Touring The Netherlands: Newbie with lotsa questions.

[shootingstar]

Is there a ratio formula of gear/pannier:body weight:bike weight? For example: If I weigh 120 lbs (54 kilos), my personal possession (not including pannier weight,) should not exceed X number of pounds?

I've never heard of a bodyweight vs. pannier weight ratio but judging from the plethora of questions, you've asked, you strike one as a person who is super conscientious....and maybe easily discouraged if things don't happen as expected = it's better you cycle with less weight than your body weight.

I weigh 98-100 lbs. I think I might have cycled at most 40-45 lbs. on my bike for 2-3 wk. camping and cycling trips. But over the years I've gotten smarter and smarter and really reduce the amount of clothing.

Before you go on such a trip, you need to seriously take longer trip rides of at least 2-3 or 4 days back in your home province /state. Simpply ride longer distances every month locally, do it nearly every day now in snowy weather.

I would also on a regular basis every week, cycle with pannier weight by going shopping and build in extra long distances before getting home.


Netherlands is flat but I understand of course, windy.

Be light as you can be with layered clothing. You will want to cycle-carry some food with you also during the trips.

Cycling shoes: at least mountain bike like cycling shoes. You will be able to push harder and with the weight, you will thank yourself.

Water filter ...well, if you are drinking from tapwater.... What do your Dutch friends recommend? I wouldn't be drinking out of their streams and rivers. I would buy bottled water. Remember, Europe is not quite like North America. North America has real wilderness, wild large, dangerous animals, lots of wild fish in rivers. Alot less left in Europe now.

[tangentgirl]

Welcome, Holland!

Bike and Equipment:
1. I'm considering buying a used bike once I reached Netherlands. Must I have a touring bike or a city bike could work? I prefer coastal brake, do you think I could get away with only one gear? The country is said to be fairly flat except for two provinces: Overijssel and Limburg. Also, I prefer occassionally riding standing-up, I don't know if this is possible with full panniers.

You will ultimately be more comfortable, and able to enjoy your travels, if you ride a lighter bike with gears.

Also, while it's an extra cost and a little extra work to pack, unpack and repack, consider bringing your own bike. That way you will be familiar with it and comfortable on it.

Finally, think about taking your bike to a good LBS and getting a bike fit. Explain the kind of touring you want to do. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how good you feel at the end of the day, and how eager you are to jump back on the bike the next day.

4. I read that all restaurants carry bike repair kits throughout the country. What items do I need to keep in my personal repair kit anyway?

Tire tubes
Tire levers
A good multitool
Patch kit
Emergency ID/contact
Small bottle of chain/gear lubricant
Some type of bicycle pump, either attached to your frame or in your repair bag
On a ride of this sort you might want some sort of chair repair mechanism, although I don't know much about that. <--I'm sure someone else here does.

Even if every restaurant in the country has bike repair kits, if you are 10, 20 or 50 miles from the nearest restaurant, walking your bike there would be a bummer! Also, learn how to change your tire and practice a few times before you leave.

Luckily, there are all kinds of seat packs that fit nicely under your seat. It's not that much extra weight, and it's well worth it.

Have fun!

[Holland]

Ladies, thank you very much for your input; you make a lot of sense. I'll be going to a bike shop tomorrow to get fitted and pick up a few things so I can start training.

I spent the past two days reading and mapping out an itinerary. Exciting and stressful. Shootingstar, "super conscientious" is a nice way of putting it, type double-A would be more like it. I'm trying to prepare as much as possible so I could enjoy once I'm on the road.

[shootingstar]

Ladies, thank you very much for your input; you make a lot of sense. I'll be going to a bike shop tomorrow to get fitted and pick up a few things so I can start training.

I spent the past two days reading and mapping out an itinerary. Exciting and stressful. Shootingstar, "super conscientious" is a nice way of putting it, type double-A would be more like it. I'm trying to prepare as much as possible so I could enjoy once I'm on the road.

Do plan carefully what to carry but don't carry too much. You are cycling in a country with access to buy stuff in an emergency. You won't be in the Sahara Desert.

Otherwise you'll regret cycling too much weight for stuff that you may not use or barely use during the trip.