10 years ago while cycling through China my toes were constantly cold for nearly 3 months also my shoes were possibly a bit too small. From that point on, when the temperature turns south my feet turn to blocks of ice and I suffer with the pain of chilblains. My toes swell up and turn blue, they rub together and against my shoes, they become blistered. It is a struggle to walk because of the pain, and cycling is 😫🤬😨. This last 10 days my feet have just caught the cold again. The warmer weather in Spain will help them release from the pain. Last year it was 3 months of hobbling.
Loving the socks and sandals combo.The fear as the bike disappears 😟Swiftly through security. But an hour delayed.
Eventually arrived in Alicante, my bike was off the plane very quickly. I’m real pleased I have a Samsung SmartTag attached to the bike, it definately gives piece of mind.
The hotel was a very speedy taxi 10 minute ride away.
I booked my flight just over 4 weeks before departure. This instigates me to assess my equipment and bag setup.
Frame bag(7 Roads) – As New
Saddle Pack(Porcelain Rocket/Rockgeist)- Good working order, but contemplating taking the pannier rack
Fork bag left(Miss Grape)- a few holes but waterproof not needed
Fork bag right(Gorilla Pod) – Good
Stem bag left(7 Roads) – Good
Stem bag right(Alpkit) – Good
Handle bar harness – connection point ripped. I have had the harness for 5 years since Nov 2019. That’s a fair old time and it’s had a good bashing since then, Wizard Works made it for me. But change is good and the Miss Grape Il Coso will be interesting as it’s a newer concept.
Ripped hereReplaced with this
The permutations of the Il Coso are many and complicated. An to get the right one entails hours of putting on, strapping on 2 bags, then taking the bags off to try the next configuration. But I think I am there now. Unfortunately I now have the Il Coso attached to my bike making it just that more heavy for taking on a club ride.
Valuables bag(Revelate) – Good
Top tube bag(Tailfin)- Good
Where things are packed are just about by rote now.
I put the bike in for a service at Dales Cycles, mainly of the back derailleur, of course this is faulty (warrenty claim) luckily the derailleur on my other bike could be used (that was also discovered faulty but it’s a surmountable problem 🤞 ) Also my big chainring was worn out so replaced. Thanks Dougie and James for sorting. 😀.
I’m taking my front dynamo wheel this has an adventure 35mm depth rim, and my back birthday wheel with the I9 Solix hub (sweet as candy) and a 55mm deep all road rim. Both wheels built by Judith at Stayer Cycles.
A Couple of Days Ride Outta....... 