mountain warehouse over my sleeping bag for extra insulation. The closed foam is handy for a place to sit too and weighs nothing

You could also lay clothes on the inflatable to stop the cold coming through a bit

Bubble wrap?
I always take a foam mat. No inflatable as had too many leaks in the past. I have a multi mat super light with the end chopped off so it rolls up smaller. I’m very much of the opinion that too many clothes are where the extra weight is when touring, but others like more outfits. It’s a process of trial and error and if you find you have too much stuff, you can always post things home.

People used bubble wrap during TCR I think. Mikko? Pretty sure I thought about it and on investigation found it to be shithouse.

I had an ultra runner mate try out bubble wrap when we were out bivvying once. He gave up at about 3am and headed home.

Foam mats are bulky, but fairly light, and can be strapped to the outside of other luggage. I reckon you'd probably benefit from taking one if you've got a lilo style sleep mat.

Make the mat shorter? When I was younger I had a 2/3 length mat. It meant my body was on the mat but most of my legs had no mat.

Damn I envy you people that can even consider a good nights sleep minimal camping to be possible.

Hasn't happened to me yet. Ranges from zero to "actually that wasn't completely horrific, just really terrible"

I took a full length inflatable, bivvy and full bag to AMR and I'm glad I did as it was freezing. I have 3/4 pads and cut down foam but they just mean my legs get cold. For years I just had shit sleep in races but I sleep cold so now I'm fed up with shit sleeps and pack ALL THE GEAR.

I ended up driving to Alpkit Hathersage and getting another mat for 55 quid that has double the R rating. I slept in the garden last night and could still feel the cold coming up through my hip. Then I woke up an hour later so hot that my organs were failing so I stripped down to my crackers. A while after that I woke up freezing.

Damn I envy you people that can even consider a good nights sleep minimal camping to be possible.
Hasn't happened to me yet. Ranges from zero to "actually that wasn't completely horrific, just really terrible"

I only managed an hour or two of sleep each night on my first tour. I was determined to make good sleep a priority this time round especially as I'll be away a long time. Not really sure I've managed it. It's such hard work trying to sleep in a tent I feel like I'm awake every 40 mins to spend 5 mins fucking about trying to roll over and get comfy again.

It's such hard work trying to sleep in a tent I feel like I'm awake every 40 mins to spend 5 mins fucking about trying to roll over and get comfy again.

Pretty much sums up my experience. I can't sleep on my back, only my side so it's shit. I just ride enough that after a few days of no sleep and riding I'm knackered and pass out.

Essentially my entire trip depends on this happening to me. I'm relying on my body to adapt or I'm fucked.
I'm currently adding heaps of cols to my route and cackling at the idea that Im somehow going to have the energy to do them. I know it doesnt make sense but Im gonna try anyway. Hopefully after two weeks of not sleeping I magically become superman.

Yes I have adapted most times I've been on a longer trip. I often don't do overnighters because it's just a bit shit for me, as I sleep so little. You'll be okay, just give it a week or so.
What's the route?

The website wont let me save the route I've spent a good hour or two adding to but the rough outline is here:

https://cycle.travel/map/journey/420391

I get the ferry to Rotterdam on Monday.

Interesting route, enjoy!

Thanks!

The Paselas on my tourer are pretty worn, before I replace them, anyone got a better reccomendo for 38s? (Or upto 42)?

Pretty much written off gravelkings as a non starter.

Any advice on which tin opener works best for
1 opening tins
2 light and easy to pack
3 leaves all my fingers nicely attached

Something that does 1,2 & 3 preferred.

I don’t know what finders are but how about something like a Swiss Army knife ? Usually come with a tin opening tool.

Thanks, I’ve updated the spelling to fingers. I thin the SAK risks 3.

I have one of the British miliary ones. They are very small. 3 is always a risk, with openers as you are essentially tearing through metal.

Or simply only buy things in easy open cans. But those are not un-sharp either.

Be more careful?

I use my swiss army knife but as @Aroogah said, I'm not sure there's a totally safe way to open them. You can get one which is like the head of a traditional "safety" can opener, but never tried one so it could be a massive pain in the arse in use without the handles.

Thanks for the suggestions on routes back to the UK from France. I think I’ll do train then ferry back from Dieppe. Still haven’t worked out the timings but hoping it’ll be manageable

Nogent Super Kim is small enough to fit inside your cook tin or tea mug. It squashes the edges rather than cuts, so doesn't leave much to cut yourself on.
Perhaps not a traditional touring recommendation but it ticks your boxes