Cycling UK Forum

Light to ultra light is the way to go, especially as we get older. I travel light using a Nelson LongFlap to carry the majority of my kit, with sleeping bag/mat etc strapped to frame on front. Total carry is always less than 15kg.c

Thanks everyone for the advice, planning is still ongoing!

Off to Morocco in December, any route things not to miss general advice welcome.

Thank you all for your help, I have EMailed those companies suggested for a quote regarding the work I need doing.

Probably the wrong place for this post, however here goes. I have a 1970's Holdsworth, which needs a lot of loving care to the paintwork. Does anyone know/ recommend a good company or individual who can strip it (frame and forks) to bare metal prime and repaint. Preferabably in the South West (Bournemouth ) area. Tried to locate one on the net and they all seem to be in the North. Which adds to costs and relies on postal services for collection and deliver.

I mean land which is clearly cultivated and as such will be visited regularly by the farmer/ owner. Or may have livestock roaming on it. Nothing like getting trampled by an nosey cow!

Surely as a member of an EU country there are no travel restrictions once there no need to register.On a personal note I have wild camped cycling throughout France. Get in late away early, disturb no one stay well hidden, use common sense don't camp on farmland or close to houses , leave no trace. France is a big country, Enjoy!

Reading the Warmshwers site, yes I would be more than happy to reciprocate the help / kindness shown. Anyone know about HelpX?

We leave for France at the end of the month, mainly camping, however we have been advised to register with Warmshowers and use them, also use HelpX to spread our time there and lower costs. Has anyone done similar and what were the results?

You could always join and use Warmshowers in addition to hostels.

Camping doesn't have to require a fully loaded bike, eg four panniers!

Just go for it, enjoy the freedom of touring, bivvy or light weight tent makes life easier. I use a Saunders Jetpacker when to tother half comes along and only sleep in it, exploring the area when we have camped, returning at bedtime! Keep it light and enjoy!

Nice response Gordy, gears are not for everyone . Personally I hate cleaning gears, a single sprocket fixed or free makes my life so much easier! I use a flip flop hub and carry spare lower/higher fixed cogs, though so far have not used them, though have used the free wheel in Wales, to relieve some of the twiddle!

Wild camping is illegal in England and Wales, however if you take care ensure you are not seen by anyone, leave no trace. Go for it!! Scotland is different again!

Hi misterkari,
Go for it, bivvy bags can be a pain, but if you use a tarp from the bike to the floor it allows access/exit whatever the weather. Going light can be a very liberating experience!
Touring on single speed or fixed wheel means a bit more care in route planning, but most people plan anyway.
Igor goes ultralight which is extreme but has its own rewards!
Single speed/fixed requires a light approach to your load. However it's very simplicity makes for a source of great pleasure.
As always on these forums you will get the Nay Sayers, read their comments, digest them and tour with what you have.
Dervla Murphy cycled the world on a single speed, touring began on fixed wheels (Penny Farthing). More recently the RAMM has been done on fixed and single speeds, the T of F was originally raced on fixed.
You can always have a three speed fixed wheel built at Spa or SJS, or tour on a free three speed.
Fixed/ single also requires a single minded determined approach!
I'm cycling North on my fixer next Wednesday, if the last time I did it is anything to go by it will be challenging fun!
Bournemouth to Barrow in Furness, then Barrow to Catterick and down through Yorkshire home! Camping and Warmshowering as I go!