Royston - Paris

KC_stig

Hi all, Hope you're all churning the miles.

My friend and I have decided to do our own Royston - Paris. Bit more exciting knowing there's no back up. Couple of guys 2 bikes trekking across country's. (starting to sound like a modern broke back mountain)

We intend to travel over 3 or 4 days. Our intentions are to arrive on the Saturday afternoon, before the final stage of the tour in Paris. We be booking our hotels in advance. For those of you that have done this before/ know a lot about the routes. is there anyway you think is a must see/do on the ride?? The links to my current routes are below. Any input would be appreciated.

I've also attached a list of thing I think we will need to take with us. If any of you think I have missed something, or feel it's not needed please let me know.

https://www.strava.com/routes/2259356
https://www.strava.com/routes/2259543
https://www.strava.com/routes/2259676

KIT

Garmins
3 x padded shorts
3 x short sleeve jerseys
5 x socks
Normal shorts
Normal T-shirt
Slip on shoes/ Flip ’n’ Flops
Water proof cycling jacket
Overshoes
Long sleeve base layer
Leg & Arm warmers
Summer cycling gloves
Winter cycling gloves
Sunny's
Snood (Kneck warmer)
Wash kit (Toothpaste, Roll-on deodorant, 2 in 1 shower wash, Tooth-brush)
Sun cream (P20)
Food bags (for electrical’s)
Headphones
Map
Compass
Passport
Chargers (Phone, Garmin, Juice boxes) Note- buy bigger juice box
Euro’s & Credit cards
Ass cream & Vaseline

TOOLS

4 x inner tubes
Puncture repair patches
2 x tyre leavers (Jordan buy one)
Chain tool (KC buy one)
Screw drivers (check bikes)
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10mm allen keys (Check bikes)
8, 9, 10 mm Spanners (Check bikes)
Multi tool kit (Pliers, snips, Knife, allen keys, ect)
Mini Pump
Mini tyre canisters
Dry lube
Cable ties
Electrical tape
Winter tyres (use on bikes) (Jordan Dad to look at getting tyres)
2 x Winter tyres (Spare)
Rear LED lights
Bike locks
1st aid kit (KC has)

FOOD

6 x Tubes of Zero Highs (12 tabs per day each, max. 24 total. 120 tabs
15 x gels
10 protein bars
Box of chewy blocs

Shaun

Hi KC
I'd go as light as possible on a short tour like this, especially if using hotels each night. Rinse cycling clothes at end of day (towel trick). Eat off the land. Minimal spares and tools as you won't be away for long or in the middle of nowhere...


My kit culling suggestions below:

Garmins
3 2 x padded shorts
3 1 x short sleeve jersey
Add a gillet
5 2 x socks (a pair...)
Normal shorts
Normal T-shirt Swap for 2x base layers (dual use)
Slip on shoes/ Flip ’n’ Flops
Water proof cycling jacket (summer weight)
Overshoes
Long sleeve base layer
Leg & Arm warmers
Summer cycling gloves
Winter cycling gloves
Sunny's
Snood (Kneck warmer)
Wash kit (Toothpaste, Roll-on deodorant, 2 in 1 shower wash, Tooth-brush) (Use hotel free stuff)
Sun cream (P20) (half a bottle)
Food bags (for electrical’s)
Headphones
Map
Compass
Passport
Chargers (Phone, Garmin, Juice boxes) Note- buy bigger juice box (they'll have electricity in the hotel...)
Euro’s & Credit cards
Ass cream & Vaseline

TOOLS

4 2 x inner tubes
Puncture repair patches
2 x tyre leavers (Jordan buy one)
Chain tool (KC buy one) ( + 'quick link')
Screw drivers (check bikes)
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10mm allen keys (Check bikes) (just one set... 8/10mm? Depends if you need to take pedals off in Paris)
8, 9, 10 mm Spanners (Check bikes) Not sure what you need those for? May depend on bike...
Multi tool kit (Pliers, snips, Knife, allen keys, ect)
Mini Pump
Mini tyre canisters
Dry lube (1/4 bottle)
Cable ties
Electrical tape
Winter tyres (use on bikes) (Jordan Dad to look at getting tyres) -- recommend new tyres
2 x Winter tyres (Spare) (Take a tyre boot instead)
Rear LED lights
Bike locks (light as you can)
1st aid kit (KC has) (minimal...)

FOOD

6 x Tubes of Zero Highs (12 tabs per day each, max. 24 total. 120 tabs
15 x gels
10 protein bars
Box of chewy blocs

I'd live off the land. French cafes and patisseries...

tomh

Hi Kieren.
I agree with Shaun's suggestions above. What will you carry it all in? Panniers or rucksack? Which ever I would suggest training with the load you intend to carry.
I have a light weight pannier set that will fit a road bike if you'd like to borrow them.

Nathaniel Rosa

Good Luck Dude! Sounds so sweet.

I agree I think you only need one jersey! I only have one (club one) now, so I've started hand washing it straight after every ride and literally it's dry within half an hour after.

Sounds amazing man.

You'll never regret travelling light.

KC_stig

Thanks for your inputs guys. Really appreciate it.

I will go with all the suggestions as you guys know more than me. I was just being extra cautious.

Shaun you;re really hardcore with the clothing. Loving your work!!

I was going to get all the kit and see how much stuff I had then buy Panniers to suit. I've heard cycling with a rucksack becomes uncomfortable? So I was thinking Panniers??

Tom if you don't mind me borrowing them??? that would be mega. As I want to keep the cost down as much as possible.

Cheers guys

KC

KC_stig

Also, Just watched the towel trick video.

My life has changed forever!!!

KC_stig

Also. What do you think to winter tyres?? Shall we use them and lose a bit of performance? Or just go with full slicks?

Nathaniel Rosa

pirelli p0 front & back

wilburtrump

Don't think you'll need to be worrying enormously about performance on a ride like this. Hard wearing tyres that don't puncture easily will be the best choice. Bontrager all weather tyres have been great for me so far. I'd go with what Shaun suggests, he's been there and done that. For the minimal touring I've done is say take as little as possible, don't mind smelling a bit whiffy and definitely use panniers! I've some Ortlieb roll top panniers that are absolutely brilliant if you need to borrow any more... And a lightweight tiny rack that fits well over the back wheel of a road bike. You can barely see it on my Fratello when it's attached...

tomh

No problem. I've whispered you my phone number.