hello all,
I’ve been riding Audaxes for about a year now, and very foolishly I singed up for the LEL soon after starting, (something to aim for), I feel very confidant that I can complete this ride, what with my training I’ve started and also planned over the coming months.
However I have a few nagging questions that I hope you lovely helpful lot can help me with??
1. will a basic Garmin Etrex hold enough waypoints/ track points (what are the differences) to help me on the LEL ? I would like to use it as an aid to the route sheet and maps.
2. What would be the best lighting solution? I’m very keen on the Dynohub approach, as I would like to incorporate it on to me daily commute bike as well, but as I ride on unlit country lanes I need a good bright light.
3. Will a big old Carradice saddle bag like the super C and a handlebar bag be adequate? I currently use the Barley and I love that.
Depends on how much stuff you want carry and how you plan your bag drops. It would be enough for me. In 2005 I used a small rack pack only. USe the rides before hand to test various pieces of equipment to decide what you will and will not need to carry. Travel light.
3. Will a big old Carradice saddle bag like the super C and a handlebar bag be adequate? I currently use the Barley and I love that.
Hi
I need new shoes for the coming season and LEL could somebody recommend me a pair?
The big hit of PBP was SPD sandals
Stylistically foul, but for 4-5 days of wet roads they can't be beaten. Some people with real shoes & socks suffered quite horrible foot rot. :sick:
Mind you - if you wear 'em all summer, this (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/vicechair/TRAT%2008/P5310831.jpg) happens :)
I need new shoes for the coming season and LEL could somebody recommend me a pair?
I hava a comfortable pair of racing shoes with a carbon sole but they're no use for walking in and I have a horrible pair of runner-like MTB shoes that my feet get really hot in and always cause ankle problems on long hauls. Is there something in between?...touring shoes?
1. will a basic Garmin Etrex hold enough waypoints/ track points (what are the differences) to help me on the LEL ? I would like to use it as an aid to the route sheet and maps.
I use routepoints placed one per routesheet instruction. I don't bother with tracks made up of trackpoints, other people do.
Mind you - if you wear 'em all summer, this (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/vicechair/TRAT%2008/P5310831.jpg) happens :)
:o
The horror, the horror !
I hope that never happens to my toenails.
I am planning to do the ride on a "singlespeed". Granted that gear choice is entirely driven by personal choice and ability, I would be very interested to know if anyone else is aiming to ride singlespeed as well and what their gear choice is going to be.
My current gearing is 48x19 but I may drop down to 48x22. I am using a white industry double cog freewheel - 17/19 and I am probably going to put a 22 (white industry freewheel single cog) on the other side of the hub for comfort's sake. My tyre choice should be 700x25. The three cogs should give me the following range in gear inches (rounded down) - 57/66/74.
Those first lumps out of Cheshunt really aren't that much, especially given the hours of flatland riding all the way to Coxwold that follow. The biggest single climb (to Brickenden) is well under 100m of height gain and you'd probably lose more time faffing around changing gears after the final real lump (between Rushden and Wallington at 40km) than you would just riding the bigger gear for that first section anyway,The obvious comment is...I have a little lever marked "Centaur" which reducing faffing under these circumstances
Here you go all in the one Carradice 23 l saddlebag
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3235611082_23d6787e43.jpg) (http://flickr.com/photos/fixedwheelnut/3235611082/)
If you click on the photo it goes to the flickr page that has notes describing the contents.
Those first lumps out of Cheshunt really aren't that much, especially given the hours of flatland riding all the way to Coxwold that follow. The biggest single climb (to Brickenden) is well under 100m of height gain and you'd probably lose more time faffing around changing gears after the final real lump (between Rushden and Wallington at 40km) than you would just riding the bigger gear for that first section anyway,The obvious comment is...I have a little lever marked "Centaur" which reducing faffing under these circumstances
I rode it ... in 2005 on 44x17. I didn't feel the need to change that at all
Greenbank, not really wishing to rain on your parade but if the drop bags are the same size as the 2005 ones, you'll not get all that stuff into them. In 2005 one was not permitted to use ones own bag for the bag drops.
i think the Middleton Tyas room is a good investment (especially split 2 or 3 ways). I assume it is v close to the route. Whatever your shedule, you can still crash there for a couple of hours and get a decent shower.
