Hurrah!

Proper custom bags are bag, so no need to order any more Alpkit crap!

Watching as I also hope to do a similar thing in early September. Dolomites / Slovenia; currently in Austria, but on the wrong route!

I have a set of USE Boost Bars but found the rests can slip a bit if used on really bumpy ground. I have the same bars on my gravel bike; super-light, great (when they work) on road, but I wouldn’t use them on trails. Don’t fit them all the time; for example, TNR didn’t have enough flat to make the...

So e good insight from the EF racing team here: https://www.efprocycling.com/gbduro/ And a movie of Lachlan’s ride here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e74xncSCoqw I think the route philosophy is very sound; nothing worse than an event that deliberately uses crappy terrain just for the sake of it.....

Recently had this very problem with a Garmin 520+

This looks like an excellent solution - take my money now!

I found this company very reasonable and will cut to any size http://www.breasley.co.uk/contact.html And they've innovative class leaders: "IN 1992 BREASLEY BECAME THE FIRST COMPANY IN THE UK TO PRODUCE CONVERTED, 3-DIMENSIONAL NOVELTY SPONGES." But are they any good? Found loads of companies willi...

Should have clarified my terminology Bikepacking = racing (in the context of my observation) Professional = anybody getting a reward for their participation in the ‘sport’’ (including freebies*). Not a definitive definition, just my opinion, based upon how the IOC used to view the distinction betwee...

Just read that bit on the Radavist. Interesting, and if it is true, JP is emerging as the Lance Armstrong of bikepacking (it was never about the drugs). I hope his inappropriate and hypocritical comments are investigated by his sponsors, and, if validated, lead to a termination of their relationshi...

We got a custom cut one for our van as it’s also the chairs when in bed mode. It’s far more comfortable than our bed at home and we both sleep very well on it. If you want I can try to find the supplier’s details for you. It was expensive though, about £300 but worth every penny. Definitely would b...

Thanks for the steer, Colin. That wouldn’t fit in the van and I’ve used all sorts of similar camp beds in the last none of which Worked for me!

Sorry to hijack the forum for what is the most tenuous connection to Bikepacking. I struggle to sleep on anything but my super comfortable bed at home. Legacy of back injuries that are not getting any better. The standard cheap mattress in my campervan is not cutting the mustard. I know there are so...

I was aiming for 22psi and they began to eject at around 27 or 28. I don’t understand? Had a bad rear sidewall puncture on last day of Colorado trail, which I sealed with two plugs, but could only run at v.low pressure - I guess 15psi or less on a 2.2 tyre. Amazed that it survived about 50km of mos...

Just read that bit on the Radavist. Interesting, and if it is true, JP is emerging as the Lance Armstrong of bikepacking (it was never about the drugs). I hope his inappropriate and hypocritical comments are investigated by his sponsors, and, if validated, lead to a termination of their relationship...

Thanks again for more gems. How could I forget to consult Hans Rey; is there anywhere he hasn’t been?! Unfortunately I have spent enough time biving on bike trips to know exactly how it impacts me (spinal injury legacy). I will do it when necessary, but prefer to avoid, particularly when huts are in...

I rarely take any interest in the TD, but this year really is unfolding into the most dramatic of events! So sad to hear about the unbelievable issues encountered by some incredible riders, forcing early retirement, but also great to see so many overcoming these ridiculous conditions. Will be very i...

Thanks for the feedback. The German books are, unfortunately, no use to me! Whilst I have enjoyed many cycling trips in the French side of the Alps, the little I have done in Italy makes me want to go back there. Gairy - I think you understand the sort of riding I am after - not unlike yourself, I w...

Last year I got a hire car and did a gentle road trip over a week, which was a nice way to finish the trip.

Planning a late summer trip in the Alps, probably a point-to-point route. I want to ride as much singletrack with as little hiking as possible. Not really a proper grungy bikepacking trip as I intend to stay in refuges, etc along the way to minimize kit carried and maximize the riding fun on a capab...

Assos do some great casual style shorts. Not cheap, obviously, but often discounted on the archive part of their website.

If it's a gravel event you are looking for:

https://www.torosdegravel.com/

Includes links to some 'warm-up' rides on the island.

I think this is the same route as Duncan's wikiloc link.

Details for this years event are sketchy, but loads of positive feedback on last years ride.

Sounds like yet another great Spanish ride, and would love to join you all (despite the Gelato famine), but I have work commitments that week, which I doubt I can wriggle out of!

Have fun!

Great to read about a trip that inspires me to strap kit to the bike and get out in the wilds again, rather than just day tripping from the van or more comfortable accommodation, increasingly becoming my preferred option these days as I become more intolerant of an uncomfortable night lying awake ‘‘...

https://twitter.com/Clarionrider/status/1133743846049886209?s=19 Karl had a rucksack on when I took these photos yesterday... He was on top form complaining a bit about elephant legs and planning on putting his feet up for a while to drain them in the bothy. He looked a bit gutted when see later on...

Anybody tried the bar bag? I need something more durable, and too tight to splash out on the Ortileb bag.

Who is the go-to supplier of quality custom frame bags now that Wildcat are no longer?

Just got a new FS bike with a very unusual small space that nothing off-the-shelf will fit.