How I pack camping gear on my Brompton, and prepare a mini, easy-peasy adventure

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  • Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
  • How to do an EASY cycle TOUR on a BROMPTON with a TENT…?? A lot of people have asked me about my gear etc. So this this video is my KIT LIST, and shows how I prepare for a MINI easy-peasy BIKEPACKING trip, with one NIGHT UNDER THE STARS at a campsite. The film covers ROUTE PLANNING, my BIKE & LUGGAGE set up, my CAMPING gear, COOKING stuff, TOOL KIT, and how I make perfect COFFEE on the road.
    This is definitely not a film about the newest fancy kit. Although some of my stuff is relatively new (eg my gorgeous tent, which is now 5 years old), some of the things I use were bought when I was at school, which is over 30 years ago now. Wow time flies. I've just bought the best things I could afford over the years, and kept on using them.
    About luggage set-ups, in the video, you can see the basic "suitcase" set-up that I had on a mini, easy-peasy, local, ride to Leicester a couple of years ago. (That video is also on my channel). The basic "suitcase" set-up worked totally fine - even if it did not look fancy - and I used it for loads of enjoyable bikepacking trips with my tent. Since then I've made various improvements, and the film shows these too, mainly how to put an Ortlieb on the back of the bike, plus a few other luggage ideas that I've tried and that have worked well.
    Sometimes I go on long cycle tours over several months (not always on a Brompton as I also ride other bikes), and other times I do easy peasy, two-day trips. But whatever the distance, I don't like to rush. I really like travelling SLOWLY, and enjoying not just the destination but the journey itself, with plenty of time to stop, sit with a coffee, and look at the view.
    Hope you enjoy the film!

Комментарии • 425

  • @thomasstolzenburg9247
    @thomasstolzenburg9247 Год назад +11

    It is so refreshing to see how easy and sensible you go about things, instead of getting drawn into the typical equipment rat race, VERY impressive! All the best on your adventures !!!

    • @Rosco-P.Coldchain
      @Rosco-P.Coldchain 5 месяцев назад

      Brompton bikes are the pinnacle of equipment rat race are they not Tom 😂

  • @sw8536
    @sw8536 3 года назад +32

    Another winner! You make it look easy but I can see that considerable thought goes into each trip you do. I love that you travel slowly, taking in the countryside, and always with good coffee! You are inspiring.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi S W! Thank you for watching! and for the very nice comment!

  • @yvettewilliamselliott8851
    @yvettewilliamselliott8851 2 года назад +10

    This was SO helpful - it simplifies the whole process and makes it seem possible, rather than overwhelming. Thank you for all the information, and for reminding us that you don’t have to be a gear-head to enjoy bikepacking.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Hi Yvette! Thanks for the lovely comment! Glad you liked the film and thought it was helpful. I really liked your comment. Thanks for watching!! Happy cycling!

  • @helenevallee6ix
    @helenevallee6ix 3 года назад +23

    Wow, what an information-packed and brilliant video! You've outdone yourself. This one is bookmarked for future use.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +2

      Hi Helene! Thanks so much for the lovely comment. You always make such nice comments - I really appreciate it x

    • @MoyMacGill
      @MoyMacGill 3 года назад +1

      Exactly what I wanted to say

  • @MrNamaikisaru
    @MrNamaikisaru 3 года назад +19

    I’ve just bought 6speed brompton 2nd hand and am plotting to do a solo camping trip. This was a valuable video. Thank you!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +2

      Hi Philip! Sounds great about your bike, and the solo camping trip plan. Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy your trip!

  • @regiseven8278
    @regiseven8278 3 года назад +3

    this video is close to perfection in the" travelling by bike project ", thank you !

  • @ste7193
    @ste7193 3 года назад +3

    Great show Susanna thanks.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi STE'71! thanks for watching, and for the nice comment. It is so lovely of people to take the trouble to say (nice!) things. Best wishes!

  • @frankieweisse9089
    @frankieweisse9089 3 года назад +4

    Ms Thornton, YOU are an inspiration! So many good tips and info, and I love your style!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi again Frankie! oh that is very nice of you. Thank you for watching my films! Happy cycling! 😎🚲

  • @rachael8742
    @rachael8742 Год назад +3

    Wonderful and fascinating insight Susanna. Most I've carried on my back when hiking years and years ago but I'm not up to long route marches any more. Brompton bike touring is a new prospect for me now at 69 years young. Since the pandemic I've put on weight, got older. My family think I'm mad even thinking of cycle touring on my own which of course builds up my fears(Grrr!!), but I keep watching Brompton touring videos and looking at potential routes. Lone cycling seems the only option as friends I know are no longer very active or up for adventures.
    My aim: to do a few shorter ones perhaps just overnight before hopefully feeling confident enough to attempt to cycle the 'Way of the Roses' over a few days wild camping using trains to get there and back.
    I'd already built up a list, most kit of which I still have, from past hiking adventures but there were a few things such as flannel as a towel, head torch/peg for light in tent, power bank which I've now added. It's an adventure in itself just planning it! Just bought myself a Garmin Edge Explorer 2 and some 1:50,000 OS Maps.
    Sscchhh, don't tell my family!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      Hi Rachael! OK I wont tell!! haha sounds like a great idea... I think cycle touring is much less hard than hiking with camping gear. Actually I met a lovely woman 65 years old out there touring alone recently. Such a super person. She was cycling, camping, cooking brilliant food, and some days staying two days in one place, chilling out by her tent reading, and going on walks... Super person. By the way, just a thought, I made this film before I got my brilliant Helinox Zero chair, wow that chair is great. Definitely suggest you have a look at getting a super light chair as part of your planning... Pricey but omg what a difference it makes! I just LOVE getting somewhere and flipping my chair out and sitting back with a coffee and looking at the view....

    • @rachael8742
      @rachael8742 Год назад

      @@susannathornton I shall take a look at that chair. Thank you for the recommendation. Sitting and looking at the view sounds excellent. There seem to be more and more people interested in Bike Packing recently presumably due to UTube. One thing you haven't covered in your videos is your video recording equipment and editing kit. Just a thought!

    • @lizziel4876
      @lizziel4876 Год назад

      I'm just a couple of years younger and I absolutely love lone cycling!! I had to slightly ignore what my husband said when I first wanted to go, as I 'd never have gone otherwise. He's been very complimentary about my trips since then! When you are on your own you can go where you want, stop when you want, look at what you want, eat when you want, obey the call of nature when you want...!! I too have had fears, the worst of which is probably - what if I get a puncture? I can change an inner tube but only ever at home and with my husband telling me what to do! I don't think I could do it at the roadside. One of the first bicycle touring books I read a few years ago and which at least partly inspired me to go, was by Anne Mustoe - "When ex-headmistress Anne Mustoe gave up her job, bought a bike and took to the road, she couldn't even mend a puncture." !!! I only got into long rides and little tours about 10 years ago and it's one of the best things I've ever done. I bought a Brompton in March, and also have a touring bike and general purpose bike and people like Susanna are inspiring me even more! I am currently preparing for my second camping trip (my first a few years ago was a bit of a disaster, long story...) This one's going to be wild camping. Hope it's not a disaster.....!! Not wishing to advertise myself, but in case it's of any use to you, I write a blog (occasionally) called What This Bike Needs. Happy touring!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      @@lizziel4876 Brilliant! Bravo Lizzie!

