Search found 216 matches

by Farawayvisions
5 Mar 2018, 7:49am
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Pogies - HotPogs
Replies: 2
Views: 16420

Re: Pogies - HotPogs

I've been using pogies for a couple of years and finally got to use them in the recent snow. An essential piece of gear to keep hands and fingers warm. There are a few bonus benefits too. The full review including a snowy scene http://www.farawayvisions.com/hotpog-pogies-review/
by Farawayvisions
22 Feb 2017, 1:23pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Bivvy Bag & Tarp recommendations, please
Replies: 52
Views: 5365

Re: Bivvy Bag & Tarp recommendations, please

We use an Alpkit bivvy bag and tarp. I've written a bit of a review if it helps. http://www.farawayvisions.com/alpkit-hunka-bivvy-bag-review-what-bivi/
by Farawayvisions
4 Nov 2016, 3:16pm
Forum: Cycling Goods & Services - Your Reviews
Topic: Alpkit Kepler Velo merino wool base layer
Replies: 2
Views: 3917

Alpkit Kepler Velo merino wool base layer

Not just a review, but the reason you should never let your partner choose your clothes.

http://www.farawayvisions.com/review-alpkit-kepler-velo-baselayer/
by Farawayvisions
27 Oct 2016, 7:47pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Hanging bikes up on trains
Replies: 22
Views: 2368

Re: Hanging bikes up on trains

I find these hooks almost impossible to use being only 158cm tall. Plus my bike was kitted out in bikepacking gear for a weekender and weighed even more than a naked bike. I managed to hang it up eventually but almost missed my stop in the struggle to get it out on time. I was on a train somewhere in Somerset during the summer.
by Farawayvisions
2 Oct 2016, 6:25pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: UK to Sahara and back?
Replies: 14
Views: 1147

Re: UK to Sahara and back?

I've cycled in Morocco during December on two occasions. Stayed in cheap hotels, gites and wildcamped. Only once when we were wildcamping did we manage to stay unseen - that was in the desert. The people are friendly and the food is cheap but during Ramadan it can be difficult to find places with food during the day (outside tourist hotspots). Summer can be blisteringly hot. I've ridden in the Anti Atlas and the High Atlas and plan on taking a longer tour this year. You might find some of my posts useful and there are a few routes you can dowload too, plus you're welcome to ask me specific questions.
I spent a couple of months in Morocco when I was sailing which really helped me to understand the culture, though there is always something new to discover and learn.
http://www.farawayvisions.com/bikepacking/bikepacking-in-morocco/
by Farawayvisions
2 Oct 2016, 6:11pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Isle of Wight
Replies: 19
Views: 2234

Re: Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight is a wonderful place to ride. The terrain is so diverse. One minute it's chalky cliffs, the next rolling countryside. Food is excellent and there is a welcoming attitude towards cyclists that warms the heart. Numerous quiet lanes, byways and cycle paths. I've just come back from another trip taking in some of the coastal path which is signposted as suitable for cyclists.
by Farawayvisions
14 Sep 2016, 6:19pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: The good, bad and ugly bits about cycling to work
Replies: 11
Views: 1809

The good, bad and ugly bits about cycling to work

When my partner started cycling to work, he never claimed it would save us money, now I know why.

Within the first fortnight, his lifestyle change had cost us £300. By month three my sleep pattern was a mess and on one occasion I lost my dignity.

A little story about how my partner's commute by bike has changed our lives.

I'd love to hear your stories.

http://www.farawayvisions.com/cycling-work-good-bad-ugly-pros-cons/
by Farawayvisions
30 Aug 2016, 6:41pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bikepacking on Countryfile!
Replies: 11
Views: 1230

Re: Bikepacking on Countryfile!

I've been 'bikepacking' for several years. I chose the method of packing because I tend to tour off road and because it's much lighter than using panniers. I made my first frame bag from a piece of leftover material and an old jacket. If you don't have the space to carry stuff you don't bring it and most of the time you probably don't need it anyway.
Last weekend, I went to the Isle of Wight with my minimal kit and while waiting to get on the ferry, my boyfriend and I met a young couple who were travelling around the island on their bikes for two nights. He had an 80 litre rucksack with a 25l daybag attached and she had two panniers and a small rucksack. I felt exhausted just looking at them. Apparently, he had a duvet in the bag!
by Farawayvisions
30 Aug 2016, 6:29pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Wild camping in UK/Ireland
Replies: 16
Views: 2808

Re: Wild camping in UK/Ireland

Hi there Longhaultrucking, the advice given by the earlier respondents is true, and because you're already a dab hand at this in far flung places, you might find my little guide for wildcamping in UK and Ireland helpful. http://www.farawayvisions.com/wild-camping-beginners-guide/
by Farawayvisions
14 May 2016, 8:12pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?
Replies: 14
Views: 1992

Re: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?

Apparently, the bend is to help put the rider's weight a bit farther back because of the big wheels and long wheel base and possibly to allow clearance when using fat tyres, though these are the fattest he's got at the moment.
The saddle drops as much as it need to ( not all the way) by opening the quick release seat post clamp.
Me, I take the pictures, write the stories and ride. I know little about such things. Too busy worrying about my weight. ;-)
by Farawayvisions
14 May 2016, 7:55pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?
Replies: 14
Views: 1992

Re: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?

Hi Natural Ankling,
this is the design of the frame - there is a bend in the seat tube. Have a look at a bike belonging to someone else.
Image
by Farawayvisions
13 May 2016, 11:10pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?
Replies: 14
Views: 1992

Re: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?

You are right on two counts, Natural Ankling; someone needs to lose weight (thanks for the reminder) and yes, on closer inspection, it is an optical illusion. :D
by Farawayvisions
13 May 2016, 9:32pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?
Replies: 14
Views: 1992

Re: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?

Vantage wrote:
NATURAL ANKLING wrote:Hi,
Some one needs to lose weight or limit the stunts.........................saddle stem / other is bent :?:


The bar is just really curved. It's shown properly on the story page of her link.


I thought saddle stem was another word for seat post. Looking at both bikes right now and I see no bend. Maybe I need Mr Sheen, Vantage?
by Farawayvisions
13 May 2016, 9:26pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?
Replies: 14
Views: 1992

Re: Lightweight touring - How much can you pack in the bags?

NATURAL ANKLING wrote:Hi,
Some one needs to lose weight or limit the stunts.........................saddle stem / other is bent :?:


Really? Which bike?