18T and 16T Miche sprockets to give me 67" for the hills or 74" for a tailwind on the flatlands. Flip/flop hub will have 19T sprocket bailout gear (63") and the initial 17T sprocket on the Miche carrier for the first 400km on 71"[/li][/list]
As for the space blanket - please note that you may carry one but they are banned from use in controls. :hand::thumbsup:
Dear God Greenbank - just exactly how many visits from the p******e fairy are you expecting?
As for the space blanket - please note that you may carry one but they are banned from use in controls. :hand:
And all controls that have showers will have shower gel provided. O:-)
Good. Far too early for me to worry about that sort of thing just yet.
If you're thinking about stuff to ban from inside controls I'd add "Loud snoring" and "Droning on about rides from years ago whilst people are trying to sleep."
I didn't get the trots however so that was ok
...I'm going for maximum daylight riding and using two1 battery powered B&M Ixon IQ lights mounted on a space bracket...
If you're thinking about stuff to ban from inside controls I'd add "Loud snoring" and "Droning on about rides from years ago whilst people are trying to sleep."
Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food
The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs
I didn't take either on LEL. This was a mistake, the first sleep stop was noisey along with it's other faults.
I didn't get the trots however so that was ok
On PBP I took the earplugs and used them to good effect.
I didn't get the trots on PBP either
All riders will get a pair of ear plugs. ;D
Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food
The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs
Last time I asked Mal Volio what items he recommended taking aside from tools/ spares / clothes /food
The two things I remember were immodium and ear plugs
Why do you need Immodium when you already have earplugs?
It'll also be a novelty riding without a SON wheel ....
It'll also be a novelty riding without a SON wheel ....
What's the reason for not using the Son? I was under the impression that the additional drag was minimal (especially when off), and would have thought LEL was the perfect ride for a hub dynamo light.
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum. Anyone who is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum. Anyone who is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.
I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D
Rich.
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum. Anyone who is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.
I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D
Rich.
LEL will be issuing riders with reflective ankle straps
as a minimum. Anyone who is found not wearing these during the hours of
sunset adn sunrise runs the risk of having their brevet card removed and no longer being a part of the event.
I'll wear these, but on the recumbent they will only be seen from the side, so will be of bugger all use for cars coming from the front or behind ;D
Rich.
Ah, I had quite forgotten teh recumbents were different - we have not yet decided what wll happen to you - if you have any s(reasonable) suggestions, these would be welcome.
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different
How could you - the words "vocal" and "minority" spring all too readily to mind :demon:
Ah, I had quite forgotten the recumbents were different
How could you - the words "vocal" and "minority" spring all too readily to mind :demon:
Ankle straps were chosen as they are highly visible, do not require removal like a Sam Browne when donning additional layers and have the least irritation/impact on rider factor.
Ankle straps were chosen as they are highly visible, do not require removal like a Sam Browne when donning additional layers and have the least irritation/impact on rider factor.
Will there be any facilities for washing kit at any of the controls (other than a sink/shower), such as driers? I can't shell out for more than two pairs of shorts (cheapest I've seen my preferred Assos Mille F1s is £75/pair - and that's the old model) but will need 5 pairs for the whole ride so I'm going to have to get them clean somehow.
Why ? What happens if you wear something else or if you wear the same shorts for 2 days ? Have you tried it ? NOW is the time to try it, to see if it is really an issue.
Why ? What happens if you wear something else or if you wear the same shorts for 2 days ? Have you tried it ? NOW is the time to try it, to see if it is really an issue.
Cos I get a sweaty, spotty, sore arse. Clean shorts every day makes me feel much, much better.
1 on, 1 washed/drying is how I'd normally do it when touring - as long as the weather's dry it's no big deal.
Would it be worth for HPV riders , instead of giving them the refelctive ankle straps, saying they must provide something refelctive which can be seen fromt he rear on their machine?
It seems from this thread that most of you have something anyway and being recumbent riders and aware of the dangers of motorists being unable to see a large (often faired) machine (vehicle) immediately in front of them, have taken adequate steps.
Although bike checks are not part of registration perhaps I should make a compulsory check of HPV machines to ensure riders comply with a regulation that says something along the lines of ' HPV's must be visible in teh dark from behind.'? This is a slightly difficult one as I don't want to
a have loads of rules and regs
b have unwrokable rules and regs
c have regs that create too much discrimination.