    • @bobalinga
      @bobalinga Год назад

      Did you ever go? I'm thinking of doing the same thing. Susanna is inspiring.

  • @mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes
    @mywaveinwoodswoodperfumes 2 года назад +2

    this is mind blowing that you camp all of these years, since the 80s? waw

  • @taber247
    @taber247 3 года назад

    No reply necessary.
    Informative, and very enjoyable.
    Thank you for the time and effort.
    Take care.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Thanks! really nice of you. Take care you too

  • @michaelgilmore2417
    @michaelgilmore2417 11 месяцев назад

    Thanks, Susanna,
    I love your shows.
    Educational, enjoyable, and inspiring. Gutsy Lady, you're my hero. I hope you're keeping well.
    Mike Gilmore.
    Saskatchewan.
    Canada.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  10 месяцев назад

      Hi Michael! thank you for writing! glad you enjoy the films! more coming soon!!

  • @normawingo5116
    @normawingo5116 Год назад

    Super comprehensive and Tony list. That’s what I like, n fuss. Thank you for sharing that.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад

      Glad you liked it! What does Tony mean here? I wondered

  • @F70100
    @F70100 3 года назад +2

    Thanks Susanna; I understand the Ortlieb fixings now.
    Again, Happy Travels 😀.

  • @iangraham8270
    @iangraham8270 3 года назад +1

    Very informative video Susanna. My kind of cyclist. Cycling is all about finding adventures,enjoying the surroundings,not rushing and keeping things simple. Thank you.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Ian! Thank you for watching - and for the lovely comment x

  • @davidskogley3570
    @davidskogley3570 9 месяцев назад

    Great video! Very helpful and interesting. I cycled around Asia and Oz for a year almoost 30 years ago, on a mountain bike. Now I've discovered folding bikes and would love to try a trip again. Your videos are very inspiring! Thanks!!

  • @รักสกุลใกล้ชิด
    @รักสกุลใกล้ชิด 9 месяцев назад

    Safe and happy trip. From Thailand. Land of Smiles

    • @a.w.thompson4001
      @a.w.thompson4001 8 месяцев назад

      Is that a good place for a bicycle trip (in my case, not all hills)?

  • @finn111
    @finn111 3 года назад +4

    Susanna, thank you so much for spending time to make this very informative video. I'm looking forward to my first overnight trip with my first Brompton which I got a few months ago. Your gear list helps a lot with planning. Regards: Pekka from Oulu, Finland

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Pekka! Thank you for watching, and for dropping a line too. Great that you're getting ready to do a ride too. Exciting! Actually you remind me that I rode once from Rovaniemi to Lakselv in Norway and back to Rovaniemi again along the Swedish border. I just checked the map and realise that is quite close to you in Oulu. It was so beautiful and peaceful and the landscape was like nothing I had ever seen before. I hope you can get out on a trip soon. Thanks again meanwhile! Best wishes!

  • @pootlingalong8928
    @pootlingalong8928 3 года назад +4

    Thank you so much for sharing these tips Susanna, you'll never know how useful they are! I can see various ideas which I can incorporate into my own set up, or which I can tweak for my own use. I'm off now to get all my camping stuff out and have another look at things - hoping to do Lands End to John O'Groats this summer on my Brommie and you've certainly given me some new ideas. Love the face flannel idea - no need to buy a special backpacker's towel now :)

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hello Pootling along! Lovely to hear from you! And your Lands End John O'Groats plan sounds fantastic. Super exciting! Hope you are enjoying the preps. And I really really really hope the corona situation clears up for us all. Actually, after I finished making this little video, I looked at all my stuff and thought oh what a pity that now I have got all out and it is March again I can't just put it in the panniers and get on the bike and go somewhere.. Roll on the end of lockdown!!! But on the other hand, the lockdown is making me buckle down and make videos about past trips I filmed but never made into videos. I have a bit of backlog of raw material. I'll put up another film soon! Thanks for watching and for writing!

  • @valintine41
    @valintine41 3 года назад +1

    Just came across this. Really love the no nonsense approach to cycle touring and the down to earth advice you give. I tour on an upright and a recumbent but have just bought a dahon for some small wheel touring.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi James! thanks for writing. Glad you like the film! 😎

  • @AndyZE123
    @AndyZE123 Год назад

    I really enjoyed that. It's the first time that I have watched one of your vids, so I was impressed when you said "I rode from Hong Kong to London" as though it was just a casual thing to do!
    I tend to pack the absolute opposite and try to take everything and a spare for it. That just makes the experience a bit of a pain rather than a pleasure.
    Stay safe out there.

  • @Muddy283
    @Muddy283 3 года назад +2

    Perfect! That is the most practical video you've done so far, Susanna, as it starts showing us the planning you do and the kit you need when you go on some of your wonderful biking trips you've shared with us. A lot of this many of us already have some inkling about, that is those of us who have already had experience going solo camping & hiking and/or camping & hiking with a friend, but it's great to have videos from an oldhand bicycle adventurer like you which bring together what kind of equipment you need and how to plan when you're going on one of your biking adventures, starting with a humble one-night trip. As we all know , it's so easy to overpack and/or overlook something essential.
    And I'll certainly be interested in follow-up videos where you discuss about equpment needed when you're going on a longer trip: medium and longer duration.
    Btw I really think you should invest in the Brompton toolkit. You'll find all the tools you need in there (except for the tyre levers as the ones provided are not suitable for the Marathon+ tyres), and it neatly fits in the frame tube - the front section. Also, you can hide the spare inner tube in the rear section of the frame tube. Together they're a neat little space- and weight-saver - as well as being just...cool!!
    As for the panniers, it's great to have an engineering-minded spouse 😉! I envy you. However for plebs like myself who are pretty useless in that domain, we have to make do the best we can 🥴. Nevertheless, there are some pretty neat things around, for example this: ruclips.net/video/DNvuMouYy-Y/видео.htmlm28s. Though that would mean I will have to upgrade my Brompton by adding a rear rack. I'd like to see if I can find a way of doing solo camping-touring without making that mod as (when not touring) I like the weight-saving gained by not having a rear rack. But maybe that's unfortunately just being unrealistic...
    -----------------------------------
    _EDIT: And, of course, the classic backpack on rear rack thing that @k c mentions in his post below._

