Search found 599 matches

by Thehairs1970
15 Mar 2024, 6:12am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland - Short Tour
Replies: 37
Views: 1082

Re: Holland - Short Tour

This site has a great planner for routes specific to NL. I find it better than cycle.travel (for NL). It has an English version and the planner will give you all the ‘knoordpunts’ (sp?) that you need to head for. This is very useful as names are not always used on signposts. You’ll be able to work out routes to a very detailed level.

https://www.hollandcyclingroutes.com/on ... te-planner

Martyn
by Thehairs1970
14 Mar 2024, 4:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Holland - Short Tour
Replies: 37
Views: 1082

Re: Holland - Short Tour

The railway station at Harwich Port has a car park. I think it works out about £10 per day but is reasonably secure. I.e. there is a manned barrier in and out.

I think it sounds like a grand plan for a trip. Yes the distances aren’t huge but if you are travelling abroad, you want to see more than just the cycle paths right? I’ve been to most of the places and they all have their charms.

We are heading back to Holland for our fourth trip this summer. Lots more to see even after that trip.
by Thehairs1970
6 Mar 2024, 6:28am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Front Pannier Rack
Replies: 2
Views: 245

Re: Front Pannier Rack

On the tubes site they will explain what geometry they will fit too. Then you could buy from eBay…
by Thehairs1970
2 Mar 2024, 6:58am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Tram at Hook of Holland
Replies: 10
Views: 776

Re: Tram at Hook of Holland

Diatom wrote: 17 Feb 2024, 11:43am Have you thought of cycling from the Hook of Holland to Rotterdam? There is a pleasant and well-surfaced cycleway which goes along the banks of one of the branches of the Rhine. Only 30 km to the centre of Rotterdam, flat and easy! Shouldn't take much longer than an hour and a half, you'd probably get to the city centre quicker that way.
Yep. Done that before. We are heading to Groningen to tour up there so want to take a train. Therefore looking for quick ways to get to station.

Thanks
by Thehairs1970
2 Mar 2024, 6:47am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Sleeping bags ?
Replies: 20
Views: 1002

Re: Sleeping bags ?

The problem you are going to find with your price point is you won’t get small pack size AND warm. I learned this the hard way when young and I sleep warm.

Have you considered the second hand market? Have a look for any ‘big brand’ items and the check online reviews for that. I reckon it’s the best way you have of accomplishing what you want.
by Thehairs1970
26 Feb 2024, 9:10pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: locked up
Replies: 20
Views: 1166

Re: locked up

We use a Kryptonite lock and cable when touring plus a quick, probably useless, cable lock for quick stops. I’d rather lock than not even if it means carrying the weight.

I, stupidly, once said on another post that surely no one would take kit off the bike. I then had my Brooks saddle and seatpost stolen in Holland.

So now I am taking a small hiplok lock to ‘lock’ the saddle to the frame too.

Ultimately, you can only put people off not stop everything being nicked.
by Thehairs1970
22 Feb 2024, 6:46am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Best camping set up for electronics
Replies: 55
Views: 1951

Re: Best camping set up for electronics

I’d go powerbanks too with a multi usb plug so if I get the chance to charge stuff I can do it quick. You can get them with different plugs that you change so you don’t need to take an adapter too. A solar panel is great where the sun is strong and I’d use it to top up the battery packs. Mine sits on top of my rear panniers during the day and spread out/hung up at campsites.

It may be obvious but also switch your phone/ipad off when you aren’t using them. This will save a lot of power and stops you being dragged into the real world because you hear those notifications or it’s quick to check.

Enjoy!
by Thehairs1970
19 Feb 2024, 8:40pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: touring wheels upgrade
Replies: 41
Views: 1880

Re: touring wheels upgrade

Just looked up Moser’s bike

https://steel-vintage.com/pages/frances ... le-auction

I can’t imagine that rear wheel was light! The rules around the hour record are, apparently, very obtuse and change on a whim, so I’m amazed this got through.

However, I can’t see this catching on while touring, there’s no room for a rear rack.
by Thehairs1970
13 Feb 2024, 5:46pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Tram at Hook of Holland
Replies: 10
Views: 776

Tram at Hook of Holland

Anyone know if the tram at the Hook of Holland port takes bikes? And does it go to Rotterdam?
by Thehairs1970
12 Feb 2024, 6:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Solar panel for usb charging?
Replies: 55
Views: 3048

Re: Solar panel for usb charging?

gom wrote: 11 Feb 2024, 9:45pm I

Some things to note with the solar panel:
* Testing it at home I laid it on the ground where it got very hot, and appeared to stop outputting any power. All OK once it had cooled down. I suppose there is some sort of cut out.
Mine came with a warning re this. Basically make sure the surface you lay it on doesn’t hold its heat too well. Stone/concrete - no! Grass - seems ok.
by Thehairs1970
10 Feb 2024, 7:57am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Solar panel for usb charging?
Replies: 55
Views: 3048

Re: Solar panel for usb charging?

