Fat Girl Fit

Be fearlessly unapologetically you

Category: Cycling

My First Season/League E-Racing

One of my closest friends races. We cycle a lot together and know that one can count on the other when there’s a stupid idea being raised and the other wants company. We are generally responding as ‘are you mad? count me in’. I like friends like that.

When she was trying to encourage me to join a team to race on Zwift I would smile and nod but had no intention of trying it. However, I have seen her go from strength to strength with her cycling and she had joined a team that she spoke so highly of. So I joined.

The team I joined is Aeonian Race Team and I am so pleased! The season has just finished and I have definitely caught the bug from these ladies!

The Initial Set Up

I have written a post previously about my set up at home that you can read here. I was racing in the Zwift Racing League with my team, Aeonian Divas, and to take part you have to have:

  • Register a Zwift Power account – you will need to have completed 3 races in order for your category to be accurately worked out. The categories are based on your FTP and average power held from previous results.
  • Register a WTRL account – this is where the team is registered for the Zwift Racing League, categories are selected and time zone you are registered to race in. You can see results and league tables here for both the team and individual riders.
  • Equipment that transmits power data – I use a Wahoo Kickr smart trainer that has a built in power meter and cadence sensor.
  • Wearing a heart rate monitor – this is mandatory for category A but the use of this with power provides more accurate data but you will lose 50% of your points if no heart rate data is transmitted during racing.

What Was Involved

  • 1 race per week that have to have a minimum of 4 riders take part or the team will be disqualified
  • 8 events in total that included 2 team time trials and 6 races
  • Points are scored from FAL (first across the line on segments and overall) and FTS (fastest timed sprint on segments)
  • TTT (team time trial) can have up to 6 riders and 4 have to finish
  • Our team captain would receive all details each week and circulate the race pass to sign up to the events
  • Ensuring height and weight is updated weekly if needed

Full rules and regulations can be found here if you are interested in reading more.

What I Learned

  • There are so many tactics!
  • Drafting and riding in a line is more difficult than you would imagine in the virtual world
  • Just when you think you are nailing drafting with a team Zwift changes the set up and it’s like starting again
  • Listen to your team mates and their advice from previous racing as they know what they are talking about!
  • Despite it being a race you need to play to your strengths and remember you are part of a team so you may focus on segments, sprints, or finishing positions.
  • Having a DS (directeur sportif) is so useful – they can see overall where you are and provide advice, especially in the TTT where they can inform if gaps are forming or you are approaching teams to overtake.
  • Bike choice can make a huge difference depending on the course.
  • When you are awarded a power-up use them wisely (and don’t leave your apple tv remote out of reach as I did on my first ride so unable to activate the power ups during the race).
  • Find a team that are encouraging and supportive as I did – it makes all the difference! Aeonian have 69 ladies spread across all categories and collectively they represent 20 countries worldwide.

I am looking forward to continuing with racing and have set this as a winter goal of mine so I don’t lose everything I have learned!

Category: Cycling, Fitness

My Winter/Off Season Goals

Do you ever make winter/off season goals for yourself? I can’t say I do but this year I am changing that.

Like everyone else the recent year (and some) have meant events have been cancelled/rescheduled and that as afforded me the luxury of being able to do as much or as little as I want in terms of training. That is a huge bonus, however, there are some downsides and as I am looking at events for 2022 I was looking at areas to focus on in the coming months so have set myself some goals.

E-Racing

I don’t really have race mentality. I like to see celebrate success in others as well as myself but this year I joined Aeonian Race Team. This team are the most amazing bunch of ladies – super encouraging, supportive, helpful and they really empower each other.

Taking part in races has really thrown my out of my comfort zone but I can see the benefits already and it is something I am keen to continue with. So in some way shape or form I will continue with the racing and to push myself.

Climbing (On The Bike That Is)

I am not a climber. I can get up the hills but I am a lot slower than most others. I find if I ride in a group I set off trying to keep with others and pretty quickly suffer the consequence. It is something I noticed with the racing also, that I would inspect the routes and mentally be stressed in advance knowing if it was a hilly course I was likely to bring very little to the team.