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Muddy283! Thanks for watching, and for writing! Oh that bag does look really nifty doesn't it. I saw that the wonderful Gianni did a really helpful review of it here too ruclips.net/video/tYOh7oNiS5Y/видео.html

    • @Muddy283
      @Muddy283 3 года назад +1

      @@susannathornton Excellent review! Thanks. I've bookmarked it.
      I referred above to @k c's post where he mentions the epically brilliant idea of attaching a large rucksack to the rear rack and seat tube with the help of a dowel rod (or something similar). For those who are interested, here is a very good video explaining how to do this: ruclips.net/video/4c76T3g5wwY/видео.html

  • @anthonybrewer931
    @anthonybrewer931 3 года назад +1

    I have just found your site Susanna and have started going through many of your trips. Absolutely wonderful and inspiring. I used to cycle camp in another life with my late twin as youngsters. I cycle a lot with my wife here in the UK and a few tours abroad. However now at 73 yrs I have a dream to get back into camping with the bike. I recently sold my beloved Akto as I couldn't sit up in the tent and my damaged spine needs that extra height. So I am looking for a new tent to try our this dream.
    Your videos are helping me.
    Thank you.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Anthony! Thank you for watching! Glad you enjoy the films! Sounds like you have done a lot of super trips. I hope you find a great tent and head off soon on a new adventure...! Thank you for writing such a nice comment x

  • @CaffeineJogger
    @CaffeineJogger Год назад

    great production. great adventures. that's all a lot of work to put together. thank you.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад

      Aw thanks for writing. Made that one a while ago now! Time I did an update!

  • @michaelgilmore5725
    @michaelgilmore5725 2 года назад

    Thanks again, Lady. Pragmatic, very useful and informative.

  • @richardreynolds4108
    @richardreynolds4108 Год назад +1

    Dear Susanna, I really like your videos especially this one. I am having dreams of going cycle touring ! And think the Brompton makes a perfect solution for taking other forms of transport and simplicity. I also like the fact that it can fold up and stay safe inside the tent : )

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      Hi Richard! Glad you like the video! Hope your dreams come true! 🚲⛺😎🌞

  • @charlotteb9316
    @charlotteb9316 Год назад +1

    Thank you for such a helpful and interesting video, especially using many everyday items. I am about to go on a bike trip after many years (decades!) and your videos have really inspired me. I used your important tip of booking the train first before a change of plan! Best wishes and happy cycling.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +2

      Hi Charlotte! oh that is interesting that you also found the train booking thing useful. Yeh if I dont do that, then I find it's so easy to think oh the weather isnt perfect I better wait till a better time, or oh I am busy with this that and the other, better do that first and go camping another time... Anyway, thanks for watching and for writing! Hope you have a brilliant time on your trip!

    • @lizziel4876
      @lizziel4876 Год назад +1

      @@susannathornton I can't believe someone else thinks like this as well as me! I always know I want to do a trip I've planned, and that I WILL enjoy it (love it even!) but then I find myself thinking - "Oh, can I be bothered, why don't I just go for a day ride round my own area..." I recently did my first trip with my new Brompton, going by car with my husband to our daughter's and cycling and taking the train back home a couple of days later, and once again I had those same thoughts. ("Why don't I just go back with my husband?") So silly....I did of course love it. Oh and this is a really useful video! When you brought out the umbrella you reminded me of the cyclist Josie Dew who seems to take everything bar the kitchen sink with her.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +2

      @@lizziel4876 oh that is funny, Yep I am just like that. Despite the fact that I know I will love the trip from the moment I turn the first stroke, it is so easy not to go. The whole chemo thing was weirdly a good thing for that, cos each three week round of chemo I literally only had two days when I was remotely well enough to go on a cycling trip, so there was no question of not going. Go! or I have to wait another three weeks or who knows how long...! That was quite a good push! Anyway, glad you enjoyed your first trip with your new Brompton bravo for setting off! haha

  • @FranLuckyflute
    @FranLuckyflute 2 года назад

    Great tips. Relaxing watching you riding and camping and taking everything in, a lesson to us all.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Aw thank you for the lovely comment Classic Routes, and thank you for watching my channel!

  • @ChrisbyBike
    @ChrisbyBike 3 года назад +2

    Hi Susanna
    Congrats! Great to see your gear.
    Love your trips.
    Keep Safe! Keep Riding!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Chris! Thanks! Glad you like the films! Best wishes and keep safe and keeping riding you too x

  • @gruttewibe76
    @gruttewibe76 2 года назад +2

    Hi, I'm loving your videos. Really makes me want to go out on a mini adventure too. One tip on the route planning: For me Komoot has been a discovery. It's a navigation app for your outdoor adventures. You can make your routes at home on the web app, or on the way, on the mobile phone. You can choose your mode of transportation (hiking, road cycling, mountain bike, etc.) and the app will route, trying to use the suitable roads/paths. And it's easy to customize the route. So far it didn't let me down. I also export the route to a .gpx file for the Garmin.

  • @johnbayley1109
    @johnbayley1109 2 года назад

    Just come across your channel. It is SO SO refreshing to view! Why? Because your honesty and enthusiasm shine through! No slick patter and promotion of endorsed products. Your experience has lead you (and us) to take useful, well-designed kit as well as some “home-made” practical items. Brilliant videos. Thank you

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi John! aw that's really nice of you. Glad you enjoy the films. Happy cycling!

  • @edwardhirst6027
    @edwardhirst6027 3 года назад +1

    Great video, the Ortlieb idea was especially helpful.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Edward! Thanks for the lovely comment! Best wishes!

  • @keithdainton6043
    @keithdainton6043 3 года назад +4

    How i have missed that pot you could have made the whole video about it and I would have been happy lol but seriously love your content and your sense of adventure.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +2

      Hi Keith! Haha thanks for writing. I was pretty surprised when I looked at old photos and saw that my stove was already dinted in the late 80s. Love your comments. Thanks for writing and making me laugh too

  • @effyleven
    @effyleven 3 года назад +1

    What a delightful person Susanna is! I love her videos, quite apart from all the info.

  • @sheilastallard
    @sheilastallard 3 года назад +2

    I think every Brompton owner replaces the pump! Keep Safe!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Sheila! Thanks for watching! Keep safe you too!

  • @donpardoe8067
    @donpardoe8067 3 года назад

    Very enjoyable, thank you. So nice to see someone not selling their soul to product endorsement, like so many on RUclips, but rather using whatever is available.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Don! Thanks for writing! Glad you enjoyed the film! Happy cycling! 😎🚲

  • @BotanyDegreePilkerton
    @BotanyDegreePilkerton 2 года назад +2

    New sub here, thanks for this vid 😀
    I'm old, 55, dodgy knees, I think we are on similar wavelength with regards to cycling for fun and taking it slow enough to stop and smell the roses.
    I'm quite nervous, anxious, I would love to stay out over night on my bike but I just haven't had the courage or inspiration yet...
    small steps...
    i liked the idea of buying the tickets as a motivator, i could do that, pre-book a B&B for a specific date and then plan how to get myself there!
    i bet it would be a huge boost to my self esteem, sense of self worth

    • @glennoc8585
      @glennoc8585 2 года назад

      You're not old at 55 though.i know guys that ride long distances with fast groups at 70.

