The bike has been the best purchase I could have dreamed for. It was a second hand bargain off eBay. It weighs in at around 19 lbs but with all my gear on for the attempt its more like 28 lbs !!!!
The gear this time round consists of :-
2 spare inner tubes, tyre levers and 2 x CO2 cartridges. Hand pump.
Multi tool with extra chain links and valve extenders for the deep section back wheel.
5 rear lights/spare batteries. (Yes 5 !!!!!)
One large light on the front ( I decided to buy a really good one that has a separate battery pack which is supposed to last 60 hours on one charge but it weighs a tonne !!)
Contact lenses, paracetemol, toothbrush/paste.
Chamois cream !!
Earplugs for sleeping on the ferry.
Food:-
7-8 energy gels
12 energy bars
2 large water bottles
Ferry tickets, passport, small amount of UK/Euro cash. Credit Card.
Phone, Garmin & charge leads with UK & EU plugs !! ( Why am I doing this !! )
Battery pack charger for Garmin/Phone ( again weighs a tonne but essential for keeping things working over long days in the saddle )
Waterproof jacket.
The map of SE England & NW France downloaded onto my Google map app on my phone. Really really important when you need to check route without wi-fi. (TOP TIP)
With a bit of luck I should only really have to stop for topping up my water bottles and natural breaks along the way.
So head down and 8 weeks of turning the pedals getting used to the new bike. Hopefully get decent weather for next couple of months.
P.S. Note to self.... learn the French for " 2 bottles of water and may I use your loo please " !!!
