I'm trying to remember the various tarps / shelters that people were using at the bivvy spot on Friday night with a view to replacing my 12 year old tent. I'm fairly certain that one was a SMD Lunar Solo but I forgot to ask at the time what the others were.

I had planned to do a coast to coast ride in September but I've only managed to find time for two rides over 20 miles this year so I'm unfit and getting relatively chunky. I need to start getting up at 5 to get two hours in before the kids wake up

ScotRoutes wrote:Remember that using a rack means you're touring not bikepacking, so no photos or ride reports on here, thankyouverymuch

Lo and behold bikepacking specific panniers...

http://www.bikepacking.com/gear/ortlieb-gravel-pack/

Thanks for everyone's patience. I had a laugh so now I just need to replace all my too bulky gear and gain some climbing legs.

If there's room for a slow navigationally challenged neophyte then I get into Oxenholme around 12:30 or so.

SuperSolo wrote:Going by a recent thread on here, remove your valve caps

...and the dork disk. In preparation for my last ride I saved 100g by eating 5 fig rolls before departure.

Is Co-op the new REI house brand?

I came across this today which might be useful:

http://www.cyclingabout.com/dynamo-hub- ... b-testing/

She's using the tent at least on her round the world tour so she may or may not be being sponsored.

I have a Rab jacket, a green tent *and* a gas stove so I felt victimised.

Thanks all, it looks like I need to check out longstaffs since it's only half hour away and then keep pedalling. Brothersmith, I sent you a PM.

What make of bags are you trying to fit on what bike? It's a medium Giant Anthem, so 27.5 wheels, 2.25 tyres, 100mm suspension each end. I'm initially looking for a seat pack that has sufficient clearance for the rear wheel so, since I'm new to all this, I was hoping to find an LBS where I could br...

Hi all,
I'm looking for a LBS nearish Stafford that actually stocks bike packing luggage so that I can check to see if things fit on my bike before I buy them. The closest I've found so far is Keep Pedalling in Manchester which is a fair way so I was hoping someone would know of somewhere closer.

I booked a spot at the lower Wray campsite because I wasn't sure if the overnighter from the station was suitable for a mostly clueless slow novice.

It's a medium frame 27.5 though I've got relatively long legs so there's a fair amount of seat post showing. I'll have a look at a smaller pack.

I'm currently gearing up for an overnight trip on my full-sus (100mm travel both ends). I've got an Ortlieb bar bag so I'd planned to get the matching seat pack but the reviews seem mixed as to whether it's suitable for a full-sus bike. Does anyone have any experience with the Ortlieb pack or can th...

indeed!

Bearbonesnorm wrote:I can't show you a picture of my new handcrafted yew warbow because it's been snaffled away until my birthday next month.

Out of curiosity, what's the draw weight? My elm (I think) reenactment bow is about 30lbs so about a quarter a Mary Rose bow.