  • @a.w.thompson4001
    @a.w.thompson4001 8 месяцев назад

    Thanks for your channel! This is good information to have. Also, always interesting to see what others bring/do.
    One thing that works is to always keep tools, repair materials, and a little first aid equipment in a waterproof bag in the seat pack. Always good to have, and one less thing to pack. I make a calender appointment on my phone to note what needs to be refilled at the end of a trip.
    If you're the type to go for weekend trips often, it's also helpful to have a trip panier or two always packed if possible so you just bring that and can more easily spontaneously fit in a bonus trip without as much time-consuming preparation.
    Then it's just the handlebar bag that needs packing since I tend to keep things I have to unpack in it, like phone, battery, etc.
    Similarly, I store my folding bike, shoes, helmet, and tire pump in the car to take advantage of opportunities to do an unplanned ride.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  8 месяцев назад

      Oh you sound quite like me haha. You do calendar appointments, I have a spreadsheet with my gear on, and after each trip I work through it and mark up the things that broke or nearly broke or didnt quite work that need fixing, and note things that irritated me and could be improved... and then before the next adventure fix them, and work on them and try and improve them ... Yeh packing is the most tedious part of going on a trip, I think. Even when i am a lot more efficient now after years of practice, it seems to take AGES! And yeh I keep most stuff all together in one drawer, so that in theory I can just take everything out, and tick it all off my spreadsheet, and go!... but it still takes ages! Actually food is the thing that takes the longest for me to prep, calculating how much I need of everything and weighing and measuring everything out. There are no short cuts there really - just having the amounts noted down so I dont have to calculate it all again, and keeping a good collection of ziplock bags and little containers etc... Yeh, always interesting to see what others do and learn from other people! Thank you for writing!

    • @a.w.thompson4001
      @a.w.thompson4001 8 месяцев назад

      @@susannathornton Thanks for your detailed reply, Susannah!
      I use the calendar appointment to note items used/lost/broken/needed/ordered during a trip.
      Like you--my long-lost sister, lol--I have a terrifying spreadsheet, hundeds of items long, with columns for sport (hike, bike, ski) and conditions (all trips, hot, wet, cold, freezing, keep in car, ready to ship to me) which I use for packing.
      When I get home, I update the spreadsheet according to what I did/not use during the trip so that my gear list always shows what is used.
      Then I use the appointment to refill items/order replacements/take out unnecessary items.
      I also have a to-do column.
      Since I can't afford duplicates to just leave everything packed, before a trip I copy the spreadsheet from the last trip, then pack according to the sport and condition column quantities.
      Items not packed live in bins/are hung up--I need a walk-in closet for sports gear, lol! But it's what I do on vacation, minimizing hotels, resorts, etc.: all the gear cost less than one trip to a resort. I also have a camping mattress I can put in the car to save money if driving to another area.
      Totally agree that packing food is the most tedious part with all the measuring, fending off cats and dogs "helping," and repackaging--ugh!! Wish I could afford ready-made meals but that's too expensive.
      Biking is better because there are often more restaurants and grocery and convenience stores on the route, and when I earn a bit more will include more b&bs.
      The origin of the spreadsheet was having a partly bad back and torn cartilage in both knees (one is now artificial) and really needing to keep weight way down by only bringing exactly what is needed. I started out with a list on paper but am now a slave to my oracle/spreadsheet. 😉
      But it's worth it for the joy of being in nature much of the day (scientific studies have shown that it's great for your nervous system), eating everything that appeals (hard stopping when less active in my day job), meeting new people, and exploring new/beloved places.
      Thanks for sharing the joy through your channel.
      Subscribed.
      P.S. Some my best friends are Thorntons in the US. Maybe you're distant relatives.

  • @Tokahfang
    @Tokahfang 2 года назад

    This is a great resource and makes bikepacking on a folding bike seem so possible, thanks!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi Tokahfang! thank you for writing! I really liked your comment

  • @itsfahys
    @itsfahys 3 года назад

    Fantastic amount of information there, ill have to watch again and take notes as so many great ideas i can see built up from years of experience.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Stephen! Thanks for watching! Yep it's been quite a few years now with all these bikes and things. Glad you liked the film. Happy cycling!

  • @richardbarrett4104
    @richardbarrett4104 Год назад

    You are an amazing lady, and your trips on video have inspired me to buy a bike in my 70s. I'm hoping the exercise will help me with a body riddled with arthritis, and make me feel better. I'm ordering a Brompton C line with 3 gears today. Thanks Susanna for the wake up call.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      Thank you for watching! And for such a lovely comment. Sounds great about the bike! Get yourself a little chainring - a local bike shop can easily fit one - cos nice low gears will be easy on the joints. And all bikes handle differently, so do a few titchy rides at first, to get used to how the Brompton handles, till it feels normal. But titchy rides themselves are a joy. Hope you love it all! Bravo you for going for it! Happy New Year!

    • @richardbarrett4104
      @richardbarrett4104 Год назад

      @@susannathornton Did the chain ring thank you, what a difference, weeeee!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад

      @@richardbarrett4104 Oh that's great news!! Yeh I love it too with the smaller gears, so nice and nifty isn't it! Woo! Go Richard!!! 😎🚲🌤

  • @jasonloke2219
    @jasonloke2219 3 года назад

    I like the way you fasten your front and rear packs on the Brompton. Thanks!!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi there Jason! Thanks for writing. Hope you are doing OK. Wonder how things are there? Hope you can get out and ride these days, even if only locally in SG. Hope all the corona restrictions can be lifted everywhere soon. Take care and thanks for watching!

    • @jasonloke2219
      @jasonloke2219 3 года назад

      @@susannathornton Yes, we can cycle around everywhere In Sg. A big Round of Sg is about 120km. We still have one or 2 more little islands that we can ride. Thanks for asking. Cheers!

  • @peterforde9513
    @peterforde9513 3 года назад

    Thanks, love your enthusiasm. And...it is all about the coffee 😜

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Peter! Haha! yes! I couldn't do it without the coffee. I always fade a bit about 3pm, but then totally perk up after a nice sit with a cup of hot coffee. Or two. And a bun or a sticky energy bar or maybe an apple cake or something... 😎😋

  • @alannorman1773
    @alannorman1773 2 года назад

    What a great film thanks. Really informative and sensible info. Thanks

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Hi Alan! thanks for the great comment. Glad you liked it!