Suggestions?
Having numerous pairs of shorts may be expensive but a worthwhile investment. It is the quality of the insert and the fit that is important and not necessarily the material or the manufacturer.
You people inhabit a different universe.
Not only from me, but more especially from Brigitte Kerlouet, who rode the 1995 PBP in 44h14.
She didn't achieve this by changing her shorts every 5 minutes, even though (so the legend goes) she wee'd through them rather than stop and lose her fast bunch.
Dunno which dignitaries had the 'pleasure' of embracing her at the finish ...
Washed shorts will dry on the handlebars in next to no time even if the sun is not shining. It is sometimes useful to take a couple of pegs or even just some paper clips as they are lighter. They can be safety pinned to ones back but will not dry as quickly.
:thumbsup:
Only a sink will be available for washing clothes. You wll need to supply your own washing powder.
Only a sink will be available for washing clothes. You wll need to supply your own washing powder.
I just used my shower gel on my shorts as well :thumbsup:
Lifeventure All Purpose Soap 350ml at Ultimate Outdoors (http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/item/Lifeventure_LifeventureAllPurposeSoap350ml_0_30_15185_2.html)
Washed shorts will dry on the handlebars in next to no time even if the sun is not shining. It is sometimes useful to take a couple of pegs or even just some paper clips as they are lighter. They can be safety pinned to ones back but will not dry as quickly.
:thumbsup:
Lifeventure All Purpose Soap 350ml at Ultimate Outdoors (http://www.ultimateoutdoors.co.uk/item/Lifeventure_LifeventureAllPurposeSoap350ml_0_30_15185_2.html)
Good stuff that, we took it on our 2 month trip round Argentina and Chile. Have about 50ml left which will be perfect for LEL.
With some pictures, you don't need to scroll down to know what's in em.
Washed shorts will dry on the handlebars <SNIP>
You are absolutely spot on there.
I used this approach for PBP as this picture shows:
Just wondered from those that have done LEL before what kit etc they carried with them and what they had in their 2 drop bags?
Just wondered from those that have done LEL before what kit etc they carried with them and what they had in their 2 drop bags?In 2013, in addition to the kit I was wearing I carried on the bike: rain jacket, long sleeve wool jersey, leg and arm warmers, full fingered gloves, four tubes, tire levers, pump, multi-tool, spare tire, chamois creme, wallet, etrex gps, printed cue sheets, toothbrush and paste.
Seriously, the Brits complain about the weather so much, it never occurred to me that it might get uncomfortably hot and sunny.
but the range on LELs in living memory has been approximately 0-32C, (32-90F) which is quite wide for late July/early August.Indeed.
Seriously, the Brits complain about the weather so much, it never occurred to me that it might get uncomfortably hot and sunny.
Brits venturing outdoors know to carry both factor-50 sunblock and arctic weather gear at all times.
[/sub]
I think it's the Lonely Planet guide which, in it's intro section has a bit about weather and clothing:
"Basically, whatever month you visit, just bring all your clothes."
Toothbrush and paste, razor and shaving oil used at least every 24 hours. Each bag drop had 2 sets of cycling kit, plus spare inner tubes; so fresh kit every 300km.
On the bike, usual toolkit. Leg and arm warmers , spare pair of socks, plus long finger gloves. Short sleeve waterproof jacket. Head torch. Emergency silver blanket. Emergency rations. ID and emergency contact details. Cash and bank card.
Thanks! So where did you have your bag drops? Such a great idea to have 2 x sets of cycling kit in each bag. Thanks again!
For what it's worth, one of the key things I learnt on 2013 was that I carried too much stuff on the bike and that if I ever rode LEL again I would use bag drops. In my saddle bag I had 5 changes of kit, 6 inner tubes, batteries for lights etc, spare phone, some food (most of which actually made it home with me), plus all the usual stuff of pump, multitool etc. I think in total it weighed about 7 kilos. I wouldn't say I struggled with it but it would have been easier to use the bag drops for most of it.
