In March 2012, I left my home in Gloucestershire, UK, to cycle around the world. I have no idea how long this will take ...Kitlist
| Do you want to know what I’m carting around the world with me? Getting the balance right between weight and comfort is difficult and I’m not convinced I’ve got it right yet. It depends on how much you value that extra pair of underwear versus a marginally easier hill-climb. At only 2 pairs of boxers I think it’s clear where I stand.
What’s in my panniers changes with the climate zone. In cold areas I must carry more clothes whereas in hot places sunscreen and mosquito repellent are the order of the day. Likewise, certain stretches require extra equipment, for instance more food and water containers, spare bicycle parts or communication booklets. Below lists everything I started out with … |
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You might be interested in the following FAQs:
What kind of bike do you have?
My bike is a Dawes Galaxy made in 1997. Dawes is the manufacturer, Galaxy is the model. I bought it in 2008 second-hand on eBay for £320. In fact, it was my 18th birthday present. Briefly, the frame is steel, the handlebars are dropped, V-brakes (no discs), no suspension, derailleur gears (no Rohloff hub), 28 inch wheels and weighs roughly 13kg. It is by no means the Rolls-Royce of bikes. It is only a very strong, simple contraption: always reliable and easy to fix. Click my ‘how I came to have my bike‘ post for an ode to my beginning on two wheels.
What baggage do you carry?
I carry two back pannier bags (one on each side of the back wheel), two front pannier bags (one on each side of the front wheel) and a large travel backpack which lies across the back (I don’t wear it when cycling). What I carry in those bags depends mainly on the season and location. In winter I have to carry a lot more clothes and equipment and in remote places I must carry extra food, water and spare bicycle parts. Take a look at my ‘kitlist’ to see what I’m carrying in detail.
Isn’t your bike really heavy?
In short, yes, although I’ve seen other cyclists with a lot more. As indicated above, the weight of my bike depends on the time of year and the area in which I’m cycling. I’d guess on average my baggage weighs around 30kg.