  • @jillmcaleese6514
    @jillmcaleese6514 2 года назад

    I love your attitude. Thankyou, inspiring.

  • @andrelloyd4010
    @andrelloyd4010 3 года назад

    An excellent video Susanna and will be much help to many. Best wishes & Happy pedalling 🙏

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Andre! Thanks for watching! Glad you liked the video. Took a long time to make it haha but it was nice to flip back through clips from lots of different trips and think about them. Best wishes and happy pedalling to you too! 😀🚲

  • @davidp7414
    @davidp7414 3 года назад

    So rare to see a bikepacker that is not obsessed with the latest and most expensive gear!

  • @lindabrocato4290
    @lindabrocato4290 11 месяцев назад

    This was brilliant!

  • @kitchencarvings4621
    @kitchencarvings4621 Год назад

    That's a nice Trangia set you have. I have a similar one but it's a little larger. I love it. so simple and elegant and you can actually cook with it instead of just heating water. I like making pancakes on mine or frying a fresh caught trout. I also love the little teapot that comes with it.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад

      Oh that's nice that you've got a Trangia too, yeh I love mine, Wow fresh caught trout, that sounds amazing

  • @alistair_ie
    @alistair_ie 3 года назад +2

    What a great video, some really useful tips - thanks for sharing. I have just picked up my M6R and can't wait to have some adventures once we get out of lockdown (I am in West of Ireland) you have been a big inspiration, thank you & can't wait for more of your videos x

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Alistair! Thanks for watching! Glad you liked the video. Thanks so much for the lovely comment too. I can imagine the west of Ireland has loads of gorgeous roads. Actually the first time I went cycling abroad was to Eire with a schoolfriend, when we were about 15. Super exciting. We took the ferry from Liverpool with our bikes, and a rubbish tent and hopeless sleeping bags, the sort that you have for caravans. We rode the Ring of Kerry, Dingle, that sort of thing. It was fantastic. Actually I looked for photos of that trip recently, but I coulnd't find any. Maybe we didn't have a camera. Must ask my friend if she has any when we next chat. Anyway! Thanks for writing! Hope you have a great time!

  • @ethecyclists8189
    @ethecyclists8189 3 года назад

    Thank you for your reply you are a really nice person ,taking time out from your busy work schedule to reply to very one who places a comment. Thank you checking today for another video just love the way you explain everything .

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi E! It is a pleasure. It's very nice to be in touch with people who enjoy the same sort of things as me. In ordinary daily life I don't meet too many people who think that going off on solo cycling and camping adventures is a sane or fun thing to do, more the opposite haha.

  • @julesmorrissey
    @julesmorrissey 2 года назад

    I'm impressed at how much you've managed to get on a Brompton! Definitely given me a few ideas 🙂

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Hi Jules! Thanks for watching! Yeh at the start I found it hard to carry everything. Even for little two/three day rides I struggled to carry everything and had to use a little knapsack, which I don't like at all, but needed it cos I seemed always to have lots of food that wouldn't go into my bike bags. Since then I have streamlined things a bit better, mainly streamlined the food side of things, so that now I can pack a whole week of food on the bike, much better. Anyway, thanks for writing! happy cycling!

  • @Dutcharmytent
    @Dutcharmytent Месяц назад

    Just the short trip gear I was interested in hearing more about. Love your channel. What did you do for a living in Hong Kong. ? Watched your journey home. It was inspirational

  • @zensascha8690
    @zensascha8690 3 года назад

    I ordered a Brompton and I’m so happy. Very useful video! Thanks!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi ZenSascha! Great, glad you liked the video. I was going to do another one too, to cover wild camping and the extra things you need for that, but I haven't done it yet. Anyway, hope you enjoy your new bike! Happy cycling! 🚲😊

  • @brendacupryna631
    @brendacupryna631 11 месяцев назад

    Thanks Suzanna, you have encouraged me to invest in a 2nd hand superlight Brompton. I currently use a Tern Vekrton e-bike when touring with my husband but want to be able to go off using my OAP bus pass and bike. This bromptpn is one i can lift easily. I love watching your videos whixh are some of the places I have toured. Like you I have gera from many yeras ago

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  11 месяцев назад

      Hi Brenda! aw that sounds great, hope you enjoy the new bike. Hope you have some good outings using bus and bike - turned out to be a really good combo when Dad and I tried it this summer. Opens up all sorts of possibilties.. Ah nice you have lots of much-loved faithful old gear too! Thanks for watching my channel and for writing!

    • @brendacupryna631
      @brendacupryna631 11 месяцев назад

      Th anka for replying Suzanne. I do hope you are well. The weather here is rubbish so not getting away at present.

  • @algernon9324
    @algernon9324 3 года назад

    It is great to watch a vlog about equipment that is based on hard won experience and getting back to basics. Will defiantly be buying a trangear kit! Thanks

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Algernon! Thanks for watching and for writing. I like your "back to basics" comment, haha, nice. About stoves, I have also used a couple of MSR stoves over the years too, if I am going to be riding in places where you can't be sure to get meths. The MSR can burn petrol so you can kind of be sure you can get fuel pretty much anywhere. About the Trangia, if you are a cooking sort of person, i really recommend getting the chopping board too. It is cheap and it packs inside the stove, and has holes on one part of it, so that it can be used also as a colander. So you can easily drain pasta, and things like that. If you end up using a Trangia stove as long as I have been using mine, you'll still be cooking sausages on it in like 2060 or something like that! Haha! Happy cycling!

  • @Rosco-P.Coldchain
    @Rosco-P.Coldchain 5 месяцев назад

    Loving that tent, I camped in a Scarborough last year and took my geertop one man bivvy which I bought from Amazon for £100..It let me down badly and would leak everytime it rained..Enjoyed the video thanks, good little mission

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  5 месяцев назад

      Hi Rosco thanks for watching! aw Scarborough sounds nice but sorry you got wet like that on that trip. hope you get out again soon and enjoy bivvying, I never tried it...

  • @johnfroggatt1455
    @johnfroggatt1455 2 года назад

    Really valuable information. Thanks for sharing your insights.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Hi John! Thanks for the comment! Glad you liked it. I was going to do another film to cover wild camping, which involves slightly different planning and a few other bits of kit. But I haven't done the film yet

  • @JasonRostro
    @JasonRostro 2 года назад

    Nicely done. It seems like a lot of stuff but it really isn’t, lot if people think you need a lot if things but in reality you just need the basic and just reuse it.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi SOULcial life! Thanks for the lovely comment!

  • @TimKyn
    @TimKyn 3 года назад

    Love your enthusiasm!! 😀. What a great bike set up.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi TimKyn! Thanks for watching and for the great comment! 😎

  • @carryonbrom2252
    @carryonbrom2252 2 года назад

    Wonderful video, safe travels

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Thanks for writing! Glad you liked the film! safe and happy travels to you too!

