Platypus HQ - Functional Bikes and Trips

after putting together a flowy and beautiful route through some of Norfolk's best singletrack and old ways, it was a pleasure to ride it with friends this weekend.

bikepicture only for now, more to come. it rode superbly. these vittoria tyres, a new addition, are excellent. I continue to believe this bike - frame, components, bags - represents the platonic ideal for UK multiday singletrack adventure, which is my favourite thing.

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route, and lots of info in description on the site when you click through:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33035227

'copied to my routes'

No strap necessary for the bottle? And do you keep the rest of your water in handlebar bags?

I think it came off once in four days, not bad for a very bent old blackburn cage attached purely by poundland electrical tape and a full 800ml bottle. eventually this will have triple mounts brazed onto the downtube, but I've got to think of a good paintjob to go over it after still.

I keep a 600ml camelbak thinwall bottle in one of my ancient revelate stem bags, that works nicely. I never really need to carry more than 1.5l water in UK conditions. I have however practised drinking like a camel at resupply points for many years

Once in four days sounds decent, I'll give it a go without then first. I was planning on mounting mine with hose clamps, not sure why actually as tape sounds far easier and less likely to damage stuff.

drinking like a camel

My sensitive tummy gets all sloshy and achy whenever I try this.

a good paintjob to go over it after

GT Karakoram 1992

Aah, I was planning on doing something similar this easter before the cov life. Guessing your route is a bit better. Thanks for uploading this!

Looking forward to a write-up/more pics

Dialed setup right there! Norfolk is a great place for relaxed bikepacking and with plenty of camping options. Good route.
The beaches in the north part are amazing too. Some very boring and very posh villages along the Coast Path though 😁

Some pictures from Norfolk. Thanks to my companions.

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This spoonfeeding of radness is what keeps me coming back from more. Looks ace.

palestine jersey is strong

Thanks both. Some more pix - wild swim, good beer, and jelly beans.

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That looks so fun. Thanks for sharing.

Let me know if you're interested in company as that looks great depending on timings...

thank you.
it won't run until the bothies open again, no date is currently given for this.
I did plan an alternate route today for this, North to South, which avoids bothies. This opens up the possibility to make a loop of both routes. However the North to South route is currently extremely difficult, I need to tame it down a bit.
watch this space!

In this heatwave, there is only one thing to do - go for a swim. Broxbourne coming through with a lovely spot.

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I've seen about 8 pics in the last 48 hours of people swimming up there in an almost identical shot re the plants and access to the lake - was there a queue of instagrammers behind you waiting their turn?!

Watching platypus and co., one could almost be fooled into believing it's summer.

Ha, really? This is one of the best spots for sure, and quite accessible. Surprisingly few people swimming, disappointingly. Such a good lake and the perfect length ride from&to central London

I’m making the most of it.

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Summer's still here! Let's keep riding!
3 days of bliss in Hampshire, on an excellent and demanding route of my own devising, thick with weavy singletrack, ridgeline sunsets, and the odd bonus kebab shop enroute

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few more
big thanks to @picklejuice + CC + HC for the sublime company and good cheer

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