I have a great set up at home so can use Zwift to help with this also. I will just let my husband know in advance when I am likely to be doing these sessions as I am a pretty grumpy climber also.

Weight(s) – Mine & Lifting

Yup that thing you are not supposed to say anymore as it is a bit of a taboo subject – I wrote a whole blog piece on this that you can find here. But for the coming months I want to drop weight – this will help with both of the above goals and quite honestly I am not comfortable with where I am right now so want to do something about it.

I am certain I had this as a goal previously but then life got flip turned upside down (see what I did there?) and it was not so much of a focus and Covid saw so many banana breads it was hard (but so good)!

Consistency With Strength Work

I have done many courses of different bootcamps, body transformations, strength work and none of them bad whatsoever, but I find then the next thing comes along and my focus might change and then before I know it I have not done strength work in several months on a consistent basis.

I will be taking this back to basics to have a regular workout – I don’t like to ignore strength work and have seen first hand, for me, how this has improved my health and fitness.

Tick Off Some More Zwift Routes

Like many other people I have been steadily working my way through the list of routes on Zwift. Every time I think I am getting closer there seems to be an extension (which I am not moaning about) and more routes get added. So looking forward to the new 8 Makuri Islands Neokyo routes and ticking those off and some of the longer ones that are left on my list too.

MTB Fun

There has to be fun as well right? I love the MTB and just making the ride up as I go. Winter season is generally slosh season and I am not a fan but for winter months need to suck it up and work on that.

Do you set winter/off season goals? If so what are they?

Category: Cycling, Fitness

Commuting To Work By Bike

I, like most, have been working from home since the start of the pandemic 18-months ago. When my company said we would/could return to the office I was already thinking I would need to get organised for commuting by bike once again.

I have written a post previously when I first started commuting by bike that you can read here and another about cycling at different times of the day that you can read here.

After being at home for so long and not having to get all my bits together for commuting I had forgotten how much organisation was required!

My Commuter Checklist

This is the kit I use for commuting from Essex to London by bike:

  • Bike check – night before I check the tyre pressure and that everything is in good working order. I also use my gravel bike for my commute.
  • Saddle bag – as with the above I check I have everything I might need should something come up on route (never say the P word!). I have the Ortleib Micro Two bag, which fits in 2 tubes, 2 gas canisters and adaptor, tyre levers and multi tool. Very compact, simple to use and easy to get on and off. The material is waterproof and wipes clean, which is useful as you get a lot of grime pick up during the commute.
  • Mud guards or mudflap – I do some solo commuting but used to commute with a friend and now have occasions where I commute with my husband so these are good for riding with others to not shower them in mud and wet but also to stop/limit getting the same on yourself and your bike.
  • Overshoes – I don’t use these in the summer months but do for winter and have some custom overshoes from my club that are from BioRacer. I have the tempest material that is thermal lined and the water beads off the material so you have toasty and dry feet!
  • Bag – I used to use the KitBrix CityBrix, which was fab but it has been ‘borrowed’ by my husband. I tried using a roll top backpack from Rapha recently but I couldn’t get on with it sadly – I found it didn’t sit just right and when looking around to see if roads were clear to ride across junctions the top corner of the bag was just in the way each time meaning I had to stop to check. I have a new bag, with thanks to Evans Cycles, that is the Osprey Radial backpack, that is very comfortable to use when riding, has a helmet attachment, kickstand for when not being used and keeping the bag upright, rain cover to use when needed, and the option to expand from 26 to 34 litre capacity depending on what is being carried. Very impressed with the Osprey bag so far!
  • Lights – I always charge these the night before and again top them up when I get into the office as I am always keen to be safe and seen! I have the Bontrager Ion Pro (front light) and Bontrager Flare (rear light) on my bike.
  • ID band – I have a sticker on my helmet but also wear a One Life ID wrist band that has all my emergency details, just in case!
  • Jacket – even in summer months as I am up early it can mean a jacket is required. Again I take this as an opportunity to be safe and seen and use a Proviz jacket. The reflective elements are great for the commute. It is waterproof and windproof, which is essential, however, it is not the most breathable – fine whilst wearing but once you stop I find you notice the moisture it has retained, which is not an issue for the commute as I have multiple hours between the commute in and home to allow it to dry/air.
  • Kit/helmet – always wear a helmet and kit is dependent on weather. I find a buff is such an undervalued piece of kit, easy to pack and if the weather turns (as it so often does) this can be used in multiple ways!
  • Bike computer – not an essential but I always ride with my Wahoo Bolt.

