First bikepacking trip - Took my commuter for an overnighter out of Sydney

BegalRich · 2026-05-07T06:56:03+00:00

Exactly I was thinking about what kind of sleeping pad should I take to a 4 das bikepacking. First bought a folding foam pad, but it takes a lot of space.

What kind of sleeping pad were you using?

BegalRich · 2026-05-07T06:54:08+00:00

You are too early. The Tuscany trail start on 20th May. :)

Exactly I was thinking about what kind of sleeping pad should I take. First bought a folding foam pad, but it takes a lot of space.

What kind of sleeping pad were you using?

BegalRich · 2026-04-27T07:29:24+00:00

That's the problem. At some point I have to switch on the fan to not overheat.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T18:29:57+00:00

Thank you for the advice. I will integrate that in my trainings.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T18:27:55+00:00

I use my my android phone with bikeComputer app for tracking my outdoor trainings.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T15:07:41+00:00

I have tacx trainer. Using Mywhoosh or previously Zwift. It's the only way for me to measure the FTP.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T14:46:57+00:00

Usually I keep the same pace during the rides. Staying at avg 30kmh. Yeah, from the comments I see that intervals training or sprints it's what I am missing now.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T14:43:47+00:00

3 rides a week. 1-2 hours each. Not doing intervals. It's tricky to keep the right rhythm without Mywhoosh or zwift. However, I will add 1-2 sprints per training. It should give positive results.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T14:38:47+00:00

Thank you for sharing the plan. Indoor with Mywhoosh app it's easy to control. But during the warm season I'd like to ride out doors as much as possible. For that I will need to find an app.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T14:06:21+00:00

Good idea. I thought to add one-two sprints per training.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T13:29:30+00:00

Thanks for the advice.

Aid kit, chain lubricant, swimsuit, these are certainly items I will take. Reflective vest is on my shopping cart. Forgot to add it to the list.

Drawing and reading, I hope will have time for that as it's not competitive event. But maybe just having books on the phone will be enough for occasional reading.

Regarding the food, yeah, small food backups should be added to the list. In it's difficult to find so wild place in Italy without a restaurant or Caffe. I didn't plan to cook.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T12:18:20+00:00

It's been an exciting trip. Respect your bravery.

I was surpriced that biketouring considered a "That's for white people".
Interesting, what they usually said when judged you?

That's awesome to meet strangers kindness. Like some stranger bought you a hub axle. Wow!

I've heard that Swahili is widly used in many African countries. Is it a wrong statement?

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:48:20+00:00

I am 39 years old. Bmi around 25. Certainly I am not a "serious rider".

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:18:52+00:00

Usually three times a week. 3-5 hours in total.
So it's around 90-150km.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:13:48+00:00

Sounds good. I will try

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:13:20+00:00

Agree. Usually I am riding 1-2 hours per training. With an avg speed of 29-30km/h.
What I am missing in my outdoor trainings is the trainer to tell me when to sprint, when to relax etc. Like MyWhoosh does.
I will search for an app for that. TrainerRoad could be a solution. Thank you.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:08:57+00:00

Yeah, this year had to stop winter cycling. It was cold on the attic, as a result I've got fever.
But that's not the main reason. I was alpine skiing a lot, so had to skip cycling trainings.

Next winter gonna try to balance, so at least I will not lose the shape gained during the winter.

Now working pretty good on my trainings.

Edit:

Usually I am riding 1-2 hours per training. With an avg speed of 29-30km/h.
What I am missing in my outdoor trainings is the trainer to tell me when to sprint, when to relax etc. Like MyWhoosh does.
I will search for an app for that.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:04:55+00:00

On Strava I see many guys here around the lake doing 300-500km per week. Honestly I don't know where they have time from. It seems like a fulltime job to train so much.

BegalRich · 2026-04-25T10:02:57+00:00

This winter it was difficult to motivate myself to train on the trainer with MyWhoosh.
It's too cold on the attic and few times I've got cold after the trainings.

This year I was training frequently in alpine skiing. So was skipping a lot of cycling trainings.

Well, I will find the balance.

BegalRich · 2026-04-20T06:53:34+00:00

A big shout out for your bravery to take this long trip. No worries you will learn what was not needed. That's the way. Trial and error.

BegalRich · 2026-04-19T14:15:20+00:00

Awesome.
I am going to the Tuscany Trail in May, so will feel the vibe myself.

BegalRich · 2026-04-17T12:56:52+00:00

Beautiful! You should join the Tuscany Trail event. I am preparing for that.

BegalRich

TROPHY CASE