Maiden Voyage – Pats First Cycle Adventure - Part 1
A former commuting cyclist mounts his bike again and plans his first tour. Ever itched to mount your bike and pedal into the wide blue yonder for a few days – but not sure where to start? Pat is about to try his first self-sufficient tour – test his endurance and test his gear.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Pat is a typical mid-50’s resident in a modern seaside town. And like a growing number of mid-50s people he has returned to cycling. However his ambitions for cycling are different to some other cyclists.
Pat: Like most people I rode a bike regularly while I was a kid and I have ridden various times as an adult. Now in my early 50’s I have bought a hybrid and I am cycling again.
Dave: Tell me why you started cycling again Pat.
Pat: A range of reasons. I wanted to slow the ageing process, create a slower pace of life and thus experience more on the way through- things such as the visual and social. When we arrived here (at the campsite on this trip) we hardly started setting up when people came over to talk!
I drove to Mackay on my own a while ago and I experienced total social isolation the whole trip enclosed in a metal cocoon staring down a ribbon of bitumen. So often when you see photos of people cycling they are riding side by side obviously talking- people who cycle often seem to interact much better.
Of course improving fitness is another reason particularly as I want to participate in some large organised rides. I discovered these reading a copy of the Australian Cyclist- and about the same time Hervey Bay Bicycle User Group ran their 50’s+ workshop which really encouraged me. I was fired up to buy my own bike again when I realised modern high-tech bikes are so much easier to ride.
Dave: And what attracted you to self-supported touring? Your initial interest was in the large supported rides.
Pat: I guess firstly because you were so enthusiastic about your experiences, and you never pushed the issue. Your enthusiasm was simply catching. (Dave blushes). And of course reading of other people’s experiences in the Australian Cyclist. Also the simplicity of camping is within my comfort zone- I have never enjoyed the idea of holidays in busy resorts. I would far rather be out in the open air enjoying the scenery and people.
Shortly before Pat’s first self-supported tour he checked over my gear and raided the local camping shops. This was his final packing list.
|
PAT’S KIT |
||
| Bike/Camping Items | Kitchen Items | Personal Items |
| pair of Tioga panniers | lightweight gas stove | limited clothing |
| bike lights | disposable gas cylinder | swimming togs and towel |
| rear-view mirror | billy | sunscreen |
| bike security lock | mess kit | RID insect repellant |
| water bottles | drinking mug | reflective safety vest |
| basic tools | can opener | raincoat |
| spare tube | sharp knife | |
| 2 man dome tent | food | |
| 3/4 self-inflating mattress | ||
| lightweight sleeping bag | ||
| Visit the Break Loose Marketplace for the latest second hand cycling gear provided by EBay Australia. |
Dave: A first-aid kit is a necessity- we will use mine for this trip. One rule of thumb I have discovered for packing – eliminate hard containers and angled corners which make it impossible to efficiently pack panniers. I pack almost everything in stuff sacks (cloth bags with drawstrings) or ziplock plastic bags. Toiletries and first-aid kit I keep in pencil-cases. One couple I saw kept all their kitchen utensils in a giant pencil case. Compression bags (from a camping store) are good for soft items like sleeping bags, clothing etc.
| Article by Dave McLeod of Hervey Bay in Queensland Australia. Dave is a Writer, Music Educator and Cycle Tourist. Find out more about Dave at his blog “Aussie Writer & Cycle Tourist”.This article has been provided for publication by Dave McLeod. Unauthorised use or reproduction is strictly prohibited. All material & images are © Dave McLeod. Break Loose thanks Dave McLeod for allowing us to bring you his excellent cycling article. |
Read Maiden Voyage – Pats First Cycle Adventure - Part 2 for the continuation of Dave’s cycling article.
Discuss this article below. What are your experiences?