 I shall navigate  |
| "Let's move out!" |
I want to spend some time riding with a proper load and weight distribution. I also need to know what kind of volume I have to work with so I can tweek my supply cargo. I got the T-28's for the low rider front rack and the large handlebar bag. These choices should compliment the G-54's on the rear nicely. Now that I have all the gear that I think I will need for this 'solo' trip, it's time for a much anticipated test ride.
So, after filling all the bags with my gear ( give or take a few things, will fine tune selection later). It was time to step on the scale:
* Me(in ride gear)194lbs!, Bike-31lbs!, Bags-59lbs
* Bike/Bag weight = 79lbs
* GVW = 273lbs!
The added "Molson Muscle" that I have accumulated will certainly slow things down, not to mention difficulty fitting into my summer cycling jersey. Perhaps it will fit by the time I reach Quebec. YUK ! Arkel has designed bags that are perfect for me. Lots of compartments and pockets for good organization. Also, the mounting hardware is ingenious. I find the handlebar bag to be huge, but will make a fine cooler. Will need to adjust to riding without seeing the front tire.
Test ride went well. Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve(LSCR) is a great place to train.LSCR It's a 10km paved recreational road winding through the forest in North Van. I can do multiple repeats without annoying traffic or "road furniture", just have to keep an eye out for bear, deer or worst of all, the dreaded Roller Blader ! I will return to log a longer ride, but with less than 3 weeks to go, there arn't really any fitness gains to yield. I will bring Highway Cat for that ride, although she doesn't believe in "training". As a cat, she prefers to "jump into the fire". She's crazy, but will serve me well as my First Officer.
 |
| Mounting hardware (cool) |
 |
| Large handlebar bag |
 |
| Handlebar bag bracket |
 |
| Test ride @ LSCR |
 |
| Descends like a freight train |