  • @bobbychong2541
    @bobbychong2541 10 месяцев назад

    Keep doing what you are doing 🎉

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  10 месяцев назад

      Hi Bobby! Thank you, I will..!!! I love it

  • @Jackplumz
    @Jackplumz 3 года назад

    Great sense of adventure going off the neaten track. love it

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Jack! Thanks for watching! Yeh I do like a nice track. When I was a girl I used to head off cross country and hoik the bike over stiles and whatnot. Loved it. I remember hearing about the Rough Stuff Fellowship and being so glad to realise there were (some) other people who did the same. Haha. Long time ago now.

  • @2Bikes4Adventure
    @2Bikes4Adventure 3 года назад +1

    Excellent Brompton Touring overview (have to love that Orlieb set-up, congrats to the “local artisan”)
    Any additional comments concerning the 39T chainring modification (model number? Chain link modification?)

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hello 2Bikes4Adventure! Thank you for watching, and for the nice comment! About the chainring, actually I just rummaged a bit in my box of old cycling stuff to see if I had anything that I could use. I keep a lot of bits from when I used race, dusty old pedals and seatpins and cassettes and whatnot (most of which I'll problably never use but I just keep them anyway in case...) I found I had an old 39 ring, and it was the right "size" (BCD) ie the placing of the bolt holes matched the crankset spider on my Brompton. So I just put the 39 ring on, and took a couple of links out of the chain to make the tension right. I don't know what brand the chainring is actually. It just has a tiny "39" stamped on it. Cheap Stronglight perhaps? The whole job turned out to be relatively easy and quick, (thankfully!) Anyway, thanks again for watching! Hope you guys are keeping well there. Best wishes!

    • @2Bikes4Adventure
      @2Bikes4Adventure 3 года назад

      @@susannathornton. We like the idea of going from 44T to 39T, a quick and inexpensive way to lower the gear range by another 10% (our 1st gear is used more often than our 6th!)

  • @tedwrink
    @tedwrink 3 года назад

    Brilliant thank you,lots of sensible ideas for me to take in next time I go on a tour

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Colin! Thanks for watching! Hope you can get on a tour soon (and me too!) 😎🚲🏕

  • @furkuk
    @furkuk 3 года назад +1

    Just love watching your videos. Such a relaxed style and my kind of cycling. I’ve got my Brompton ready for my first adventure 😊 just need COVID to go and campsites to open. Looking forward to more of your adventures 😊😊

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi furkuk! thanks for watching my videos! Great that you are ready for an adventure. I'll post another video soon. I have a backlog of material I filmed from previous rides but never made into videos. Actually making this film about my gear made me go back over all the stuff I filmed last summer and in the previous few years, and it almost made me cry see the sunny days and freedom, in different parts of Britain and in Holland and Germany.... So lovely. I am soooo looking forward to get out again. Roll on the end of the lockdown...! 😊🚲🏕

  • @terrysallbikes
    @terrysallbikes 3 года назад

    A great and super informative video, it’s always good to see how other people travel with the B. Thanks for posting.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Terry! Thanks for watching! I am not a huge gear person. It's interesting how the way people used to share tips about gear, by going out with clubs and groups - like for hiking when I was a teenager I was for a while in a ranger and venture scout group, and I learned sooooo much from going on camping trips and seeing what other people had eg gaiters, wow, I had never even heard of gaiters haha but oh so useful - all that has partly been replaced by social media. Actually, not replaced - complemented. It is awesome to share ideas on social media like we can now. Anyway, thanks for writing!

    • @terrysallbikes
      @terrysallbikes 3 года назад

      I couldn’t agree more👍

  • @Curlew-Corner
    @Curlew-Corner 2 года назад

    That was most interesting, thanks. I’m having a quiet day today, staying warm and relaxing after a rather stressful 40-hour power cut during, and following, the weekend storm. Good to see your kit. I love my Trangia 27 and ME down bag. Looking forward to watching your other journeys.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Hi Emma! Glad you liked the film. Thanks for the comment! Nice that you got some of the same gear as me. Good you are OK again after the storm. Take care x

  • @peterleicester4701
    @peterleicester4701 3 года назад

    I did laugh when you said you were not fit, I decided to electrify my brompton in order to use it more and for longer journeys. I imagine I will be sending out distress flares. I just want to try it , i have bought the bits for touring. I ride without the battery on and just use it for killer hills, sometimes just hills. My training rides on my own have been easier than with friends who don’t have bromptons and considerably younger. Lovely video .

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Peter! Oh wow distress flares, sounds dramatic! haha! Great that you are out there storming up hills and going on long rides and enjoying it. Thanks for watching!!

  • @andymorris8981
    @andymorris8981 3 года назад

    Thanks for this... I learnt about bike map from this video... Plus also gave me food for thought regarding approach to bike touring.. Thank you!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Andy! Thanks for watching! yeh I still use Bikemaps and it seems pretty good to me, esp the route planning function really, but of course there are other apps that people like. Pretty much everyone I met last year on the road when touring was talking about Komoot. Thanks for writing!

  • @janmorren1
    @janmorren1 3 года назад

    Very valuable information! You are very adventurous. Would love to take my Brompton on a tour. Will take a look again on this video. Thank you so much. Happy travelling!

  • @tinali555
    @tinali555 3 года назад

    So very cool to see your new video, such inspiration. Really loved seeing your old photos too :) hope you are well!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Tina!! Aw thanks for the lovely comment! Haha yeh now you know what I looked like when I was young(er)! x

  • @BobSmith-hz6bd
    @BobSmith-hz6bd 2 года назад

    Only just found your channel 👍 great content and useful for people wanting to try bike packing. I bought my Trangia on a scout trip to Sweden in 1983 and still use it on camping trips and also making sausage butties on the beach which has been a family tradition for years. Going to work my way through your videos now 🙂

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi Bob! thanks for watching! And for the lovely comment! Haha, how lovely about your Trangia. Sounds like it has been going strong pretty much exactly as long as mine has! Sausage butties on the beach sounds good, what a nice family tradition. Thanks for writing!

  • @ascot1049
    @ascot1049 3 года назад

    Brilliant as always.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi ascot 104! Thanks for watching! And for a lovely comment again! I really appreciate your enthusiasitc comments😊

  • @phoogarts3446
    @phoogarts3446 2 года назад

    Brilliant, thanks for sharing your knowledge, also massively impressed with your husband or indeed anyone that has a spare bit of carbon fibre rod lying around :)

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад +1

      Haha thanks for the lovely comment 😁 made me laugh about the carbon rod haha. Yeh my husband, and all his family, are all like that, metalwork and woodwork and mending and making of things going on all the time round here. Can't stop them. Thanks for watching!!

  • @effyleven
    @effyleven 3 года назад +1

    Merci beaucoup, Susanna.

