HALF OF THE FUN IS CREATING YOUR OWN STYLE OF RIG
Traveling by touring bicycle is much more then transportation, it is a lifestyle and an expression of your personality. There are very few if any touring rigs sitting in bike shops ready to jump on and ride into the sunset, you will need to create your own which is half the fun.
There are bike shops today that have all of the parts and pieces to build your rig, but you first have to make some choices. It depends on what you want to do. Is it on road or off road, long distance or short weekend trips? Do you have a bike or do you want to purchase or build a special use touring bike?
If you have a bike that is geared right, instead of racks and panniers a great place to start is a "BOB" trailer. These came out in the late 90's and were very popular when there were very few touring specific bicycles and gear. They easily connect to most road of off road bicycles. It directly attaches to the rear axle and tracks well with one wheel.
I have seen plenty of these on the road, they seemed to work well. I tried one on a short ride but I didn't like the feel, it felt like I had a flat tire. There are some issues with down hill speeds and vibration. I camped with a guy who had this issue that resulted in a crash. Panniers must be packed correctly or they can have vibration issues too. The "BOB" style trailers may have the same issue.
I here good and bad things about them but one thing about trying a trailer you can know if you even enjoy touring without purchasing a new bicycle, racks and panniers. If you don't like touring you can usually sell the trailer with little or no loss of your purchase price because they are very popular.
Today they make a few more styles and brands. Some are geared for off road with a wheel shock absorbing system. They hold up to 50 pounds and a few are designed with racks for additional panniers.
Off road trail riding takes a specific type of bike. This is more for the minimalist who needs performance more than creature comforts. I met a man in Central Oregon heading to Ushuaia (the tip of South America) on a similar rig. He started in Alaska and seemed to be in a big hurry. I admire his grit, his bike and his gear but I need a few more creature comforts.
Panniers are available everywhere now. Some companies do a great job designing them for wet weather and convenience. Picking the right storage packs is fun but I suggest accumulating your gear first to see what you need and then buy the panniers to fit. You may find your style of camping will require more or less room. You don't want to drag anything you don't really need over a mountain pass.
Your first tour will suck, this is just how it goes. You will understand the feel and freedom but your bike and gear will have some issues. Touring is a continuous learning curve. Each trip you will find things that work and things that don't and some things that will make you wonder what you were thinking.
A young couple was in a shop in Phoenix purchasing brand-new bikes and clothing. This was after the first six days of a coast to coast tour to Florida. They left San Diego and found that nothing was working. They put panniers on their sports car road bikes then were shocked that they got flats, broke spokes, the seats were torture and the desert is cold at night. They almost flew home but thank goodness for high interest plastic.
It is all part of the fun. Everything I bought was a piece of the dream. I search the internet now but back then I visited dozens of bike shops, camping stores even hardware stores searching for that perfect item. Dreaming and creating the perfect rig that reflects your style and personality is the fun.
This blog allows me to show you my style and personality. I hope my experience can help you avoid some of my mistakes. There are some characters in the bicycle culture riding the most amazing and original creations. You will see every possible rig configuration. Let your free flag fly.
Anything is possible....
This is my creation, it is functional and reflects my personality.
My rig is now a tested product of my imagination. Here I am in Florida thousands of miles from home. I saw fires, floods, tornadoes, snow, deserts, dense cities and endless open spaces.
*RANT TRIGGER WARNING*
America is taking a hit these days but take my word for it the people of this country are kind, generous, curious and loving. I am amazed how every place I interacted with people face to face, people were so different then I had been led to believe (the media).
Test this for yourself look in the eyes and hearts of a stranger, but remember respect reflects respect, kindness reflects kindness, love reflects love but hate will always reflect hate. First check what you are putting out into the world and realize there is a total difference between reality and Netflix.
Let me be clear I fear our Washington government is broken and beyond hope, so by America I mean it's amazing people. I don't call for a rebellion, revolution or an "insurrection" (the media and half of our politicians new word). Person to person understanding, tolerance and respect will cure the hatred, fear and drama that keeps us pissed off, fearful and divided.
