I'm back home after my first little tour!
I had a lovely ride yesterday, meandering around little villages and stopping where I pleased. The first 12-15 miles were easy but I struggled with the last 5. I've never ridden a fully loaded touring bike and it was so heavy, I wondered if I could even pedal it one mile let alone 20, especially as I have only been on a few little rides over the last couple of months and am very unfit. The bike was built for touring and it handled like a dream. I did need to go very slow up the hills but this was expected. I was slightly worried about all the weight on the back wheel as I am a sizeable person. I packed the heavier things in the front panniers, and the steering (and back wheel!) were fine. Next time I will take less and hopefully there will be less of me as well.
I was a bit knackered when I arrived at the campsite but wanted to put up the tent right before I got too stiff and sore. I've used the tent before, but this time it took 45+ mins to erect. Possibly because I was tired, but then again this morning taking it down seemed to take ages. I know for sure that I want a different tent - something lighter and much quicker to pitch, and with more headroom. Once everything was set up, I had a shower, went for a walk, and came back to cook dinner on the Trangia which worked very well.
There was a huge windstorm last night and though I was plenty warm enough in my skip-find sleeping bag, the noise kept me awake for most of the night. I was up at 5:45 and decided there was no point in trying to get more sleep, so packed everything up and rode home. I nearly beat the rainstorm, but at least everything was packed away by the time it hit so stayed dry inside the bin bag-lined panniers. I had planned on going somewhere else today and camping for one more night, but had the chance of a last minute gig tonight and took it. I was a bit sore when I started but after about 3 miles felt fine. In hindsight I think two days might have been too much considering how unfit I am.
The good - bike handled like a dream. I had more than enough kit for an enjoyable trip. Riding in crocs was absolutely fine. Cooking on the Trangia was fun. The wind seemed to be at my back the entire way home. No mechanical problems. Being back on the bike felt wonderful and seeing the country and a slower pace was lovely.
The bad - Tent taking far too long to put up and take down. Lack of sleep. Not having a list of what was in each pannier so I had to empty them all out to find what I needed. Feeling a bit lonely at the campground. Lack of a chair. Forgot my pocket knife.
The tent, pannier list, knife, and chair can easily be remedied before my next trip. The lack of sleep - well that's just one of those things. I hope to have some friends on my trips next year so hopefully won't feel too lonely at night. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Thank you all again for your help - I probably wouldn't have even attempted a trip without all the support and advice given here!