One Day to Go: Packing

You wouldn't believe how many hours I spent deliberating between carrying my belongings in 2 panniers hung on either side of a rear rack versus using a rack top bag and handlebar bag. Although if you know me well, you may easily believe it!

There are pros and cons to consider. Panniers are hung from the rear rack and are lower to the ground, thus making the bike more stable, but they have poorer aerodynamics and will potentially act as an air brake. They also have a larger capacity which is both good and bad - I don't need the temptation to pack more pants, no matter how light they are.

Whilst a rack bag / bar bag set up is better aerodynamically, due mostly to the fact the rack bag sits directly behind my derriere, it does have its drawbacks. The bag sits high on the bike, and being vertically challenged, I find it difficult to swing my wee leg over it. Also the supplied waterproof cover doesn't quite fit the bag when it's full and I will be in the Lake District (enough said?).

The final thing to pack is my bike. I prefer to avoid using a roof rack, mostly due to my aforementioned deficiency in the altitude department. We have a hatchback, so normally I just drop the rear seats and sling the bike in the back. But for this trip, Jackie is dropping me off at the start and she and her friend are spending a few days holidaying nearby, before picking me up at the end of the tour. Not only do we require at least one functional rear seat, it was clear that they didn't have the same luggage restrictions as I did. Conveniently, short legged people have small framed bikes and by removing both wheels and turning the frame upside down I managed to tuck the bike inside the car and secure it using the plethora of available luggage. Result!

If you are still curious, I have purposely not confirmed which bags I finally packed, since I don't leave until tomorrow morning and there is plenty time to change my mind (again).Read more