2 day Gravel Ride - What to take etc..
Discussion
This Sunday I'm embarking on a 2 day ride around the Peaks following the Glorious Gravel Route
https://gravelbike.guide/routes/the-glorious-grave...
On my own and first time 'bike packing' I've got an idea of most of the kit to take but ideas on anything I've missed or advice on food/drink etc.. would be appreciated.
Staying overnight in a bunk house 60kms in so can travel pretty light.
I know it's not a long ride over 2 days but I normally ride for 2-3 hours around where I live in Lincolnshire so not used to hills.
I lived in Sheffield for 25 years and did lots of Mountain biking so know how hard some parts will be.
I'm on my Boardman Team R which is a rigid mountain bike with CF forks.
I'm putting a set of tyres similar to these on, there's quite a bit of paved roads as well as rougher stuff.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-hurricane-perfor...
Got a handlebar bag for electrical stuff, toiletries, snacks etc.. seat post bag for tools, spares (2 x tubes, multi tool, tyre leavers, patches, chain tool, spare links, cable ties etc), haven't got any fancy bike packing bags so clothes for overnight (very minimal) will go in a small back pack which isn't ideal but the heavy stuff (food, water tools spares are on the bike.
I've got the route on my Garmin Edge and my phone as back up and also taking a paper copy just in case.
2 x large water bottles on frame ( 1 water, 1 water/energy drink mix)
For snacks on routes I'll take jelly babies, mixed fruit mix, energy bars (gel makes me feel sick). There's a few decent cafes and shops on the route but some parts that are in the middle of nowhere.
Thanks for reading.
https://gravelbike.guide/routes/the-glorious-grave...
On my own and first time 'bike packing' I've got an idea of most of the kit to take but ideas on anything I've missed or advice on food/drink etc.. would be appreciated.
Staying overnight in a bunk house 60kms in so can travel pretty light.
I know it's not a long ride over 2 days but I normally ride for 2-3 hours around where I live in Lincolnshire so not used to hills.
I lived in Sheffield for 25 years and did lots of Mountain biking so know how hard some parts will be.
I'm on my Boardman Team R which is a rigid mountain bike with CF forks.
I'm putting a set of tyres similar to these on, there's quite a bit of paved roads as well as rougher stuff.
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-hurricane-perfor...
Got a handlebar bag for electrical stuff, toiletries, snacks etc.. seat post bag for tools, spares (2 x tubes, multi tool, tyre leavers, patches, chain tool, spare links, cable ties etc), haven't got any fancy bike packing bags so clothes for overnight (very minimal) will go in a small back pack which isn't ideal but the heavy stuff (food, water tools spares are on the bike.
I've got the route on my Garmin Edge and my phone as back up and also taking a paper copy just in case.
2 x large water bottles on frame ( 1 water, 1 water/energy drink mix)
For snacks on routes I'll take jelly babies, mixed fruit mix, energy bars (gel makes me feel sick). There's a few decent cafes and shops on the route but some parts that are in the middle of nowhere.
Thanks for reading.
GreatGranny said:
Not used to spending that long in the saddle but will take plenty of short breaks, not in any rush.
I think the rest of your list is pretty good to be fair. Like you say....don't rush and remember to enjoy the scenery. Sometimes I forget to do this and just get my head down and pedal. Try not to do that 
GreatGranny said:
This Sunday I'm embarking on a 2 day ride around the Peaks
Waterproof clothing, and something dry to change into post ride. Tip - if stopping near Darley Dale/Rowsley for refreshments, stop at the Whitworth Centre rather than Rowsley. Gives time for the food to go down before you climb back up to Beeley Moor.
Your Dad said:
Waterproof clothing, and something dry to change into post ride.
Tip - if stopping near Darley Dale/Rowsley for refreshments, stop at the Whitworth Centre rather than Rowsley. Gives time for the food to go down before you climb back up to Beeley Moor.
Weather forecast looks sTip - if stopping near Darley Dale/Rowsley for refreshments, stop at the Whitworth Centre rather than Rowsley. Gives time for the food to go down before you climb back up to Beeley Moor.
t basically especially sunday 
Thanks for tip re. refreshment stop, think I'll need a decent stop around there.