I have a secure bike lock up at work and leave a lock there, as well as leaving toiletries at work so I don’t need to take those back and forth.

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.

Category: Cycling, Fitness

My Home Turbo Trainer Set Up

Coming into winter months I often use my turbo trainer more then other times in the year. I have also just joined an e-racing team, Aeonian Race Team, so there are now weekly races I am taking part in also using the turbo.

I have a great set up at home and I am very lucky, although my husband and I worked hard for this and it was a long time in the planning (and saving) to get there.

I am fortunate that my set up means I can leave my kit set up at all times, which is super convenient so I am ready to train without the need to set anything up beforehand.

There are many different options for indoor training, including trainers, rollers, and specific indoor training specific bikes like the Wattbike or Wahoo KICKR Bike. Here is a bit about my set up:

Turbo Trainer

I have the Wahoo Kickr smart turbo trainer, which is a direct drive trainer. This essentially means I remove the back wheel from my bike and connect directly to the cassette on the trainer.

This trainer has a built in power meter, which results in more accurate power readings and is what is known as a smart trainer meaning it can connect with apps/computer (whatever is your set up), cadence sensors, meaning riding is more realistic and efficient. It also automatically adjusts the resistance depending on the route I am doing, which could be for an interval in a session or to match a change in gradient when either ascending or descending.

I mentioned earlier that I have this set up permanently and that is good as the unit I have is heavy so really not ideal for constant moving.

Training App

I use my turbo trainer with Zwift and connect to this via an app on my Apple TV. I have the Zwift app downloaded and have my trainer and heart rate paired. Any updates I am alerted to and can easily run ahead of signing in to Zwift to ride.

Accessories

There are lots of accessories available in the market, however, for me my go to essentials are as follows:

  • Wahoo turbo trainer floor mat – this is placed directly under my trainer and bike. It is water (in my case sweat) resistant, easy to wipe clean, and does not move or allow the bike to move when riding.
  • Towels – I have to have a towel handy when riding, especially if completing a session or a race! I got this set from Zwift and they’re perfect to sit over the handlebars.
  • Fan – if you read about turbo training it is often referred to as a sweat fest (hence the mat and towel mentioned above) but I find the fan is a god send! There are super fancy fans available on the market but the one I have is fab and serves my need perfectly.
  • Muc Off Sweat Protect – despite the mat and towel you move position on the bike and sweat can get in various places including the bike frame and parts. This spray helps protect against corrosion that could be a result on both the bike and equipment.
  • Quad Lock – I have a quad lock on the handlebars so I have easy access to my phone to be able to use the Zwift Companion App, whilst in ride. This device is very impressive, super sturdy and whilst I have not had the need to use outside I do love it for my indoor training.

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.

Category: Cycling, Events, Fitness

Top 3 tips on Mental strategies – How to stay mentally motivated

During the past crazy 18-months I have been working from home and like everyone else seen events and holidays cancelled.  With this my motivation for training fluctuated and it was hard to stay mentally focussed sometimes.  I often find the same is true just before and on event days and whilst I trust my training I am always nervous.

There is a quote I heard once that I always try to remember on event days.  It is:

‘Physical strength will get you to the start line, but mental strength will get you to the finish line.’

