Fully Loaded And No Where To Go

Pablos and I had a trial run with our full luggage load today. For me this meant filling my expandable tank bag to the brim, my new panniers with dirty washing and putting 2 sleeping bags, a couple of towels & a pair of my wife’s jeans in a roll bag on the sports rack.

I keep my bike in the house as I don’t have a garage; it saves me at least £150 on my insurance and has helped her to keep her good looks over the passed 2 winters. However, it does mean that I have to fit my luggage on once outside otherwise she wouldn’t fit through the door. It was raining first thing this morning, so that enhanced the experience no end.

The panniers went on first using various straps and some webbing to protect the paintwork. Refitting the seat was a little troublesome, but it wasn’t too bad. Then it was the turn of the large roll bag onto the rack. This involves the use of two bungee cords and a strap. It was a piece of cake yesterday, but today I struggled to get one of the bungies on. The end of it slipped out of my grasp and hit me in the mouth with some force. I was quite lucky to get away with nothing worse than a cut lip, as it had also hit one of my teeth. It was at this point that Pablos pointed to the warning label on the bungie that reads,

“IMPORTANT – Do not tension bungie near your head as it may slip from your hand and cause injury”

It wasn’t a very welcome reminder as I bled all over the front path. I’ll have to remember that next time.

We only had a short run up the motorway and back to see if everything stayed where we wanted it and how the bikes handling was effected by all the luggage. Much to my surprise everything went without any drama, except Pablos’s finger wiper came lose on the motorway and he had to shove it in a pocket as he went. Not an easy task with gloves on at 60MPH, but he managed it.

My bike felt a little down at the back and her turning was very slightly slower, but nothing to worry about. What I don’t like though is having the top of the tank bag right under my chin. I suppose it could be useful if I need a quick snooze on our journey 8-)

On my way home from Pablos’s house I felt like an intrepid explorer setting out on a great adventure. After negotiating the mountainous terrain of the by-pass I was at home all too quickly.

At least I’m now physically, if not mentally prepared for our mini adventure. The part I’m dreading the most is the 350 miles of motorways between us and our caravan. But I’m sure we can make that exciting too.

Bring on Saturday fortnight I say.

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Vital Statistics

Miles Covered = 50 Approx.
Lips Cut = 1
Teeth Broken = 0
Blood Lost = Less than 1 pint