Take more water, 1.5-2 litres won't be enough if it's hot weather like this and you're away for a few hours. Potentially as much as 4 litres if you drink/sweat anything like me (hot conditions, no support/stops, I'd budget 5 liters for a day) Also make sure you've a half decent first aid kit and some light painkillers.
Daveyraveygravey said:
If you have a second pair of riding shoes, and the weather forecast is right, take them. Unless your overnight stop has a drying room, there's nothing worse than putting wet shoes on for day 2.
Wear waterproof socks instead!Edited by Evanivitch on Tuesday 20th July 12:57
Great suggestions.
Don't have 2nd pair of riding shoes, too heavy to take anyway.
I have a pair of waterproof socks which are really good so will wear those the first day when it's meant to be the worse weather.
I think there will be somewhere to dry stuff but no specific drying room.
Good suggestion on more water, I'll take an extra 2 litres in my back pack.
And painkillers and first aid kit added to my list.
Don't have 2nd pair of riding shoes, too heavy to take anyway.
I have a pair of waterproof socks which are really good so will wear those the first day when it's meant to be the worse weather.
I think there will be somewhere to dry stuff but no specific drying room.
Good suggestion on more water, I'll take an extra 2 litres in my back pack.
And painkillers and first aid kit added to my list.
That'll be a pleasant weekender trip!
I'm by no means a seasoned bikepacker, but have done a few trips (although generally requiring a one man tent - can recommend an Alpkit Aeronaut!!) I'd also recommend the Podsacks range of bags from Planet X for the casual adventurer - i have a frame and top tube bag, and a pal has the same + saddle bag and they've been pretty faultless! Also, instead of a bar bag, use a lomo double ended dry bag - two long straps around the bag and the bars, then two short straps through the ends of the bag and over the thumb grips of the drop bars, so much more secure than the purpose made bar bags!!
I did three days from Berwick to Newcastle earlier in the year and took the following (boring list incoming). We had to be a bit more self sufficient as pubs were closed etc so a bit more than usual for a trip like it...
one man tent + self inflating roll matt
small sleeping bag
small gas cylinder + tiny burner that screws on top
coffee bags (and some dry ration packs since we had to feed ourselves in the evenings)
tin mug (has to hang from the bike and clatter/rattle about, of course!) and spork
clean/spare t shirt/pants (mostly to sleep in)
spare pair of socks (not necessarily waterproof)
small quilted coat + waterproof
small tool bundle/chain links/tube + pump on the frame and a selection of bolts
first aid kit
Happy bottom Bum butter (best there is!) decanted into some small stackable/screw together make-up things from boots - one toothpaste, one sun cream and one bum butter - don't get them mixed up!!
small power bank to charge Wahoo grav-nav
hipflask
about 1.5L of water. you'll find taps at hostels/pubs are very accomodating/small shops etc (especially that route in the Peaks, plenty of places to top up!)
think thats about it! We cycled from edinburgh to my door (nottingham) last year and only took a little bit more than the above (but didn't need to carry proper meals, just snacks). If you limit the space you have, the more cut throat you'll find you are with what you actually need! I didn't bother with a pillow of any sort for example, but stuffed my kit into a dry bag and used that!
Whislt not the route, if you wanted to get off the roads for a little bit more, sack of the section around BIggin and Hartington and join the Tissington just before Biggin (it'll be signposted) as that'll be traffic free, and the little cafe at Parsley Hay is pleasant!
I'm by no means a seasoned bikepacker, but have done a few trips (although generally requiring a one man tent - can recommend an Alpkit Aeronaut!!) I'd also recommend the Podsacks range of bags from Planet X for the casual adventurer - i have a frame and top tube bag, and a pal has the same + saddle bag and they've been pretty faultless! Also, instead of a bar bag, use a lomo double ended dry bag - two long straps around the bag and the bars, then two short straps through the ends of the bag and over the thumb grips of the drop bars, so much more secure than the purpose made bar bags!!