My Top 3 Tips:

Most people, if they are honest, get nervous.  Nerves are normal.  Nerves are fine.  Nerves show that you care about what you are about to undertake.  I would say that my mental game is not that strong and something I need to work on, however, with experience I have gained over recent years I would offer the following 3 tips both for during training and on event day itself:

  1. Set yourself a goal.  It is key to remember that everyone’s goals are different and that is ok!  Some will be going for PB, some for the win, some to enjoy it, some to finish and whatever your goal is, it is good to have that in mind and plan accordingly so you do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself and end up comparing yourself with others.  Smaller goals in the lead up to your main goal are also a good way of keeping focused.  Whatever your goal, do it for you and no one else.
  2. Training.  Once you have your goal you can plan your training accordingly.  Your training should be realistic.  Consistency is key and you will benefit hugely from incorporating strength and conditioning (leg and core strength are key to endurance riding).  Rest days are part of the process too – don’t ignore the importance of allowing your body rest and recovery.  I keep a training diary where I log my training and keep note specifically if I have a good or bad session so I can adapt as needed.  Not all sessions will be good, but you just dust yourself off and try again.  I also fuel with nutrition through training that I will be using on event day as you want to know what works for you.  Trust your training on event day and enjoy the ride!  I have a blog post on training for an endurance event that you can read here.
  3. Be flexible.  My husband once told me that the circumstances on the day dictate your performance and I have learned through events with terrible weather that this is very true, and it is so important to be able to adapt if necessary.  Things like weather or mechanical issues are out of your control and you shouldn’t waste your energy on things like this but instead adapt and overcome.  For longer rides I would advise breaking down the mileage, yes you are still doing the same overall distance but breaking down to smaller milestones is more manageable to process and will not seem as overwhelming.

Category: Van Life

Essentials for Van Life

When we got our camper van we purchased it already converted you can read more on the spec of the van and upgrades we have made here.

For our first trips we would load up with things from in the house but soon realised our preference was to not have to move things to and from the house so we gradually started getting things that we leave in the van. The idea is that we are basically good to go whenever we want!

Our Van Essentials

Here are some of the items we have purchased that we use on every trip and find super useful:

  • Vango double sleeping bag – this was a bit of an impulse purchase as we had started by loading up the van with our duvet and pillows from home and then saw this in the bargain bin at Go Outdoors. This is a double sleeping bag and has another layer that you can either use as a mattress topper or for extra warmth. I have to say we love this sleeping system and it was a great investment.
  • 230V electric cable – to use when we are on sites and require electric hook up. However, we do have solar panels and have found we can camp for quite some time without the need for electric hook up but this is still good to have in the van just in case.
  • Mains convertor lead – to use with the electric cable.
  • Gas bottle – we don’t keep ours in the van when we are not using it but necessary for using the hob. They come in many different sizes so we opted for one that sites nicely in the cupboard out of the way.
  • Thule Levelers – these are amazing for when you have a pitch that may be on uneven ground and allows you to position under the wheels to make sure the van is level (and yes we have a spirit level in the van to check ha ha).
  • Fire extinguisher – for obvious reasons, compact and made for car/van use.
  • First aid kit – as above.
  • Carbon monoxide smoke alarm – you are cooking and using gas in a confined space so this is an essential in our view.
  • Plates/Cups/Glasses – we opted for melamine as it is durable and easy to clean and also got ours from Dunelm as we found the difference in price with normal shops and camping specific shops to be a lot.
  • Cutlery – we purchased some bamboo travel sets, which have been useful although we also got some stainless steel sets too as the wood is not best for all food.
  • Kitchen utensils – my husband stumbled on a travel set and it is perfect, and stores away neat and tidy.
  • Pots/pans – we have a small saucepan but also found a pan from Ridgeway, which is multi function and means we can make most things when in the van.
  • Camping mug – this has been with me on the bike also. I have one that I picked up in Starbucks but there are many out there that serve the same purpose.
  • Kettle – call me old fashioned but I love the sound of the kettle whistling when the water is boiled. My husband is more of a coffee drinker so we also have a hob top single cup coffee maker.
  • Windscreen wrap – once pitched this is an inexpensive way of covering the windscreen and keeping out light when sleeping and adding some more privacy for when you are in the van itself.
  • Tyre inflator – this is for the obvious times you may need to inflate tyres but also for terrain where you may wish to deflate slightly for better ground coverage and traction.
  • Recovery tracks – these are more one of those items you hope you will not need but ground is not always even and these can help if you end up on terrain where tyres get stuck.
  • Tupperware – we keep a lot of non-perishable goods in the van like coffee, tea bags, snacks and have these in tupperware containers to save any spills and keep them fresh. Plus they are easy to store and fit easily in the cupboards.
  • Cupboard essentials – things like fry light, washing up liquid we also keep in the cupboard.
  • Thule straps – we also attached Thule straps to keep certain things in place like the gas bottle and other items.
  • Chairs – we have a captains chair and also the bench seat but it is nice to sit outside and we purchased two chairs that we keep strapped in the boot area.
Category: Van Life

