Eurovelo 15 - One week to go ... what to pack!

 Below is my list of gear I'm taking ...

Bike

Merida Speeder 500 - a hybrid bike with a gear range that is not great for tour cycling but really comfortable - I've added a 'timeless' Brookes B17 leather seat. Still wearing it in so may not be the most comfortable for the first 100kms or so!

I've also added Tubus Tara Big Apple front rack and the Topeak Explorer rear rack - the MTX trunk bag slides on brilliantly. I have a combination lock for the bike and a lightweight bike cover - this cover weighs next to nothing but can act as a deterrent for would-be thieves (and protects my expensive leather seat from the elements).  I'll also have 2 x 750ml water bottles (I'm reliably informed that there are plenty of places to fill up), a bike pump, a pedal spanner (taking this all the way there and back just to take my pedals on and off for flights), puncture kit, zip ties, and a multi-tool set.

I did look to hire a bike in-country however as I was travelling one way, landing in Zurich and leaving from Amsterdam, it was too difficult. Fortunately, I'm still a Gold Qantas Frequent Flyer (for 3 more months) so I can take 47kgs of gear with me. Bike and gear come in under that so no excess luggage fees ... unless they add my weight in as well.

Panniers and bags

I'm an Ortlieb convert. Yes, you do pay more however they do stand the test of time - and waterproof all the way. They are so well designed and their locking system makes it so easy to take on and off the front and rear racks (and I did take out a mortgage to buy these).

• Ortlieb back roller free rear panniers
• Ortlieb sport roller free front panniers
• Ortlieb 15ltr handle bar pack and accessory pack
• Ortlieb frame pack top tube
• Small cockpit bag
• Topeak MTX trunk bag DX

The back rollers aren't the largest rear panniers in the Ortlieb range however I didn't want to much weight in the rear - and if I had more space I'd probably use it!

 My living quarters

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag liner
• Sleeping mat 
• 2 person tent
• Foam travel pillow
• 2mtr x 2mtr tarp
• Hiking stove (gas) and hiking cooking utensils (cutlery, mug, saucepans)

I've spent some time on multi-day hikes (before the knees said enough!) so I'm comfortable with my set up. The tent is free standing which makes it easier to set up on hard ground or under cover if you can find a shelter overhead for the night. I have a two-person tent which allows me to store my bags inside and still have room to sleep comfortably.

Clothing

Now this becomes a wee bit controversial as many will feel that I've packed too many clothes (and they may be right!). The challenge I have is that I'm cycling as the seasons change, and starting at an altitude of over 2000 metres and finishing at sea level, so judging what combination of clothes to take is ... well, challenging. The worst case is I send some home or hand them to a homeless person (and after cycling for so many days they might hand them back!)

• 2 x bike shorts
• 1 x thermal underwear - top and pants
• 3 x merino t-shirts
• 2 x long casual pants
• 2 x long sleeve shirts
• I x thongs (flip flops)
• 1 x shoes
• 1 x light rain jacket
• 1 x lightweight pullover
• 1 x hat
• 1 x beanie
• 1 x arm warmers
• 1 x neck warmer
• 1 x gloves
• 1 x helmet 
• 3 x socks and 3 x undies (in case you wanted to know)

Tech

I do want to keep in contact with family and friends, and keep this record of my trip - memories may fade but words and photographs don't (ok ... words and photographs can fade too but you know what I mean!). Late change is that I'm also taking my old phone (Samsung S10+) as DJI, in their wisdom, haven't made the OSMO gyro compatible with the newer S21 .... brilliant!

• 1 x Samsung A8 tablet
• 1 x Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra phone and Samsung S10+ phone
• 1 X Sony 1000-XM4 noise cancelling ear buds
• 1 x DJI Osmo4 gyro
• 1 x Hammerhead Karoo GPS
• 1 x Kindle
• 1 x Cygnett 20,000 mAh Power Bank
• Assorted cables, adapters, chargers

Other stuff

• Small medical kit (nothing fancy) but plenty of Ibuprofen and Voltaren for aches and pains ...
• Small cool bag (for food purchases late each day to cook that night while camping)
• Passport
• Credit and debit cards (with some Swiss Francs and Euros to tide me over for the first few days)
• Toiletries
• Foldaway backpack (for walks)
• Headlamp
• Money belt
• 2 x bungee cords
• 2 x foldaway 70ltr carry bags (to pack gear in for flights)

Luxury items

Don't even think about commenting on these ... they are coming!

• Aeropress coffee maker
• Hiking chair

 
I have also invested in some Tiles (GPS Trackers). I'm not sure about the wisdom of this - I'll be able to see where my luggage is at all times. Given the current issues with airline travel and lost luggage, it sounded good at the time. Now all I can think of is flying off into the wild blue yonder and seeing that my luggage and bike haven't moved from the baggage area at Brisbane airport!

I'm doing this ride to raise funds for Blue Dragon Children's Foundation. I'm self-supported so all donations go directly to Blue Dragon. If you can give please do at ...

https://au-bluedragon.givecloud.co/fundraisers/pedalling-for-a-purpose