I just thought it would be too much faffing. I don't own a car so I would have had to go and collect the bags, then ferry them back to Loughton then pick up all the returned stuff the day after the finish. It just seemed easier to ride with everything I needed.For what it's worth, one of the key things I learnt on 2013 was that I carried too much stuff on the bike and that if I ever rode LEL again I would use bag drops. In my saddle bag I had 5 changes of kit, 6 inner tubes, batteries for lights etc, spare phone, some food (most of which actually made it home with me), plus all the usual stuff of pump, multitool etc. I think in total it weighed about 7 kilos. I wouldn't say I struggled with it but it would have been easier to use the bag drops for most of it.
What was your logic for NOT using the bag drops last time. Just curious really, as why carry all that stuff when you didn't have to ?
I use a sol emergency bivvy 99g for £15 and reusable.Be aware that the use of that bag shown on its packaging is wrong and dangerous: you shouldn't lie down on the ground as you'll lose heat very quickly. You should sit on a rucksack or other insulating item to keep off the ground.
One more problem many of us from here have to encounter is that , we will be landing there from a very hot summer of 30 C avg temperature. So the affect of cold is going to be very significant.
I don't have any arm/leg warmers, but I can't imagine they're so bulky as to merit being left in a bag drop rather than being carried just in case.
snipped ...Back OT I squash a silver blanket on top which stops everything rattling, and has been used to insulate me from draughts; a vital bit of kit.
The lowest temperature range I can endure is 12-15 C. I might need more layers if it gets below that.
Can I have suggestions to fine tune my plan/stratergy ?
One more problem many of us from here have to encounter is that , we will be landing there from a very hot summer of 30 C avg temperature. So the affect of cold is going to be very significant.
I hate ponchos. Not only they will horribly slow you down in windy areas, but they tend to get caught into wheels, chains, etc., sometimes with catastrophic consequences. A snugly fit rain jacket is the right tool for the job.
Any opinions on Poncho just for rain protection ?
I'm extremely thankful for the suggestions that have flown in here. They will help me in planning more sensibly.
I have already ordered a Merino base layer ..( tough it is , while struggling arrange funds for trip )
I'm yet to acquire gloves ( for protection in cold) and a proper rain jacket. I survived with a basic one from Decathlon all these days. Seems like,it will will not hold good there.
Any opinions on Poncho just for rain protection ?
Any opinions on Poncho just for rain protection ?
For audax, it's better to be warm and wet in quick-drying fabrics.
Mile Cruncher, put a post in the "Wanted " thread in Classified. You might be surprised at what fellow YACFers have hiding in their wardrobes. I am sure someone could help and get it to the start for you.
What size are you?
Mile Cruncher, put a post in the "Wanted " thread in Classified. You might be surprised at what fellow YACFers have hiding in their wardrobes. I am sure someone could help and get it to the start for you.
What size are you?
Thank you very much. A very helpful suggestion. I'm still trying to arrange them myself. But in case I couldn't do it , I will definitely post in there. Very glad to know that people are there to lend a hand for needy.
There's a bike shop in the middle of Thirsk, not far off the route
http://www.venture.bike/clothing/ (http://www.venture.bike/clothing/)
Ditto Pocklington http://www.cyclelane-ltd.co.uk/CycleLaneLimited/Home.html (http://www.cyclelane-ltd.co.uk/CycleLaneLimited/Home.html)
Outdoor shop in Moffat http://www.moffatoutdoors.co.uk/ (http://www.moffatoutdoors.co.uk/)
On my schedule, I will be in all those places during shop opening hours.
BBC or Met office weather forecasts are pretty accurate nowadays. They will be able to predict the general weather pattern for the next 7 days.
That should help last minute planning.
I'm staggered by the people who suggest wearing washing up gloves to use as waterproof gloves on the bike. Your hands will sweat and ultimately get very cold as they are not breathable.
Buy a pair of proper cycling windproof/waterproof gloves. Planet X sell gloves for not too much if you don't want Rapha. I can't believe that people who can afford the cost to enter LEL, plus all the travel and training events are so hard up that they cannot afford a decent pair of gloves :facepalm:
Agreed^2. To which I would just add:I'm staggered by the people who suggest wearing washing up gloves to use as waterproof gloves on the bike. Your hands will sweat and ultimately get very cold as they are not breathable.
It seems like a good bodge for those caught out in bad weather who have access to a supermarket. I wouldn't plan on using it deliberately.
