Here Goes My First (Big) Trip, can't wait (Hints Tips Appreciiated)

First topic message reminder :

I thought as Mr Nutt & Anna's trip appeared to go so well and he did a great write up I've decided to do the same. As some of you may already be aware on Friday 10th Feb myself and a few friends will be heading off to Swallow Falls, Betws-y-Coed for a two day camping trip. I must point out at this point I only passed my test 3 months ago and have NEVER been camping in my life so all in all should be an eye opener.

Most of you will be thinking "camping in North Wales in Feb [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] " and yes probably not one of my best decisions but the boys were adament, after this one things can only get better, plus if I don't go onthis one they wont let me go on the others.

Anyway I've got some luggage as a stop gap as my Ventura Bracket still hasn't turned up (ordered it in December) [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] and I've got Ventura Pack Racks, grab handles and Eurobags sat cluttering up the conservatory, (good job I have understanding wife!!)

Anyway I've started looking at what I physically need to get on the bike and the luggage I have and have come to the conclusions that none of the important stuff will fit into any of the luggage. (Oxford Lifetime Panniers & Tailpack) so need a little help working it out. I'm guessing I'll be able to squeeze my airbed into one of the panniers and all of my other equipment (pump, pillow, light, stove, gas bottle, torch etc) into the other side. My clothes etc will fit in my tail pack leaving my tent and sleeping bag.

I'm guessing bags, gaffer tape and bungee straps are the way forward but so far I'm flumoxed as to how to fit it all on, especially as I went for quite a chunky sleeping bag considering the weather we can expect. At a pinch the tent would probably fit in a back pack but to be honest I don't relish the idea (weight & safety) of wearing a pack whilst keeping a bike upright for over 100 miles on some pretty exposed roads.

Also given that I'm a virtual virgin rider and camper the I'm loathed to ask the other lads for any advice as they'll either fill my head with stupid ideas then take the p*ss when I do it or just generally take the p*ss for me being a newb!! Either way can't win but I really want to turn up and them say, "hey this guy did it on his own and he did okay"!!

I want to sort this out by this weekend as my plan is to load the bike up and go out for a test ride just for practise as I am aware that the handling etc will chage with luggage.

P.S Before anyone questions the integretiy of the lads I'm going with they are a great bunch who would never do anything to put me in danger, they are just serial p*ss takers and comedians which hurts just as much [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Any help appreciated as ever, In fact if anyone has any pictures of their bikes heavily laden that might help

SteveCat wrote: don't pitch your tent on a slope even a gentle one, especially facing downwards. Might wake up finding you've 'slipped' out of the tent

Dewly noted

don't pitch your tent on a slope even a gentle one, especially facing downwards. Might wake up finding you've 'slipped' out of the tent .

Oh and don't eat yellow snow!

Just had the latest forecast and "significant snow" is on the cards for Thursday and i have a stinking cold. Are the gods conspiring to say "don't do it"?? I'm not put off yet but options currently being considered

"significant snow" and a cold? sorry that brings back the image of the bike scene from Dumb and Dumber The fresh air might do you good but the snow is a bit off putting, try it you can always turn around and come back. Enjoy.

CoooWeeeeee Steve ? Come out come out where-ever you are
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I'm afraid the forecast is not helpful! :rendeer:

You'll need balls of steel. If they stay on the 'brass monkey' (ie you!) I'll be surprised. Brrrrrrr

But it'll be a great tale to tell if you do go ahead

its official I am a complete pansey adventurer now.......

I was meant to be traveling up north on saturday morning but having checked the forecast I am going on the train instead now, heavy snow and -2 day time temps are a little too extreme for me!!

Your one crazycat!

MrNutt wrote:Your one crazycat!

And if I manage to get there, survive and get home in one piece on the bike I may consider changing my screen name to that

if you complete it that's certainly your screen name!


others to consider get there or not

frozencat

cat on ice

snowcat

completeravinlooncat

I wouldn't have risked it either, too much chance of dropping it and yourself if conditions get really bad.

Well as we all know this country has a habit of changing its mind weather wise and we are currently looking at rain!!

Probably cold as well but I can live with that

I've arrived back safe and sound after my bit of an adventure. I've posted a bit of a report separately detailing the highlights if anyone is interested but had a whale of a time, camping was great and the mistress did me proud, really couldn't fault her at all on the ride down or back, effortless miles, a real pleasure