OK chaps, assistance needed and any input will be welcomed, especially long distance riders (you know who you are
).
I'm planning my 200m city to city ride. I now have a possible accomplice; bloke at work who is pretty keen on adventuring and isn't in bad shape.
Because I want to enjoy it I'm going to spread the ride over a minimum of 3 days. We'll go by train early morning (9am arrival) to Chengdu and begin the ride back doing 50-70 miles per day depending on our outlook for the trip (weather, accommodation, repairs). I'm planning on 4 days to get the most enjoyment and not have to grind to make our destination for the night. I don't plan on riding in the dark as Chinese roads are bad enough in the city, never mind the country!
The first 75% of the trip will be flat or moderate hills, nothing challenging. the last 25% inside of Chongqing will be mountains, proper workout!
I'm still in the planing stages but want some advice on what to take. I was in 2 minds about using my road bike on poor country roads but after 50km today I think it'll manage with some new tubes and tyres. She's a tough old beast. I'll be swapping out my race tyres and tubes for a regular touring set and also swapping the CF seat for something with some padding! There aren't any pannier eyelets so I'll be taking a medium sized back-pack. Hotels will be used for sleep along the way.
Here's my list, please mention anything I've forgotten:
Clothing (not to be warn all at once!)
Leggings.
Track trousers.
Gloves.
Buffs.
Glasses.
Water-proof, light weight rain jacket.
Cycling jersey.
Football socks.
Thermal sweater.
Padded shorts.
Long Johns.
Cycling shoes.
Normal trainers.
Woolly hat.
Helmet (?)
Need to buy a poncho possibly.
Gear (in the pack / on the bike)
Small pump.
Presta valve converter (probably will go with normal 'car' valve tubes).
bike tool kit + tyre levers.
Spare tubes.
Cable ties.
Lube.
Bike computer.
Water bottle & cage.
Bike lights / flash light.
First aid kit.
Anything else I might need?
I'm going to service the old girl a week before because I might need new front brake pads. They've done nearly 2'000km but I hardly use the brake so don't know why they're so warn. Maybe the wheel is not true. Will have the wheels + spokes checked at the shop.
Over the next few days I'll be posting the route here with more details.
Any suggestions welcome as this is my first long distance, seriously dangerous ride (freezing weather, mountain roads, Chinese drivers!).
. If anyone remembers the first downhill video I posted in here I think I've gotten a bit better since then.
They'll replace Tektro Dracos which admittedly stop the bike quickly but in a very unconvincing way, very little if any feel in them. Not a desirable feature in a steep gravel downhill!
I've only had a quick test ride with them but they're a huge improvement and seem very well made. 
:tup:
