Quote Originally Posted by Veronica
On a double century I start riding somewhere between 4:30 and 5:30 in the morning and it's generally kind of cold. I'm going to want a place for my arm warmers and leg warmers when I take them off. I'm carrying all the stuff you listed, plus enough food to get me through 15 hours of ride time. Yes, these are supported rides, but certain foods work for me. I also bring some extra clothes as well, since most of these rides are not flat, a balaclava, long fingered gloves and a jacket are often neccessary for the descents. I don't like to have anything on my back for such a long ride. I don't even like to have things in my pockets. Personal preference is to put it all on the bike. I don't notice a significant change in the handling.

So it looks funny to you - oh well. I prefer to have what I need. BTW I have a gignatic bag for commuting to carry textbooks. It doesn't interefere with my pedal stroke.

Veronica

OK for a double century you do need to carry much more than normal. I assumed the poster was referring to normal, training rides.

Although good thing about a Camelbak, I can attach my vest, arm warmers etc to the tie backs if need be. I've also been known to tie my arm warmers around my handlebar. Works great. I've done long week end tours and have then used a temporary seat rack and seat bag. If one is prong to carrying all that much stuff, a seat rack seems to work so much better than a under saddle bag or front bag. Or better yet touring panniers.