#VanLife with our VW T5 Camper Van

I have posted about our camper van and thought I would share some info on our set up that others may find useful. After all it is the year of the staycation!

We got our van from SW Vans in Wales.  They came recommended to us and offer vans for you to convert yourself, that are already converted, servicing and parts.  We cannot recommend these guys enough!  They have been helpful from the start, through the purchase process and post sale as they help answer all of our many questions and completed further work that we wanted done.

The Van Spec

We got a VW T5.1, 4 berth, short wheel base converted camper van, which included:

  • rock and roll bed
  • fridge freezer,
  • sink with water pumps
  • 2 gas hobs with gas pipe
  • 12 volt leisure battery
  • pop top with roof bed
  • folding/removable table
  • VW box buddy for additional storage
  • LED lighting
  • 240 volt hook up with sockets
  • USB 12v and 3 pin sockets
  • new MOT
  • gas and electric certificates
  • 2 year warranty

Upgrades We Have Made

During lockdown our first adventures were understandably cancelled and with money refunded we decided it was the perfect time to invest a little more and do some upgrades ready for later in the year when hopefully we can travel again and so we have since done the following:

  • solar panel added to the pop top roof (185 watt with Victron bluetooth controller) – installed by Planar Pete
  • internal 2kw diesel heater (taken directly from the fuel tank) installed – installed by Planar Pete
  • new sliding door panel with additional table integrated – purchased from iCamper Solutions
  • removed the double passenger seat and replaced with a single swivel captains chair – installed by SW Vans
  • additional leisure battery
  • side steps installed on both sides of the van
  • added an anchor point above the fridge freezer for the dog when we are travelling – a minor change but then she is closer to us rather than right at the back if we use the seats as an anchor point
  • new bumper sprayed with protective Raptor spray
  • awning installed on the side of the van – purchased and installed by Hill View Awnings 
  • purchased the Thule Residency room to attach to the awning  – purchased from Hill View Awnings
  • had a tow bar installed
  • purchased the Thule Velospace towbar bike rack and also  the Thule Backspace carrier that works with it
  • purchased a Bike Inside mount, which is so easy to use and you can purchase different adaptors to allow through axle to be mounted

Do you have a camper van and any advice or top tips?  We always welcome them!

Category: Cycling, Fitness, Product Reviews

Raleigh Motus E-Bike Review

I am very lucky to be supported by Evans Cycles this year for my adventures and events. I was asked if I would be interested in trying an electric bike. To be completely honest I have never tried and electric bike before and have never felt the need to have a bike with a motor in it so I was sceptical and not expecting to like it. BUT it is so much fun!

The bike I took delivery of was the Raleigh Motus Evans Exclusive Low Step 2021 Electric Hybrid Bike and I will admit I was super impressed with the chap who delivered this on a push bike in a trailer! This bike, like most electric bikes, are heavy so kudos to that man.

The Bike Spec:

A bit more about the bike – it comes with:

  • mudguards front and back
  • pannier rack with straps
  • it does have reflectors, however, I would always add bike lights depending on the time riding and how dark it is
  • a bell, which is always useful especially with a hybrid bike if riding off road or through park pathways
  • kickstand

The spec is as follows:

  • 300WH battery that provides energy output of up to 250% of your pedal power
  • 7 speed
  • Bosch motor – weighing in at 2.9kg that is a decrease from the previous version by 25%
  • hydraulic disc brakes
  • schwalbe tyres
  • anti slip pedals
  • mains adaptor for charging
  • handlebar bike computer to turn on, change settings and displays speed and current range in miles

The bike has the following settings:

  • eco
  • tour
  • turbo
  • sport
  • walk

Depending on what setting you use the battery, when fully charged, can last up to 60 miles.

