Bryan’s Blog – Tour Aotearoa countdown

Actually started some proper training last weekend. 83km including some good rough riverbed tracks to test out the new handlebar bag. It took about 5km to get used to the extra weight on the front, but with a fairly realistic gear load on board, the bike felt pretty well balanced by the end of the ride. First and last shakedown before this weekends “The Coaster” micro-adventure (August 1&2), a nice simple 230km to get started!!. Plan is to carry all camping gear etc, just to get used to riding with the bike loaded up, but will be motelling at the halfway point. At this stage of my training, 120km a day will be quite enough.

I’ve been slowly accumulating gear and generally getting ready for some spring/summer trips away. Tonights brainwave was how to carry some duct tape, without filling up a bag with the roll. 1.2m now wrapped around the bottle of Stans sealant I will be carrying. I pick up my Spot tracker on Friday, so hopefully someone will know where I am, when I don’t!

With Friday being my last day at current job, my first (mini) brevet over the weekend and then starting up as a self-employed Quantity Surveyor on Monday its an exciting time!