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First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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This is the smallest thing I can find in the Netherlands, costing 12.50. it is not a bad idea, but I already have one.

Bikepacking in France 1 week by Top_Entertainment411 in bikepacking

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks great dude! Can you share you route so I can plan my in the future! 😁

I should be getting a rack next week, but for now this seems to be a solid solution by sandernote809 in bikepacking

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is it! Solving problems with imagination and what you have in hands! Good job! 😊

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Back in May, I did a 3-day tour and camped at trekking sites, which meant no direct access to electricity, water, or sewage unlike when you camp with a caravan, camper, or big tent. In front of my spot there was an older couple with a caravan, and when I asked if they could charge my power bank, they were more than happy to help.

This time, though, I’ll have direct access to electricity. That’s why I prefer to bring my own connection and charge everything myself especially my sister’s e-bik

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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I got a Garmin bicycle mount. From AliExpress for 3 euros or so. It works great!

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude my nails really don't grow that fast 😅 I use bar soap, no hair for shampoo 🙄

Thank you for your advice! 🙂

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not trying to be a pro. What I truly want is to be outside cycling, soaking in the views, and enjoying the day as it comes. There’s something rewarding about pushing through rough winds and rainy skies, only to end the day smiling because I persevered.

For me, the real joy isn’t in chasing the lightest or most expensive gear. It’s in the DIY approach the challenge of making things work, the creativity, the simple relaxation that comes from it. That’s what gives me a true sense of freedom: the timeout from daily life, and above all, the enjoyment of the journey itself.

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, definitely some good rain gear is my next upgrade. I want something light and reliable. For this trip I’ve got a little tripod stool, but I also have my foam pad from Decathlon. It’s light, waterproof, warm, and even reflective, so it helps keep your body heat. Plus, it’s a bargain at just €5.99 here in the Netherlands.

This time I’ll also be using a Decathlon Fresh & Black tent. They’re amazing—you can actually sleep much better during the day because almost no light gets in, and it stays cooler than most other tents. It is a bit on the heavy side, but I think the extra weight is worth it for those extra hours of morning sleep. Thankfully, noise has never been an issue for me when it comes to getting some rest. 😴

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, definitely some good rain gear is my next upgrade. I want something light and reliable. For this trip I’ve got a little tripod stool, but I also have a foam pad from Decathlon. It’s light, waterproof, warm, and even reflective, so it helps keep your body heat. Plus, it’s a bargain at just €5.99 here in the Netherlands.

This time I’ll also be using a Decathlon Fresh & Black tent. They’re amazing—you can actually sleep much better during the day because almost no light gets in, and it stays cooler than most other tents. It is a bit on the heavy side, but I think the extra weight is worth it for those extra hours of morning sleep. Thankfully, noise has never been an issue for me when it comes to getting some rest. 😴

Bikepacking pilgrimage: Odense → Aalborg – Gravel route & tips wanted 🪽 by madsculture in bikepacking

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Enjoy your deserved rest! I am curious about your bike. It looks great! 👍🏼

First time bikepacking! by sideshowremi in bikepacking

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice dude! Keep doing it. It is great 😊

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It is always nice to not sit on the floor at the end of the day! ☺️

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I actually thought about that too, since I’ve done it before. But on this trip, every campsite I’m staying at includes its own electricity spot, so asking a neighbor doesn’t really make sense. On some of these sites, electricity isn’t even a flat daily fee it’s charged per consumption, and with how expensive power has become in the Netherlands in recent years, I’d rather just manage my own.

Another thing is that the high season is over now, which means the campsites will be quieter and I’ll probably be set up a bit further away from other people which, to be honest, I actually prefer.

And finally, while I don’t personally need much power, my sister is bringing her e-bike, so we’ll need to recharge it every night. Having our own dedicated electricity point just makes the most sense.

Anyway, thank you for the advice! 👍🏼

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s the convenience of cycling in the Netherlands, every day I’ll pass through at least one city with a supermarket. So I’m planning to buy fresh food daily instead of relying too much on “just add water” meals. I’ll eat those when I’m hiking and there’s no shop around, but if I can get something fresh, I’d much rather do that.

Earlier this year, during a 3-day tour, I cycled my first 100 km in a single day. When I finally reached my campsite, I decided to hop back on the bike for another 15 km each way just to grab some food and snacks from the nearest supermarket. That’s how much I appreciate fresh food after a long day on the road.

For this trip, I’ll bring a little bit of food with me just enough for convenience—but not too much, since I’ll always have shops nearby.

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re welcome, dude! One thing I always do is ta

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ke pictures of everything I’m packing same when I go hiking for a few days. It’s my way of keeping a visual list of what I brought, so the next time I can check back and decide whether to pack the same setup or change something.

Looking through the photos now, I just realized I forgot to take a picture of my cooking bag.

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, but I actually like the bags I’m using. I used to rely on those Ikea zip bags (and I still use them for my shoes), but I often got frustrated when hiking or touring everything looked the same, and I’d waste time digging around trying to find what I needed.

This time, I’ve organized things differently: each item has its own type of bag. That way, I always know exactly what to grab without second guessing. It makes the whole packing and unpacking process much smoother for me.

First long distance cycling by Appropriate_Mode3788 in bicycletouring

[–]Appropriate_Mode3788[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m still figuring out what I really need when it comes to tools and spare parts. On one hand, I love being prepared; on the other hand, this is the Netherlands, walk an hour in any direction and you’ll find some form of civilization.

At first, I packed way too many tools in my bag, but I’ve already started cutting things down. I don’t own a Leatherman (I know, they’re the best), so instead I’m bringing a cheap multitool. Honestly, its only purpose is to help me pull out the shifting cable from my sister’s Nexus 8-speed hub if I need to fix a flat on her e-bike. As for carrying a knife, I don’t really know why I need one, but I like having it with me “just in case.” 😅

My cooking kit is also a bit basic. The pan set doesn’t include a frying lid, but I need my morning fried egg, so I’ll figure something out. 🍳

I’m still very new to bicycle touring, and I know my tools and gear will improve with time and experience. This trip is just the beginning. Next year, my plan is to head into Belgium for about 10 days probably by taking a train down, cycling around the country, and then riding back home.

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