Over the previous 9 months I’ve walked tons of and tons of of miles on foot. Touring by bike is nice, however strolling is definitely second greatest.
After I’m not on my bicycle, I do my greatest to decorate like a “regular particular person” and mix in with the folks round me. The picture beneath exhibits what I usually appear like after I’m off the bike and exploring the native space on foot.
1. Hat
I put on a hat virtually on a regular basis. As quickly as I step off the bike and take away my helmet, my hat immediately goes on. I put on a hat to cowl up my unhealthy helmet hair and to maintain the solar out of my eyes. The hat you see within the picture above was bought at a campground known as “Thousand Trails/Naco.” It’s a personal timeshare-type campground that my household belongs to in the US.
2. Shirt
My mom purchased this shirt for me just a few years in the past from our native Sam’s Membership. It absolutely price not more than $10 USD, but it has outlasted shirts that price 3 times as a lot. This specific shirt acquired no feedback till I arrived in Greece when British folks abruptly began coming as much as me and asking me if I used to be a rugby participant. “No,” I needed to clarify. “It’s only a T-shirt.”
3. Watch
Earlier than leaving for Europe in December of 2008, I had not worn a wrist watch in years. My final watch had damaged some 7-8 years prior and I had by no means bothered to get a brand new one. Like many individuals these days, after I’m again dwelling and residing my “regular life” I usually simply use my cellular phone to inform the time. However after I began planning for my travels in Europe I knew I’d be leaving my cellular phone at dwelling (as a result of it wouldn’t work in Europe) and that I would want to lastly get a brand new watch. The one you see here’s a males’s black DKNY wrist watch. No alarm. No mild. No fancy options. Nevertheless it tells the time and it’s waterproof.
4. Highway ID
On my different wrist is a Highway I.D.. That is an merchandise I’ve talked about loads right here at Bicycle Touring Professional, however it’s value mentioning once more. The Highway I.D. is principally a bracelet with my title and emergency contact info engraved into it. I put on it on a regular basis in case one thing have been to occur to me and the native authorities wanted to contact my household. My Highway I.D. has my title on it, the names and cellphone numbers of my members of the family, my medical historical past, and the 12 months I used to be born. For me, touring alone, that is an extremely essential piece of substances. It’s low cost, straightforward to put on, and even kinda fashionable.
5. Laptop computer Bag
I’ve by no means introduced a laptop computer bag with me on any of my earlier bike excursions, however for this specific tour (9 months in Europe) I introduced alongside a Lone Peak BP-500 Briefcase Pannier… and I’m positive glad I did. I’ve used this bag each single day. After I was on the bike the bag slid inside one in all my rear Ortlieb panniers and after I was on foot, it was my essential manner of carrying issues with me as I strolled round on foot. I used the bag on virtually a every day foundation to hold my pockets, cash, digicam(s), passport, exterior onerous drive, e-book, journal, water bottle, and typically even my jacket.
6. Shorts
I solely introduced one pair of shorts with me on this 9-month journey by means of Europe. The pair I chosen is a pair of camouflage grey Fox Racing mountain bike shorts. I selected to put on these shorts as a result of I might trip my bike in them and stroll round in them with out immediately being branded as a bike owner. Sadly, after 6 months of sporting the identical pair of shorts, day after day, I wore a big gap in the best aspect of the shorts the place my laptop computer bag hangs down and rubs up in opposition to the dress there. I’ve since mended the opening with needle and thread and sewn on a big purple and white patch I purchased in Turkey for 1.50 Euros. Hopefully the patchwork holds till I make it dwelling and should purchase a brand new pair of shorts.
7. Socks
Earlier than leaving for Europe I picked up a pair of grey Pearl Izumi touring socks. The fabric is similar to that of every other specifically made biking sock, however the size of the sock, as you may see within the picture above, is a bit longer. I actually like the colour and elegance of the sock, however I want the fabric have been only a tiny bit extra sturdy. I wore a gap by means of the rear ankle of the left sock many months in the past and have been pressured to put on one other small black anklet sock over the touring sock in order that I don’t get blisters after I stroll or trip.
8. Footwear
To say that I’m impressed with my sneakers can be extra than simply an understatement. The sneakers you see above have been bought at my native Nike outlet for simply $29.00 USD and so they’re nonetheless going robust. I made a decision to convey this specific pair of sneakers with me on my journey to Europe as a result of they have been light-weight and waterproof. I by no means anticipated them to final your complete 9 month… and I’ll be unhappy to say goodbye to them as soon as this journey is over.
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