All gloves end up soaked if you cycle in them for an hour, and the rubber gloves should be admirably windproof (and therefore reasonably warm), but the lack of breathability means your hands are going to get fairly nasty if you use them for prolonged periods.QuoteBuy a pair of proper cycling windproof/waterproof gloves. Planet X sell gloves for not too much if you don't want Rapha. I can't believe that people who can afford the cost to enter LEL, plus all the travel and training events are so hard up that they cannot afford a decent pair of gloves :facepalm:
Agreed. But I have sympathy for those from hot countries where such things are unobtanium, and weak currency makes buying them internationally an expensive gamble if they don't know what fits.
All gloves end up soaked if you cycle in them for an hour, and the rubber gloves should be admirably windproof (and therefore reasonably warm), but the lack of breathability means your hands are going to get fairly nasty if you use them for prolonged periods.
There's a bike shop in the middle of Thirsk, not far off the route
http://www.venture.bike/clothing/ (http://www.venture.bike/clothing/)
Ditto Pocklington http://www.cyclelane-ltd.co.uk/CycleLaneLimited/Home.html (http://www.cyclelane-ltd.co.uk/CycleLaneLimited/Home.html)
Outdoor shop in Moffat http://www.moffatoutdoors.co.uk/ (http://www.moffatoutdoors.co.uk/)
On my schedule, I will be in all those places during shop opening hours.
BBC or Met office weather forecasts are pretty accurate nowadays. They will be able to predict the general weather pattern for the next 7 days.
That should help last minute planning.
:thumbsup:
This sort of info would be really useful all gathered together (ideally with opening times, as folks will pass through at all sorts of times-of-day).
The Pocklington folks were quite helpful when we ran the control there.
As I said, surely no one doing LEL is that hard up.
... or you've unaccountably lost one.
Can't think of anything worse than wearing any type of non-breathable gloves on a long ride.
Five foot seven :) and Medium
I'd repeat madcow's question: what sort of size are you?
Five foot seven :) and Medium
I'd repeat madcow's question: what sort of size are you?
Can't think of anything worse than wearing any type of non-breathable gloves on a long ride.
I can. The pain of circulation returning to hands that have been too cold for too long, or being unable to change gear or brake, because there is no feeling or strength in your hands.
Can't think of anything worse than wearing any type of non-breathable gloves on a long ride.
I can. The pain of circulation returning to hands that have been too cold for too long, or being unable to change gear or brake, because there is no feeling or strength in your hands.
Been there, done that ... and then had to pack because I couldn't carry on safely or even drink from my bidon ...
The dangerous time is when it has stopped raining, as evaporative cooling starts then.
The dangerous time is when it has stopped raining, as evaporative cooling starts then.
<pedant> I thought evaporative cooling also occurs when it's raining but the danger is increasing it by removing wind and waterproof clothing when the rain stops.
Thoughts please on double AA battery powered light options outside of the Hope 1 option? I can't justify a dynamo setup this year.Do you mean 2xAA? Not many of those with a decent output (sadly IMHO), but
Thoughts please on double AA battery powered light options outside of the Hope 1 option? I can't justify a dynamo setup this year.Do you mean 2xAA? Not many of those with a decent output (sadly IMHO), but
with 4xAA this is posssibly the best around (at least with a shaped beam, reliable manufacturer etc - but see other reviews of which there are plenty!)
https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-ixon-iq-led-28755?currency=3&delivery_country=190&gclid=COm9iKbHzNICFQ4TGwod_eYOHw
(someone please tell me if that isn't the latest/best Ixon IQ - I find the model names very confusing).
_SOME _of us find it plenty adequate bright for all night-riding. (I'm not saying I don't also use a "main beam" for descending ... but I can manage without if I have to.)
(n.b. I haven't used the Fenix BT10)
I used two B&M Ixon IQs (2009 vintage) for LEL'09 and PBP'11.On the grounds that if it's good enough for Greenbank it's good enough for me, I looked up these on the interwebs: they are surprisingly cheap at about £40 to £50 each - am I looking at the right ones?
