Garbage Run riders guide

PACKING A BIKE
The key thing is not to over-pack and not to bring more than you need. As with
any bike trip, the less weight on the bike the better. So take the essentials, but
leave the kitchen sink at home. The second key thing when packing is to pack
the heaviest items at the lowest point you can. So tools and fluids at the bottom
of the pannier; clothes and other light items at the top. This keeps the centre of
gravity as low as possible which helps the bike remain stable and manageable,
particularly at low speed when most topples happen.
When packing a bike, consider what you might need to hand – such as phone,
wallet, camera – and make sure they’re handy and within easy reach. A tank
bag I find is useful for these sorts of things and if you get one big enough then
you can also stuff toiletries and clothes in there as well. Another good tip is to
divide your things up into ‘rooms’, so bedroom, kitchen, lounge. That means
try and get all your camping gear together, and your cooking equipment and
then your clothes. Packing on a bike is about packing smartly rather than
increasing the amount of actual space you have available. Think where items
can be reduced in size or slipped inside something else. Most of all, don’t be
afraid to not bring something you think you might need, because chances are
you won’t need it and if you do need it we can always pick one up on route. It’s
better to do that than fill half your panniers with things you’re unlikely to need
but are afraid to leave behind. Let go. This is just a bike trip in the UK.
LUGGAGE
How you decide to carry your gear is a personal choice and also dependant on
the bike you’re bringing. If you have an adventure style bike with mounted
aluminium panniers then you’re laughing (but again, you’re going away for a
week in the UK, not a year around the world. You shouldn’t need panniers, top
box, tank bank and a dry bag. Just because you have the space doesn’t mean
that you have to use it!).
If you’re on a C90 or sportsbike then you might have bigger issues, but nothing
is impossible. Cheap throw-over saddle bags from the likes of Oxford are a
good option, just make sure they don’t rest on the exhaust as this can easily set
them ablaze.
For those who are struggling with their machines and worrying how to
pack everything then the easiest and cheapest way is to get a good dry bag,
somewhere in the region of 60-litres. Aldi often do them for a tenner, and are
perfectly good enough for this job. There’s a Scottish company called Lomo that
also do sturdy and affordable dry bags. Rok Straps are a good way of strapping
things to your bike and aren’t expensive. Available online. Click here
In your dry bag I would look to put your tent, sleeping bag and other camping
equipment. That way it keeps it all nicely together and if you get a large enough
dry bag then you should be able to get most of your clothes in there as well.
Combine that with a sizeable tank bag and you’re about there for carrying
space for a week away on the bike. You’ll have to limit what you pack, and keep
the same pants on for a few days, but you’ll survive quite easily. I would advise
against rucksacks as these can cause rider fatigue over time.
PACKING LIST
This is the proposed packing list of June rider Bob Coleman, which is a great
starter for ten. I’ve left my comments in black:
Pants - up to you how many pairs. You can manage with 3 or 4 pairs and wash
out on an evening.
Socks - ditto.
Tee shirts - four t-shirts should about cover it, but up to you.
Fleece - good idea to have in case you need layer up.
Towel - a weight saving tip is to use yesterday’s t-shirt, but each to their own
Trunks - It’s unlikely we’ll be swimming but it could rain a lot.
Riding jeans - definitely, with knee pads preferable.
Riding boots - Some protective boots are advised, waterproof even better.
Riding jacket - elbow and shoulder protection advised, waterproof ideal.
Waterproofs - essential, don’t leave home without them.
2 pairs of gloves - good idea for when one pair get wet.
Trainers - or lighter sandals/flip flops for on the camp site. If you have
waterproof boots you could manage without.
Armoured vest - either a separate vest or armour in the jacket.
Medication - bring what you need for the duration.