  • @chantalborremans5480
    @chantalborremans5480 3 года назад

    Merci beaucoup pour vos super conseils… et que je vais appliquer avec mon Brompton…

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Chantal! thanks for the lovely comment! hope you enjoy some great adventures x 😎🚲

  • @stephenburnside9179
    @stephenburnside9179 3 года назад

    I am a frequent Trangia user and I would recommend a Trangia Fuel Safety bottle. It is very robust and has a secure nozel that when used to fill the burner gives you greater control. They are available widely and come in 0.3, 0.5 & 1 ltr volumes.

    • @stephenburnside9179
      @stephenburnside9179 3 года назад

      "Trangia Fuel Bottle with Safety Valve 1L 0 5L & 0 3L - RED" www.funkyleisure.co.uk/trangia-fuel-bottle-with-safety-valve--1l-05l--03l---red-2399-p.asp

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Stephen! Thank you for writing! for sending the link too. It is timely and helpful cos I had it on my list to research a proper fuel bottle. I used to use a sigg one, donkeys years ago, but lost it somehow and never replaced it. I wonder if I can use my existing MSR whisperlite fuel bottle actually, and just buy a cap..? I will have a look and go into it a bit. Thanks for watching, and for writing!

  • @kevintang420
    @kevintang420 3 года назад

    Thank you! Enjoyed seeing your setup 👌. Ultra practical.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Kevin! Thanks for writing. Glad you enjoyed the film!

  • @tracker1009
    @tracker1009 3 года назад

    You are an AmaZinG person 🚴‍♀️👌 and I just LOVE your videos 🤗

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Oh that is so nice of you, thank you Tracker 100! Thanks for watching and for writing such a great comment😁

  • @redditchscroller7049
    @redditchscroller7049 3 года назад +1

    Hi Susanna, very interesting video lots of useful information. I would perhaps add a few zip ties and a couple of metres of gaffer tape to your toolkit list. Always useful to have for fixing things like pannier clips and broken rack stays. When they happen it will always be where you can't get to a bike shop easily.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Redditch Scroller! Thanks for watching! And for the ideas! Yes, sods law things always happen in the middle of nowhere. Actually you remind me that on the 6-week ride south to north through Sweden, I used black gaffer tape to hold my shoes together. The soles pulled off (they were very old). Worked very well! I do slightly tend to use things until they fall to bits. Anyway, thanks so much for writing!

  • @frani437
    @frani437 2 года назад

    great video, really inspiring, i put it on my to do list, thanks.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi frani! thanks for writing. Glad you liked the film! Happy cycling!

  • @annag467
    @annag467 Год назад +1

    Yoooo I thought you were 30 years old, stay young ✨️ then you said your stuff is that old

  • @davesolobiker5601
    @davesolobiker5601 3 года назад +1

    Really enjoyed this Susanna , got to love seeing other peoples gear and what they use lol . I really understand what you say about cycling through the countryside and enjoying the sounds and sights . As a train driver I am normally whizzing through and its all gone so quick. Looking forward to few camps on my gravel bike and I swear by those Schwalbe marathons .
    2021 the year of the mini adventure atb Dave

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Dave! Thanks for writing! Glad you enjoyed the video. I am a slow filmmaker and this one took especially long to make it actually. I underestimated how long it would take. Yes about riding through the countryside, I think you're right, it is what you hear when tootling along on a bike, as well as the sights, and the things you smell too, like in Holland I knew there onions in some of the fields I was passing because I could smell them. Things like that. I was thinking the other day that I would still enjoy cycling even if I was blind. Like, on the back of a tandem. My husband is also a train driver actually. Yes, let's hope we can all get to do a whole lot of mini adventures this year. Fingers crossed for them reducing the restrictions. Best wishes!

  • @98Zai
    @98Zai 3 года назад

    I've just binged a bunch of your videos, and I must say: I admire you, you're the coolest! Like a lightning bolt in human form.
    You have inspired me to buy a tent and go on my own adventures! Though I'll probably won't go on multiple day trips to begin with..
    Greetings from Småland, and Thank you so much for the inspiration! ❤️

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi there in Småland 98Zai! Thanks for watching! Haha I don't think I am really like a lightning bolt haha. But it is nice of you to say. Hope you can get out and enjoy some camping soon there. Thanks for writing! ⚡😎

  • @richardbarrett4104
    @richardbarrett4104 Год назад

    Just wondering if you're ok, and if the cancer has gotten any worse/better? Thinking of you often. and hope to hear your ok and on your travels again? Best wishes Richard.

  • @robinferguson8911
    @robinferguson8911 3 года назад

    So good. I wish I could go with you next time!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Thanks Robin! Glad you liked it! Best wishes!

  • @hanoradoyle
    @hanoradoyle Год назад

    Thanks again Susanna ,love the videos ,could you maybe recomend a good not too heavy tent ?

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      Hi again! tbh for questions about tents etc, you're better off looking at other channels who talk more about gear and test new things eg maybe @paulmessner or @homemadewanderlust. The thing is as I say in the film a lot of my gear is pretty old. I only really buy new things when my old things wear out.

  • @Merseysiderful
    @Merseysiderful 3 года назад

    Very interesting and impressed you have been camping for forty years. If you don’t already, I would advise taking a Chain Tool as it is impossible to join a snapped chain without one.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад +1

      Hi Stevie! Thanks for watching! And for writing too! Yeh if I go on a longer trip, I maybe would take a chain tool... Actually though, how many times have you actually had a chain snap? Over all the years I have been riding training racing and touring, loads of technical things have happened eg even a saddle rail snapped once, now that is a nuisance I can tell you... But I have only once had a chain snap. It was right before a road race, and I was just doing a little warm up climb and bam it just snapped. Gave me a real shock. The commissaire had just given us 5 minutes notice to get to the start line. I rolled back to my car, grabbed a chain tool, fixed the chain, rode into the bunch at the start line, and boom off we went. I didn't do very well in the race as ever but the commissaire said they'd never seen anyone fix a chain like that literally on the start line haha. Anyway, that is the only time I even had a chain snap. Noone ever snapped one on club runs or chain gangs etc. So I do kind of wonder how frequently it happens. Sods law it will now happen to me again! And I won't have a chain tool with me! Actually another thing I might have on longer trips would be a spokey, as sometimes that is kind of a life saver. Thanks so much for watching and for writing! Best wishes!

  • @CoffeeWithNeil
    @CoffeeWithNeil 3 года назад

    I'm contemplating using a Brompton for camping (mainly for the "multi-modal" travel possibilities) so thanks for sharing. I found your video very useful.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi coffee with Neil! thanks for watching, and for writing. Hope you enjoy some great cycle camping trips 🚲😊

  • @jhengsantos557
    @jhengsantos557 3 года назад

    Great video uploaded my friend thanks for sharing nice bike uboxing like this color

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Jheng! Thanks for watching! yeh I like the colour too 😎🚲

  • @ODOB
    @ODOB 3 года назад

    Great stuff. Always wanted to see how you mount your rear rack, now I know. I agree, it is not about the speed, but rather the journey, things to see on the way. Love your spirit of adventure. Good job.