Yours is the lower end version, this is the current best one: https://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/busch-mueller-ixon-iq-premium-led-accumulator-headlamp-139355
Two of these on your bikes and a set of spare batteries per night will see you through LEL perfectly. With two of them on the bike you don't have to stop to change batteries and you can add a 2nd one for the fast descents. Considering sleepstops, short nights in Scotland and some area's with streetlights/ or groupriding where you can keep the lights on lowbeam and the initial double set of batteries plus 4 spare sets would be enough for the entire LEL (if not, replacements are easily available at any roadside supermarket).
I use one of them as back up light in case I have an issue with my primary setup.
I'm staggered by the people who suggest wearing washing up gloves to use as waterproof gloves on the bike. Your hands will sweat and ultimately get very cold as they are not breathable.
It seems like a good bodge for those caught out in bad weather who have access to a supermarket. I wouldn't plan on using it deliberately.
All gloves end up soaked if you cycle in them for an hour, and the rubber gloves should be admirably windproof (and therefore reasonably warm), but the lack of breathability means your hands are going to get fairly nasty if you use them for prolonged periods.QuoteBuy a pair of proper cycling windproof/waterproof gloves. Planet X sell gloves for not too much if you don't want Rapha. I can't believe that people who can afford the cost to enter LEL, plus all the travel and training events are so hard up that they cannot afford a decent pair of gloves :facepalm:
Agreed. But I have sympathy for those from hot countries where such things are unobtanium, and weak currency makes buying them internationally an expensive gamble if they don't know what fits.
These are without doubt far and away the very best handwear for riding in the wet and cold. Flexible enough to allow braking and gear change and when wet they remain warm. I've used them in the very coldest conditions on and off the bike. Cycling gloves all get wet and they all then cool your hands, especially the fingers, in the wind caused by cycling. Mittens don't do that, and these are lined with fibre pile not cheap fleece.
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/buffalo-pile-mitt-a3214123?id_colour=124
the ultra running circuitI wore Buffalo mitts on the four times I started the High Peak Marathon, which is 42 miles in winter across Bleaklow, round the Derwent watershed, and it usually snows. Temperatures are often below freezing: Buffalo mitts are without doubt the best.
the ultra running circuitHigh Peak Marathon, which is 42 miles in winter across Bleaklow,
These are without doubt far and away the very best handwear for riding in the wet and cold. Flexible enough to allow braking and gear change and when wet they remain warm. I've used them in the very coldest conditions on and off the bike. Cycling gloves all get wet and they all then cool your hands, especially the fingers, in the wind caused by cycling. Mittens don't do that, and these are lined with fibre pile not cheap fleece.
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/buffalo-pile-mitt-a3214123?id_colour=124
I hanker after a gilet made of the exact same material, reckon it would be ace for cycling.like ]this?
So - when I was riding a couple of weeks ago, it was hovering between zero and -1 with rain and sleet, you wouldn't have been riding? I would have described that as perfect weather for Buffalo gear.I hanker after a gilet made of the exact same material, reckon it would be ace for cycling.like ]this?
http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/products/teclite-gilet/
also found these cycling specific mitts on the Buffalo website: http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/products/hi-vis-mitt/
must say - i wouldn't recommend a Buffalo shirt for riding because they don't pack down that small and TBH if you need to wear one there's probably ice on the road so you shouldn't be on a bike. My Big Shirt has been very warm in all sorts of conditions that can best be described as "Scottish".
If you do want AA, the Fenix BT10 is an alternative to the Vision 1. I haven't used it but have used its bigger brother the 18650-powered bigger brother the BT20, which was an excellent light that put the beam just where you needed it.
(n.b. I haven't used the Fenix BT10)
These are without doubt far and away the very best handwear for riding in the wet and cold. Flexible enough to allow braking and gear change and when wet they remain warm. I've used them in the very coldest conditions on and off the bike. Cycling gloves all get wet and they all then cool your hands, especially the fingers, in the wind caused by cycling. Mittens don't do that, and these are lined with fibre pile not cheap fleece.
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/buffalo-pile-mitt-a3214123?id_colour=124
It's strange. Photos don't do the Guv'nor justice; the wheelbase is sooo long.Did you make the time limit?
I've only ridden it about 200 metres so far.
