that usually gets solved by playing around and trying out stuff with some key elements: 1- changing bar width and stem length. could also be more rise and backsweep incase of a flatbar. 2- sitting a few milimiters lower, so as to put a little less pressure on the hands. 3- using fatter and softer grips on a flatbar or double tape on the curly bar.
Not really. I have the hoods angled up a bit and I use gloves that have padding in the palms, which is really important. Specialized BG gloves are some of the best for that.
I say the same thing when on gravel rides here in south Louisiana...."who lives out here and what do they do?" I'm surprised that you don't run across more dogs. I usually just try to outrun them. When I cannot, I get off my bike and put it between me and dog(s). What are your strategies?
If you can do a fully loaded training ride do it. You are correct about staying in zone one and two, easy pace all day long. As you already know eat, eat, eat, drink, drink and drink. I know you will love it, there's nothing like traveling by bike and being fully self sufficient.
One thing that tends to haoppen to me when I'm back on an unloaded bike after doing a long ride with a heavily loaded bike with a lot of weight on the handlebars and fork is that I kind of muscle the steering too much. Kind of llike when you try to lift something that you think is very heavy but turns out to be very light. Feels really weird!
Been watching for a few years now and your channel is very informative. I’m crossing the state next week on that same route you are on. I don’t race and really am glad to see you starting to bikepack. I just hope you embrace the whole bikepacking vibe and stop dressing for a race 😂. Take it easy and enjoy the surroundings and don’t worry about time. Just try to finish by sunset!Looking forward to your future adventures
Clint, just ride your bike. Don't think about anything else.. I feel you are worried about all the wrong things. Bike packing is just riding your bike at whatever pace you are feeling for that day. And, before you pack your gear up really think about what you need vs what you want. People tend to way, way over pack their gear. Outside of that have fun that is all that matters. It is all about the adventure. Last thing, if your riding lots of rail trails you will find they tend to be harder than riding on the roads as you never really get to coast to recover as the grades are so subtle.
Redshift sports is your goto. They have suspension stems and what not. I have arthritis in one of my shoulders (just a matter of time before I have it "replaces" ) and I can feel a huge difference from a normal stem to the suspension stem. A lot less shoulder pain 🙂
My friend, you take riding seriously. You have your own ideas and rhythm, and you predict and arrange everything. I wish you a wonderful riding experience.
Awesome video man. Love the roads you picked, looks like a lot of fun.
Chamois cream, lip balm and sunscreen should be on your checklist.
do you ever get sleepy/ numb hands during such long rides ?
that usually gets solved by playing around and trying out stuff with some key elements:
1- changing bar width and stem length. could also be more rise and backsweep incase of a flatbar.
2- sitting a few milimiters lower, so as to put a little less pressure on the hands.
3- using fatter and softer grips on a flatbar or double tape on the curly bar.
Not really. I have the hoods angled up a bit and I use gloves that have padding in the palms, which is really important. Specialized BG gloves are some of the best for that.
What is everyones average speed on rides like this? I'm getting older and wondering if I'd be able to keep on with group rides etc.
Faster group rides are around 18 to 19 mph. Solo, I’m probably average about 16 to 17 mph.
hahahah a Pig Farm is worse ...
absolutely!!!
I say the same thing when on gravel rides here in south Louisiana...."who lives out here and what do they do?" I'm surprised that you don't run across more dogs. I usually just try to outrun them. When I cannot, I get off my bike and put it between me and dog(s). What are your strategies?
Same thing you do except adding pepper spray when I remember to bring it.
If you can do a fully loaded training ride do it. You are correct about staying in zone one and two, easy pace all day long. As you already know eat, eat, eat, drink, drink and drink. I know you will love it, there's nothing like traveling by bike and being fully self sufficient.
One thing that tends to haoppen to me when I'm back on an unloaded bike after doing a long ride with a heavily loaded bike with a lot of weight on the handlebars and fork is that I kind of muscle the steering too much. Kind of llike when you try to lift something that you think is very heavy but turns out to be very light. Feels really weird!
Been watching for a few years now and your channel is very informative. I’m crossing the state next week on that same route you are on. I don’t race and really am glad to see you starting to bikepack. I just hope you embrace the whole bikepacking vibe and stop dressing for a race 😂. Take it easy and enjoy the surroundings and don’t worry about time. Just try to finish by sunset!Looking forward to your future adventures
Thank you for including your nutrition in your video. So many people don't know when to fuel up they start endurance riding. Great videos
Clint, just ride your bike. Don't think about anything else.. I feel you are worried about all the wrong things. Bike packing is just riding your bike at whatever pace you are feeling for that day. And, before you pack your gear up really think about what you need vs what you want. People tend to way, way over pack their gear. Outside of that have fun that is all that matters. It is all about the adventure. Last thing, if your riding lots of rail trails you will find they tend to be harder than riding on the roads as you never really get to coast to recover as the grades are so subtle.
I always amazes me that you have so many unpaved roads in your part of Fl. Are they slowly disappearing?
Not really. Most are way out in the country and won’t be paved for a long time.
Redshift sports is your goto. They have suspension stems and what not. I have arthritis in one of my shoulders (just a matter of time before I have it "replaces" ) and I can feel a huge difference from a normal stem to the suspension stem. A lot less shoulder pain 🙂
Agreed. Worth it's weight in gold.
Hey Clint, great ride. Thanks for taking us along. You're making me tempted to buy a gravel bike instead of MTB.
Cross-country mountain bikes also make good gravel bikes.
Hammer down.
My friend, you take riding seriously. You have your own ideas and rhythm, and you predict and arrange everything. I wish you a wonderful riding experience.
I think you’ve got the fit part down, just have to get supplies and route planning…not much training involved
Up in NY Spring and fall are my favorite times of year...summer in NY are equally as hot as Florida and humid too.
Ummm.....
Good morning!
Fall is easily best in WNC
I agree! Was up there last fall. Beautiful.