Tour Aotearoa - What do you weigh?
I know - never the most polite question to ask! But an important one when we’re talking about the goods and chattels you intend taking with you on your ride.
This is a new type of bicycle tour for us. More physically challenging than usual, longer kilometres per day and greater elevation, more weather conditions and most often tackled as a bikepacking tour. The remoteness and limited accommodation and food stops along the way provide a bit of an additional planning challenge. So, with twelve weeks to go, it’s time to start thinking about what gets to come along with us. Given the added challenge of the physical aspect of the ride, I’ve decided to significantly minimise my tote allowance. Which in my mind will make it much easier to get up those mountains. In short, I am thinking about Marie Kondo-ing my panniers.
In fact, this trip I’m going one better than that. I’m approaching this tour with a Jack Reacher mindset + a few exceptions. Fold up toothbrush in one pocket, passport in the other and my ATM card. The clothes on my back (like Jack) but I’m going to add wet weather gear - we are riding the land of the long white cloud - and one set of off bike clothes.
My touring bag loaded weight is usually about 14 kilograms all up and is configured as follows:
Pair of Panniers - Berthoud Cycles GB367 - 3 to 4 kg each (including panniers)
Handlebar Bag - Custom Made - 3 to 4 kg (including bag)
Saddle Bag - Berthoud Cycles - 1 kg (including bag & strap)
I’m aiming for 10kg max. which means in addition to minimising the items coming along, I'll be doing my very best to ensure that each item is the most compact and light weight version available. Thankfully there is a complete proliferation of reputable gear review blogs - significantly reducing my daily device time and research hours. Here’s each step of the way to the magical 10K (links coming soon). If you need info now - just get in touch - I’ll shoot what I’ve put together so far.
STEP ONE - Bag Configuration & Manufacturer
STEP TWO - On Bike Gear (clothes, shoes, helmet etc)
STEP THREE - Off Bike Gear (my secret passion - pulling a great outfit from the panniers!)
STEP FOUR - Gadgets & Electronics
STEP FIVE - Repair & Maintenance
STEP SIX - Camping & Cooking (nothing doing here - roof above head and restaurants all the way)
More on the Ten Kilogram task here….