I have the same one as Ian. I like it but remember you do need quite strong light to get the best from them. Outer Hebrides? Forget it! I make sure my battery pack is fully charged before heading out and use the panel to top it up when I can’t access mains. I have it strapped across the top of my rear panniers/tent during the day and then hung up, laid out when in camp.
by Thehairs1970
20 Jan 2024, 6:04pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Bike Touring - panniers/bikepacking bags. Advice for my bike?
Replies: 36
Views: 2348

Re: Bike Touring - panniers/bikepacking bags. Advice for my bike?

Only my opinion but looking at how far the seat post is out of the bike, I’d say it’s too small. However, it’ll probably do for now. If you do decide to buy something else, go second hand for now. Even if your bike shop has to do some work it’ll probably be cheaper.

I’d go panniers too. I bought a secondhand pair for cheap as chips for my first set. They were waterproof but an old style connection which wasn’t the easiest but was fine for a few years. Cheap panniers and rubble sacks are likely to be cheaper and more reliable than cheap bike packing kit I’d guess. Also, I’d highly recommend the Ortlieb handlebar bags. You can get adapters to allow you to fit lights, computers etc.

Good luck with the trip.
by Thehairs1970
15 Jan 2024, 9:16pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: New trip planning May 2024
Replies: 22
Views: 1226

Re: New trip planning May 2024


Eilean Fraoich near Siabost. Small but reasonable facilities.

Horgabost - great views, simple facilities, very popular but should be space at the time of year.

Balranald - has a drying room! Had to tie tent to picnic benches due to wind.

Otter’s Edge - just been taken over by new management. Simple, flat with kitchen.

Scurrival! Cheap and had a kitchen again.

Moorcroft - can’t remember much about that one.

Not sure about charging for bikes. Most have a website or Facebook page for contact.

We also wild camped for a few nights. Beautiful but completely lacking in electricity! 😉

Martyn
by Thehairs1970
14 Jan 2024, 7:41pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: New trip planning May 2024
Replies: 22
Views: 1226

Re: New trip planning May 2024

Ian the woodworker wrote: 14 Jan 2024, 11:07am I too am concerned about my friends abilities following the Chemo. He is very keen to go, but the thought of getting stranded in the middle of nowhere concerns me.

Cycle travel shows the Caledoian way as having 13,500ft ascent and descent whereas the Hebridean way shows only 7,500 (moderate) . I took this to mean that it would be somewhat gentler than the Caledonian Way we did last year.

I remember the steep climb out of Fort Augustus with a nearly flat battery was a struggle.

What do you mean about a shuttle bus?

Isn't the recommended route south to north because of the winds?

Thanks

Ian
Apologies Ian. I didn’t refer back to your email and was thinking of Fort William to Inverness rather than the added bit you refer to. There are definitely some flatter sections on the Hebridean Way but also some bigger hills. Yes wind is predominantly south to north but you aren’t always going south and many sections give protection. Apart from the gale days(!) we didn’t find the wind too much of an issue.

Re the shuttle, here’s a link https://www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk/he ... -your-bike. The whole website is a mine of info tbh - worth a visit. Are you camping btw or proper beds? If camping, I can recommend a few.

Martyn
by Thehairs1970
14 Jan 2024, 9:20am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: New trip planning May 2024
Replies: 22
Views: 1226

Re: New trip planning May 2024

Why not start in Ullapool? My thoughts on this are that driving to Ullapool is easier than public transport but to pick up the car in a early finish situation would be easy as you could leave bikes somewhere else on the mainland and get public transport to Ullapool. Perhaps… Plus there is a shuttle you can book that would pick you up and take you back to Stornaway if needed.

One thought on your plans, and I know I have no idea of your experience etc, the Hebridean way is a lot hiller than the Caledonian Way and I would be concerned that your companion may find the experience quite hard work. Add in to that the more extreme weather possibilities and lack of possible shelter and it could end up being an “experience” rather than fun. However, only you can really be the judge of this. Good luck though. We loved it. Did in July and August a couple of years ago. Did top to bottom and back and thoroughly enjoyed it despite the 45mph headwinds, hail squalls, evil mosquitoes and lack of temperatures above 18.