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi OldDudeOna Bike! Thanks for writing again! hope you are doing well. Yeh lots of people asked about the panniers and things like that, so I finally did a film about things like that. Took ages to make it actually, longer than I thought, but I did enjoy going through all the old nice films and photos of super camping spots and nice tracks and lovely roads and great coffee spots and sunny summer days. Roll on the end of lockdown!! Thanks for watching!

    • @ODOB
      @ODOB 3 года назад

      @@susannathornton "Roll on the end of lockdown", you can say that again. I am planning a journey on one of the EV (Eurovelo) routes, my local routes are getting a bit boring, not to mention quite dangerous on the A roads, plus I hear the Fiets path in Holland is the best for cycling. Re: stealth camp, is it a case of using a bit of common sense and chance it? Were you ever concerned your tent being discovered?

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      @@ODOB Sounds great re heading off into Europe. I really hope the virus situation gets better everywhere soon. About wild camping, in the Netherlands it is not really doable in my experience, for various reasons. And I found that there were a lot of fantastic "natural camp sites" and I loved staying at these. Try googling natuurkampeerterreinen or something like that, and you will find several websites that have lists of them. The ones I tried were all great, eg grassy clearings in woodland, with simple shower block and water, no frills, just a few euros. Lots of space, really simple. Perfect. In Germany, on the ride I did in early Oct 2020, I intended to stay at campsites actually, but they were kind of wrongly spaced for me, and so I mainly camped wild. As a solo person, arriving silently at dusk and getting up early and leaving, I had no problems. Of course I left no trace etc. Actually at one of the places I camped in Germany, I did talk with local people. I don't normally do that but I did there. They were really welcoming and nice and we had a long nice chat about all sorts and they offered me coffee and hot shower etc if I wanted.

    • @ODOB
      @ODOB 3 года назад

      @@susannathornton Ok got it. "Dusk in dawn out" seems to be the most common recommendations : Cheers.

  • @stepstothesky
    @stepstothesky 3 года назад

    Great ideas..this is really a great share!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Mauri and you! Thanks for writing! Glad you enjoyed the film!

  • @BrianCho7
    @BrianCho7 2 года назад

    Amazing, you can do anything with Brompton. I have been a coward not to try those brave travels. I will try now... :)

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  2 года назад

      Hi Brian! aw thanks yeh you can do a lot! with a Brompton, or any bike, really. Hope you enjoy doing a trip or two or three! Happy cycling!!!!

  • @colinmexcellentcommentary7609
    @colinmexcellentcommentary7609 Месяц назад

    A good little video many thanks for odd little items and tips.
    What make is your cape and do you have a waterproof jacket as well ?
    Many thanks, best wishes,
    Colin

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Месяц назад +1

      Hello Colin! my beloved old cape that I had in that video was made by Raleigh, believe it or not. Very good thing, plastic, didn't flap around, properly waterproof, rolled up quite small, cost about £15. Unfortunlatey it wore out eventually, the material kind of disintegrated, and I cant find these online anymore. Currently using a cape made by Didriksons. Pretty good - waterproof, light, packs small, although quite a lot flappier. About waterproof jackets, I dont use a waterproof jacket, or trousers. Basically I just go for cape and overshoes. My trousers keep largely dry under the cape, unless the rain is really sideways. Waterproof overshoes essential though as my shoes get soaked, which is obviously miserable!

    • @colinmexcellentcommentary7609
      @colinmexcellentcommentary7609 Месяц назад

      Many thanks Susanna, I will look out for Didrickson cape. I have been using expensive freeze dried meals and could learn a lot from your cooking. I am lactose and gluten free which isn't easy when bikepacking and getting enough calories. Very best wishes. Colin

  • @rosegordon4297
    @rosegordon4297 3 года назад

    Thank you so much for another enjoyable vidoe, I wish I was confident you and do these cycle trip and tent night with amazing views.
    Love to see how you prepare your trips on this vidoe. Thank you again for sharing. xx

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Rose! Thanks so much for watching, and for writing again. So nice of people to write. Yeh after a day on the bike, to find a little spot to pitch and spend the evening quietly cooking a bit of dinner and watching nature is so nice. I really love it. About being confident, I am honestly not very good at any of the skills invovled, eg I am not a naturally good mechanic, not a great map reader etc. I just practised enough so that I could trust myself to manage. Maybe list out the things you need to know to go on a trip, put big TICKS on the things you are already good at, and then just find a way to practise the other things until you tick them too. Then boom you are ready! Set up a short easy peasy local ride - and (corona permitting...... fingers crossed on that arghhh) off you go on your own trip, with a tent night and a cup of coffee and a view! Thanks so much for watching meanwhile!

    • @rosegordon4297
      @rosegordon4297 3 года назад

      @@susannathornton Thank you for your encouragement Susanna, truly appreciated. 🚲😊

    • @pootlingalong8928
      @pootlingalong8928 3 года назад +1

      @@rosegordon4297 I hope you do a trip Rose, can I recommend you consider booking a night at a reputable campsite, e.g. one of the Camping & Caravanning Club sites, to get you started. You will find they are safe, comfortable (nice lavatory blocks and showers). Take a train to within a few miles of such a site, ride your bike there, enjoy the camp and back home again the next day in time for tea! Small steps :) Before you know it, you'll be arranging a mini tour of your own and the confidence and memories you'll gain you won't be able to put a price on!

    • @rosegordon4297
      @rosegordon4297 3 года назад

      @@pootlingalong8928 Thank you so much for your info. 😊

  • @robertbryant9154
    @robertbryant9154 Год назад

    Great video as usual Susanna 😊 I’d be interested to know what the small chair you have is? Keep up the great work, your videos are very inspirational and extremely enjoyable 👏🏻😁👍🏻

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  Год назад +1

      Hi Robert! thanks for watching! About my little camping chair, it is a Helinox Zero, and I love it

  • @relarras
    @relarras 3 года назад

    Such an amazing video. Thank you for sharing!

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Reli! Thanks for the lovely comment! This film took me much longer to make than I thought haha. But it was nice to look back at previous trips and think about it. A nice thing to do during lockdown actually. Thank you for watching!

  • @alextr3a640
    @alextr3a640 3 года назад

    Great Susanna, nice tips! Thanks

    • @susannathornton
      @susannathornton  3 года назад

      Hi Alex! you're welcome, thank you for watching!

  • @santamulligan676
    @santamulligan676 9 месяцев назад

    Very helpful🍀🕊🍀