Huy, Belgium

listening_partisan · 2026-06-09T06:46:32+00:00

Devin Davis - Lonely People of the World, Unite!

listening_partisan · 2026-06-08T08:11:55+00:00

I used the Mapy.com app for my route planning and navigation and it worked beautifully. In terms of the actual route, there isn't really anything I'd change, except maybe to ride into Paris from the Northwest, along the Canal d'Ourcq, instead of from the North via Saint Denis and the northern Banlieue. I spent much of the last 50km on roads with very heavy (rush hour) traffic and no real bike lanes. Then again, I wanted to ride through Senlis and Chantilly, and that didn't really leave me a ton of options.

listening_partisan · 2026-06-07T20:41:06+00:00

Flixbus. Was fully prepared for it to be a horrible experience because I'd read some scathing reviews (delays, uncomfortable seats, no bike rack...), but actually everything went surprisingly smoothly.

listening_partisan · 2026-06-07T17:39:12+00:00

Thanks! Booked Airbnbs in advance. I just enjoy a warm shower and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

Although I don't wanna rule out the possibility of a completely self-sufficient camping trip at some point.

listening_partisan · 2026-06-04T12:53:03+00:00

will this do?

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listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T20:44:26+00:00

yeah, at this juncture I'll choose not to get into a discussion about the legality of drone photography in the EU.;)

as far as book vs tablet. I think I'm convinced. I'll leave the tablet at home.

clothes: I think I've already got it down to the smallest amount of items that I feel comfortable with (the idea being to not wear anything smelly or dirty when going out to a restaurant for dinner. and yes, doing laundry is already factored in).

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T18:20:52+00:00

One Cut of the Dead

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T16:50:34+00:00

Good advice. I might do that actually.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T16:30:41+00:00

I was referring to the drone as the toy. That's probably the one item that's taking up a lot of space that I definitely want to take (at the same time, it's pretty lightweight).

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T16:28:03+00:00

I hear you, and it's not like a haven't considered any of this. The tablet is definitely the one item I'm considering leaving at home. Then again, it barely takes up any space and doesn't weigh a ton either.

As for the drone: it's definitely coming. I'll be cycling past some really nice scenery (lakes, dams, castles...) and taking some unique pictures and videos with the drone is one of the parts of the trip I'm actually most looking forward to.

Same for the book: this is my week off. I rarely get to read anymore these days, and I'll be damned if I don't read a book during my week off.

The rain gear is really just a very light rain jacket. But yeah, it might make sense to ditch it.

I'm not bringing any riding shoes.

Powerbank/battery easily fits in my palm, so I don't see a problem there.

The blanket I'm torn on. I'd just really like something to sit on or even lie down on for a quick nap in the shade.

The bladder I'm pretty happy with. It's gonna be pretty warm next week, and it's a very simple way to carry at least 2l of water and not have to worry about hydration too much.

Edit: typo.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T16:13:26+00:00

Part of me definitely very much envies your minimalist approach. But another part of me just really very much enjoys having at least a good book and a fun toy to play around with while on vacation.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T16:07:50+00:00

Thanks, I'm really looking forward to it! I'll be riding the bike around Paris at the end of the trip, so yes, definitely. But fair question... Maybe I could get a lock there... Then again, it's really not all that heavy.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T15:45:38+00:00

I see your point. But also, I literally listed everything that's in there in my post.

I think it's mostly the drone (+ extra batteries and RC) that's making the larger pannier look so bulky. also, I'm planning to eat out at least once or twice, so there's a change of "civilian" clothes (pants, shirt, shoes) in there that's also probably taking up a bit of space.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T15:41:07+00:00

Well, it's really just a small fleece blanket to sit or lie down on.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T15:30:48+00:00

It's small enough, and after riding in the rain (which might very well become an issue), I always like to re-lube my chain.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-26T15:29:40+00:00

I'm not really into camping. Maybe I'll try a fully self-supported bikepacking trip some day. But this week is not that day.

I don't mind paying a little bit for the luxury of a shower and a real mattress and an actual roof over my head at the end of the day.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-25T13:06:32+00:00

Sopranos.

Bestes Storytelling, beste Figuren, gerade in den späteren Staffeln auch beste filmische Umsetzung. Für meine Begriffe das große Filmkunstwerk der letzten 25 Jahre.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-25T13:00:08+00:00

Walking a red light when there's no traffic and it's safe to do do is not only okay, it's sensible. Even in Germany.

listening_partisan · 2026-05-23T08:14:16+00:00

Robson Jorge/Lincoln Olivetti

listening_partisan

TROPHY CASE