I did three days from Berwick to Newcastle earlier in the year and took the following (boring list incoming). We had to be a bit more self sufficient as pubs were closed etc so a bit more than usual for a trip like it...
one man tent + self inflating roll matt
small sleeping bag
small gas cylinder + tiny burner that screws on top
coffee bags (and some dry ration packs since we had to feed ourselves in the evenings)
tin mug (has to hang from the bike and clatter/rattle about, of course!) and spork
clean/spare t shirt/pants (mostly to sleep in)
spare pair of socks (not necessarily waterproof)
small quilted coat + waterproof
small tool bundle/chain links/tube + pump on the frame and a selection of bolts
first aid kit
Happy bottom Bum butter (best there is!) decanted into some small stackable/screw together make-up things from boots - one toothpaste, one sun cream and one bum butter - don't get them mixed up!!
small power bank to charge Wahoo grav-nav
hipflask
about 1.5L of water. you'll find taps at hostels/pubs are very accomodating/small shops etc (especially that route in the Peaks, plenty of places to top up!)
think thats about it! We cycled from edinburgh to my door (nottingham) last year and only took a little bit more than the above (but didn't need to carry proper meals, just snacks). If you limit the space you have, the more cut throat you'll find you are with what you actually need! I didn't bother with a pillow of any sort for example, but stuffed my kit into a dry bag and used that!
Whislt not the route, if you wanted to get off the roads for a little bit more, sack of the section around BIggin and Hartington and join the Tissington just before Biggin (it'll be signposted) as that'll be traffic free, and the little cafe at Parsley Hay is pleasant!
Edited by LMPanda on Tuesday 20th July 13:12
LMPanda said:
That'll be a pleasant weekender trip!
Lots of useful advice
Thanks for taking the time to post this.Lots of useful advice
Edited by LMPanda on Tuesday 20th July 13:12
I'm travelling a little lighter but still stuff that I will include from your list.
Ordered some cream (small 10ml container) but can't remember which make. Hopefully it works!
I'm never that far from a cafe, pub etc so should be ok for water and food.
Bunkhouse is owned by the pub next door (Royal Oak Hurdlow) so I'm ok for evening meal/drinks.
Good suggestion regarding maybe changing route to include Tissington, the less road riding the better.
Edited by GreatGranny on Tuesday 20th July 14:19
GreatGranny said:
Thanks for taking the time to post this.
I'm travelling a little lighter but still stuff that I will include from your list.
Ordered some cream (small 10ml container) but can't remember which make. Hopefully it works!
I'm never that far from a cafe, pub etc so should be ok for water and food.
Bunkhouse is owned by the pub next door (Royal Oak Hurdlow) so I'm ok for evening meal/drinks.
Good suggestion regarding maybe changing route to include Tissington, the less road riding the better.
Not a problem! For two days, and if your arse is fairly used to the saddle you'll be grand, I rarely use bum butter, but five days did get a bit.. chaffy!!I'm travelling a little lighter but still stuff that I will include from your list.
Ordered some cream (small 10ml container) but can't remember which make. Hopefully it works!
I'm never that far from a cafe, pub etc so should be ok for water and food.
Bunkhouse is owned by the pub next door (Royal Oak Hurdlow) so I'm ok for evening meal/drinks.
Good suggestion regarding maybe changing route to include Tissington, the less road riding the better.
And riding the tissington will be a pleasant cruise to the pub for the evening! Good pub that too!
LMPanda said:
Not a problem! For two days, and if your arse is fairly used to the saddle you'll be grand, I rarely use bum butter, but five days did get a bit.. chaffy!!
And riding the tissington will be a pleasant cruise to the pub for the evening! Good pub that too!
Tissington bit will be straight after overnight stay but still nice way to start the morning.And riding the tissington will be a pleasant cruise to the pub for the evening! Good pub that too!
I may turn off to visit Hartington. The Cafe at the Post Office is a must IMO, then re-join.
I'm surprised the route didn't include the Tissington considering it's gravel
I'll have another detailed look at the route to see if there any other gravelly alternatives.
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