It does have front suspension to make certain terrain more comfortable, however, don’t expect the same as an off road ride as it was still fairly bumpy even on the road going over some bumps/cracks/holes.

How Does It Work With Strava?

When I tried the bike for the first time I loaded my ride onto Strava and it flagged with a message to say it looked like the ride was on an e-bike (which I was fully planning to mark it as) and gave me the option to amend. Interestingly I had someone comment on the activity joking that it was lazy, however, electric bikes do have a place so hold that judgement!

Why Choose An E-Bike?

I had a friend who was very unwell a couple of years back and loves cycling, so she had said that if she did not recover enough to cycle as usual she would look to purchase an electric bike so she could still enjoy the sport she loves, which is amazing.

You may wish to continue cycling and not be able to go as far as you wish and an electric bike may allow this. You may have an injury that would mean an electric bike is more suitable. You may be getting older and wish to continue cycling without as much stress on joints that an electric bike facilitates. Plus it enables time outdoors, which is always an environmental benefit and good for wellbeing.

As you ride an electric bike you continue to pedal and work and yes it makes it easier especially on inclines but there is a common misconception that you jump on a electric bike and it does all the work for you, which is not strictly true.

Electric bikes are obviously cheaper than travelling by car or train and with no emissions are more environmentally friendly. However, I would note that they are not cheap to purchase.

I had a lot of fun using this bike and would love to try a mountain bike version, which I am sure would be huge fun on the trails!

Thanks to Evans for sending me this bike to have a play around with!

Category: Cycling, Fitness, Product Reviews

Bike Packing & Wild Camping Kit Checklist

Last weekend my friend Laura and I did part of the King Alfred’s way, which you can read about here. As I embarked on my first bike packing trip I realised how much there is to plan, prep and take with you and it can be a minefield.

Bike bags

Originally I was going to borrow bags from my friend Helen but I have been luck to be supported by Evans this year with my plans that they supported me with some bike packing kit that included the following:

  • Altura Vortex 2 Waterproof frame bag – I actually didn’t end up using this the past weekend as it is a much better fit for my gravel bike rather than MTB
  • Altura Vortex 2 Waterproof front roll – this was amazing and fit on the bike perfectly plus had loads of loops to change where straps went and strap things on to
  • Altura Vortex 2 Waterproof top tube pack – for longer road rides I always have a similar bag on the frame for easy access to nutrition
  • Altura seat pack – an oversized saddle bag again with lots of straps to attach things to
  • Patagonia 5L waist pack – essentially a bum bag to carry whilst riding

Quick Bag Review

The bags were amazing and I was really impressed and have the following feedback from their first use:

  • they were easy to attach
  • I particularly liked the foam pads to protect the bike from straps although you are bound to get some movement as you ride over technical terrain so there may still be some marks left but these definitely minimise the risk
  • they cleaned up brilliantly with a baby wipe despite having a lot of mud on them – using a tap of water when home was also fab
  • they fold down very flat when not in use
  • the only thing I would say is because they are not normal zips to ensure they remain waterproof you do have to be conscious not to overpack them otherwise the track can come away and open

They are now packed away in a bag ready for the next adventure!

Kit Checklist

So this is the final list of what we took with us:

  • Bike – (obviously) and again there is much debate on this with some people saying gravel bikes over MTB and others vice versa but we decided (mostly because of me rather than Laura) that we would do this on our MTBs. Laura is an experienced cross racer and far more comfortable with rough terrain on on a gravel or cross bike whereas my preference is MTB. Feedback showed opinions were split from those who had completed the ride so I would suggest go with what you are more comfortable with and I am happy with my choice!
  • Bike bags – bike packing means you carry all of your stuff and with British weather being so unpredictable waterproof is always best, as compact as possible and that fit on your bike and are comfortable to ride with. My lovely friend Helen also lent me a number of dry bags so everything I packed went into a dry bag just to be doubly sure nothing would get wet.
  • Sleeping bag – again as compact as possible and I was lucky that my husband had purchased one from Omm for when he did the half MDS ultra run, which was perfect and packs down very small and now in the sale too. There are different sleep options where you can have trousers that zip to jackets, which is what my friend Laura took. She also took a sleeping mat, which I didn’t – although light they are bulky and I can practically sleep anywhere so chose to leave that off my list but is personal preference.
  • Tent/bivvy – again a bit of preference and we opted for sleeping bag with bivvy bag and also took some tarp that we made into a bit of a tent for two that covered us and the bikes (this genius idea was all Laura so I can take no credit here).
  • Headtorch – for obvious reasons we are wild camping and so it gets dark and the headtorch is invaluable!
  • Waterproof jacket – again British weather means this is a necessary. You are carrying minimal kit so don’t want it wet. I have a lightweight jacket from BioRacer that packs away in a drawstring bag that is fab.
  • Thermal jacket – sounds bulky but I have a thin Specialized thermal jacket that packed down small, is lightweight and was a god send for when you stop cycling and are sweaty that soon turns to chills so essential to wrap up quickly.
  • First aid kit – hopefully do not need but very good to have for obvious reasons. Also an emergency blanket and poncho just in case.
  • Essential toiletries – baby wipes, toilet wipes, travel deodorant, travel brush, sudo cream, lip balm, travel toothbrush and toothpaste, mini towel, hand sanitiser, earplugs. You cannot underestimate the power of a wild camping wash to freshen up! Sun cream too because much as we moan about British weather it could be sunny and sun stroke/burn is no fun. Also don’t forget bug spray as you will get eaten alive as I did even though I was covered.
  • Bag for rubbish – work off the logic of leaving no trace. If you have rubbish or used items then bag it up and take it with you!
  • Money – cards and cash.
  • Battery pack – useful for phone as well as bike computer for the route. Also make sure you take the right cables for various devices if needed.
  • Bike computer – my wahoo was ready with the route loaded.
  • Bike lights – one front and one back light, we were aiming for long days so living by the logic of be safe and be seen.
  • Bike spares – 2 inner tubes, tyre levers, quick links, pump, puncture repair kit, multitool, like the first aid kit you hope not to need it but being prepared for various eventualities is the best approach.
  • Chamois cream – yep that! I took a few of the Her individual sachets so they were smaller and lighter to carry.
  • Bike lock – there were two of us but if you need to go to shops, toilets etc have a lock. We both have these compact locks from Hiplok that are perfect for cafe stops.
  • Helmet
  • Cycling sunglasses
  • Water bottle – I took one but ran out three times so would definitely either look to take two next time or a hydration vest of some sort – you need to judge by your set up and if you are using a frame bag or have a bike that allows for two bottle cages.
  • Spare clothes – take what works for you. I wore padded bib shorts, a base layer, technical top and my trusty five ten shoes. Also took a gillet, arm warmers, spare top and spare socks in case of wet feet and a buff – so versatile! Lightweight leggings for off bike, woolly hat and another top. Laura took spare bib shorts and honestly I think next time I will do the same!
  • Food – we knew there would be stops on route so were not planning to take enough food for the whole trip though had enough electrolytes, fuel we knew worked for us when cycling and of course a couple of emergency gels. Laura had got me a hip flask for my birthday so we had some gin (for post riding not whilst on our bikes obviously).
  • Miscellaneous – cable ties, electrical tape and string.

It looks like a lot of stuff but you can see from the pic that it fit nicely in the bags I used. I filled the bags as follows:

  • Top tube bag – nutrition, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, multi tool, cable ties, mini tube of lube with electrical tape wound round it, chap stick
  • Handlebar bag – thermal jacket, hat, gillet, waterproof jacket, bivvy bag, toileteries
  • Saddle bag – spare inner tubes, sleeping bag, spare clothes
  • Waist pack – battery pack, charger cables, bike lock, money, tissues

Some items mentioned in this post were gifted from Evans Cycles but all opinions are my own.