1. I got this Ibex Merino wool base layer . I'm planning to use it from Brampton-Brampton.(300 Km)
https://www.amazon.com/Ibex-Merino-Woolies-Sleeve-Medium/dp/B00YSGUZMA/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1488032854&sr=1-1&keywords=ibex%2Bwoolies%2B1&th=1&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Ibex-Merino-Woolies-Sleeve-Medium/dp/B00YSGUZMA/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1488032854&sr=1-1&keywords=ibex%2Bwoolies%2B1&th=1&psc=1)
Can anyone let me know if this can withstand the cold ? ( Combined with a jersey and gillet)
Loughton- Brampton and back, I'm planning to use my normal btwin base layer. I have used it in few winter brevets ,where temperature was around 10 C. Should I get another merino base layer for riding in nights till Brampton or will the btwin base layer be sufficient ?
2. Riding with Crocs - I know many don't prefer it. But I'm worried about riding with wet shoes if it rains. I got pissed off in my first ever 400 BRM, where it rained for nearly 24 hours. Since then, I started riding with Sandals in rainy season. I did a 1000 too, with Sandals. So my idea is to use woollen socks if it is dry and cold and waterproof socks, if it rains and gets cold. Will this work ? or does people usually prefer riding with wet shoes even if it is very uncomfortable ? Please suggest.
Riding with Crocsis utter madness for 1,400k. Cycling sandals, and specifically the very excellent Shimano ones, are great because they have a sole thick enough to protect your poor feet from the pressure of the pedals. Crocs just won't do it. And sandals allow your feet to expand a bit but cycling shoes don't. (Wearing socks with sandals is poo-pooed in the UK as being thoroughly uncool. Which is why the combination is so popular in audax circles. Socksd with union jacks on them are for numpties and UKIP supports thobut.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Senz-Dutch-Bicycle-Umbrella-With-Fitting-Bracket-Kit-Fits-to-your-Handlebars-/201943664746?category=0&buyerid=FpRekKD1aqDv5WwHo9CtOw==&emailtemplateid=131397735&sellerid=eJGfcJBwsRIaIamN3L6UOA==&refid=store&ssPageName=ADME:B:SEMK:UK:SHOWI (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Senz-Dutch-Bicycle-Umbrella-With-Fitting-Bracket-Kit-Fits-to-your-Handlebars-/201943664746?category=0&buyerid=FpRekKD1aqDv5WwHo9CtOw==&emailtemplateid=131397735&sellerid=eJGfcJBwsRIaIamN3L6UOA==&refid=store&ssPageName=ADME:B:SEMK:UK:SHOWI)
"You don't need to arrive in head-to-toe Goretex with bad hair, you can arrive in your dapper everyday clothes and stylish wig when you use the Senz bicycle umbrella!"
And in the event of a tailwind, raise the spinnaker accessory
merino tends to be too hot and doesn't wick well. I sometimes wear two in the middle of winter when it's less than -10 degrees. Clearly you have a very different tolerance of heat/cold to UK riders
Loughton- Brampton and back, I'm planning to use my normal btwin base layer. I have used it in few winter brevets ,where temperature was around 10 C. Should I get another merino base layer for riding in nights till Brampton or will the btwin base layer be sufficient ?
2. Riding with Crocs - I know many don't prefer it. ..or does people usually prefer riding with wet shoes even if it is very uncomfortable ? Please suggest.Crocs seem very unsuitable to me. Agree that wet shoes are bad but this isn't the answer. I'll be taking overshoes to keep the worst of the rain out and lots of spare socks
Cycling in crocs? Just don't even think about it.
Control list: carrier bag for water bottles, valuables cycling shoes* clothing that you want to take off/put on in the warm and light inside.
Top tip. Shoes off at every opportunity.
We are aiming to provide some towels at every control .. BUT ..if you can tell us how to predict the towel demand at each control both northbound and southbound .. then you are a better man than I am Gunga Din.
I got myself one of those micro towels from a camping shop for PBP, packs to the size of a tennis ball in it's own little stuff sack. Had it hanging off my saddlebag until someone nicked it at the start, scrotes. Wouldn't have needed it in the end but might be handy to have.
I got myself one of those micro towels from a camping shop for PBP, packs to the size of a tennis ball in it's own little stuff sack. Had it hanging off my saddlebag until someone nicked it at the start, scrotes. Wouldn't have needed it in the end but might be handy to have.
You should always know where your towel is... (http://hitchhikers.wikia.com/wiki/Towel)