Today was the day we packed the panniers and went for a bike touring practice ride pretty much fully loaded. No doubt we will change things around as we go, but a ride just short of 60km from Portrush to Ballycastle, and back, gave us an idea of how the bikes (and us) will feel on an average day of bike touring.
Distances
We’re guessing that our average daily distances on our upcoming bike tour of New Zealand will be something around 60-80kms, with some days a lot less, and others a lot more. Bearing in mind its going to be summer time in NZ we should have plenty of hours of daylight to get from A to B. How long it takes will depend on the terrain and the weather. Fingers crossed for as many downhills and tail winds as possible!
Luggage
We have two rear and two front panniers each, plus a handlebar bag each. The front panniers and handlebar bag certainly make the steering feel much heavier, but it was surprisingly quick to get used to it. The rear panniers were not full today, but the space will be used for the all important food we’ll need to carry.
I carried the tent today, but that will probably change to Dave’s pannier. It didn’t take long to realise that he is always going to be ahead and will be arriving at the campsites first. If he has the tent with him, he can have it set up by the time I arrive!
Gears
Gears are a slight concern – are we going to have enough??? We had one or two spare today on the Causeway Coastal Route, but that might not be the case on the hills in New Zealand.
Rears
Our rears are the other big issue – big as they are, our saddles are not, and even with the padded bike shorts we know consecutive days in the saddle, particularly the first week, is going to be a challenge, but we like a challenge so bring it on!
Naturally we had to practice a refreshment stop too – no better place than Ursa Minor in Ballycastle for fuelling up.
That’s the dress rehearsal done for our first ever cycling holiday, next up will be the real thing in New Zealand.
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