Johnny Isaak | Adventure Cyclist
A compendium of adventure cycling chronicles, travel lore, tips, techniques, and tactics for the adventure cycling perplexed.
One of the most often asked questions I receive from the people I meet along the way and on my blog is, “What and how do you carry all of your stuff?”
To share with other riders who are interested in how other bicycle travelers, or at least how one other traveler sets up their/his rig, I’ve put together a few points on the kit I travel with, how I carry it, the basic method I used to determine the two in the hopes other riders will benefit.
About 18 months ago, I made a conscious effort to adopt a “slow speed” traveling style during future cycling adventures, which wasn’t a bad thing. Getting away from the daily push for distance and concentrating more on exploring has dramatically enriched my travel experience. Going slower is a better fit for my traveling style.
As part of my new slower, more deliberate travel style, I also made the jump from clipless to flat pedals so I could wear my beloved Vibram FiveFingers minimalist shoes while riding the bicycle — which was no easy decision. Like most road cyclists and many mountain bikers, I’d cycled with toe clips or “rat traps” in the 70’s. In the 80’s I began riding clipless pedals for the higher efficiency, convenience, and comfort. Well, the cycle has come full circle. I’m back to rolling on flat pedals again.
If you’re looking for an alternative pedaling solution, FiveFingers and flat pedal may be what you’re looking for. Read on.
Autumn is an excellent time to explore Kyoto. The mountains and city parks are alive with fall color. The crisp, mild weather makes for pleasant cycling. Traveling by bike is the best way to experience this historic Japanese city. Both Kyoto and Osaka have vibrant cycling cultures. Kyoto is a city that gets around on bicycles. Riding here reminds me a lot of Amsterdam. Young and old are commuting on their bikes.
Kyoto is an excellent cycling destination. Bicycles are an integral part of the residents’ personal transportation. Travel websites tout the city is one of the most bicycle-friendly in Japan. So, the cycling should be fairly relaxed and easy.
Below is a quick rundown of our base plan and the setup.
I recently nabbed a pair of Ortlieb’s Gravel Pack panniers to replace a pair of front Ortlieb Roller Plus panniers I’ve been running on the rear of my Divide for the past couple of years.
Still, with years of life remaining in the Roller Plus panniers, they’ve found a new home on the rear rack of my wife’s touring bike. Ever since last summer’s cycling trip to Hokkaido, she’s adopted then as her own and I’m sure they will give her with many years of trouble-free service.
Here’s my initial take on the new bikepacking lineup offer from Ortlieb…
Destination: Anhui province and the misty mountains of Huangshan or Yellow Mountain. In China, adventure is always near. Hopping a high-speed train with your bike in a bag will take you southwest to the city of Jinhua, which is located in the middle of mountainous Zhejiang province. From there, it’s a couple of days ride to the Huangshan national park on twisty mountain roads that transit some of the most stunning scenery to be found in China.
Continual travel is a way to keep the dream alive. Time on this rock is limited and everyday reality has a nasty way of interfering with one’s dreams if you’re not careful. Seems the wolf is always at the door. Big adventures in New Zealand and central Asia are still on the distant horizon. Shorter adventures must fill the gaps in between. The close proximity and easy access to the emerald mountains of Anhui offer the perfect adventure fix.
The great thing about China is an adventure is always near. As the longest continuous civilization on the face of the earth, there is always someplace to go, something to see. It was time to let the spirit run and see what there was to see. Destination: the coastal fishing village of Za Pu in Zhejiang province on the north shore of Hangzhou Bay.
After kissing my wife and daughter on the cheek, I pedaled my bike out the compound gate and down the street in a southerly direction. Gradually the concrete, steel, and glass of Shanghai fell away behind me. Traffic congestion easied and the riding became more relaxed. I considered the importance of time, our most precious resource. When the opportunity presents itself, ride.
