The milestone of Nancy’s 30th birthday demanded due attention too, so we decided to enjoy a night’s camping first, then spend a second in a farm guesthouse we’d found via Air B&B.

Just off the Rio Grande, under-the-radar Dixon (one of 8 Great Places You’ve Never Heard of) made the perfect base for this outing. A small settlement in northern New Mexico, it’s complete with a co-op, an organic farming scene and a flourishing arts community. Our planned campout wasn’t far from town, reached via a dirt road that climbed up and out of the desert and into the Carson National Forest – a respectable incline of 1500ft, taking us to some 7500ft (2300m).

The initial plan had included busing from Santa Fe to Dixon, changing in Española. Although there’s room up front for two bikes, it sounded unlikely we could fit the trailer in too, so we ended up having to drive. Dixon’s an hour or so out of Santa Fe.

A proud moment! Heading out towards the high country for our first  mini-tour.

I do love those New Mexican skies.

Within a couple of miles, we hit dirt. For the most part, the road was well surfaced, with some corrugation and steep inclines to contend with: a good testing ground for the bikes, gear and trailer.

Nancy. All smiles, for now…

Feeding time for Sage.

A butternut squash top-up keeps Sage smiling too.

Starting at a lowly (for these parts) 6000ft, the desert stretch made for hot and sweaty riding.

Further up amongst the junipers, a collection of prayer flags snapped in the wind.

As we reached the fringes of Ojo Sarco, a storm swept in, tempering the heat.

Classic New Mexico.

High security.

Once we reach the the high road that runs between Santa Fe and Taos, we found ourselves a dirt track that curled amongst the ponderosas.

We were running a bit late, so it was straight into pyjamas for the little one.

Best moment of the trip? Watching Sage, entranced by the trees around him. Sprigs of pine needles were duly studied and checked for tastiness.

The source of much fascination.

Then it was time to layer up and put him to sleep, while we cooked up some dinner.

Bedtime story. Nancy’s read this book to Sage since we was just a few weeks old, and it has a wonderfully soothing effect. It seemed a good idea to bring along to give him a sense of place.

Come morning, Sage was bright and chirpy. If truth be told, it hasn’t been the best night’s sleep – not that he seemed to mind.

Our camp spot and dwelling for the night. At just over a kilo, the Black Diamond Megalite’s both light and cavernous – it will comfortably sleep 3. Being both tall and single skin in design, it tends to get a little cold inside though.

Nancy’s Troll has proved the perfect trailer-hauler. Her custom Porcelain Rocket framebag/toothbrush holder makes for a nice touch too…

Lots of new things for podgy fingers to play with. Inside…

And out…

Then it was time for a quick nap…

A change of clothes…

And suncream…

… before we took to the road once more. We retraced our steps down the mountain.

Past the usual clutter of abandoned cars…

Back through the canyon…

Not forgetting a few short, granny gear workouts…

… and breaks in the shade for Sage.

Anxious to ensure the event was properly recorded, I raced ahead to capture every angle…

Back in the desert – and almost back to Dixon.

The rig: a trailer hitch on each bike made swapping the Chariot between Ogre and Troll quick and easy.

And finally… Sage is initiated to the post ride feast. Lunch at the co-op proved simple and tasty. Avocado is turning out to be a family favourite.

Gear:

I posted details of Sage’s packlist here. Additionally, a short foam mat, to lie him out on by the roadside, would have been useful. This could easily be attached to the trailer handlebars.

Don’t forget – BikeKidShop (site affiliate) is discounting Chariot trailers by 25-35% at the moment!

Nancy found it a challenge to stay hydrated while riding and breasfeeding. Rehydration sachets might have been useful.

Keep glugging.

Sage slept in a sleepsack made by The Milk and Honey Company and a down Patagonia jacket. This combination worked out really well. It kept him warm, and unlike a conventional sleeping bag, ensured his face stayed uncovered. He slept on a 3/4 length Thermarest which we placed between us.

Our Milk and Honey Sleepsack. This one is an outdoor prototype – previous models use heavier and bulkier cotton exteriors.

It features a series of adjustable snaps, and two way zips that run around the bag for easy diaper changing, and ventilation if needed. The bag is roomy enough for babies up to 2 years old. As Sage is over 6 months, there’s no shortage of growing room.

Packed away, the combo weighs 470g (16.5oz).

Part 2 coming soon!

The fleet: Troll, Ogre and Chariot (aka The Nest).

This is one for the toddler bikepackers out there.

Now that summer’s arrived, we’re preparing for out first multi-day campout with Sage, scheduled for next week. Our plan is to carry our usual lightweight bikepacking gear, with a hitch on each bike for the Chariot CX1 trailer, which has a reasonable amount of stowage space to supplement our framebags.

Sage is now just over 6 months, and has been riding in the Chariot since he was 10 weeks old – so he’s very much used to being in a trailer by now. Terrain will be a mix of quiet paved roads and well surfaced dirt roads. Distances will be short, with lots of playtime for Sage.

Sage’s packlist:

3/4 length Thermarest

Down sleep sack by The Milk and Honey Co (ours is a prototype model, with a lightweight synthetic shell)

Fleece pyjamas

Patagonia down sweater jacket with Nui merino hat and mittens (in case it’s chilly at night)

2 x changes of clothes

Sun Day Afternoon sun hat

Sage’s luxury sleeping apparel. Room to grow.

Hygene:

Diapers. Normally we use cloth diapers. On this occasion we’ll use disposables, but we’re investigating gDiaper hybrids, with biodegradable inserts for travelling.

Trash bag

Baby wipes

Hand sanitizer.

Zinc cream (for his butt)

Hylands homeopathic teething tablets (work really well)

Think Baby suncream

Play:

A few of his favourite toys

Small blanket to play on

His night time story book, pacifier (natural rubber, Natursutten, attached with a Binkie Bungee to his clothes) and the little monkey he likes to hug when falling to sleep.

Food:

Sage is still predominantly breast feeding. We’ll also take avocados and bananas (easy to mash and liked by everyone), plus homemade frozen butternut squash and peas (to be eaten on the first day), with a couple of Happy Baby organic food pouches. Eating accessories include bib, washcloth, wooden baby spoon and Kleen Kanteen Sippy Cup for water (which he’s learning to use by himself, clever boy).

Sage likes his picnics. And his food.

Given our location in the high desert of northern New Mexico (Santa Fe’s elevation is 7200ft/2200m), a good sunhat is a key ingredient in Sage’s packlist. This one by Sun Day Afternoon is rated to UPF 50+, and broad enough to keep his face in the shade and cover his shoulders.

Frozen, pre-prepared butternut squash, blended then placed in an ice tray. Pretty darn tasty, if I say so myself.

Tent:

We’ll all sleep in a Black Diamond Megalite tarp (2lb 5oz/1.05kg) with Bear Paw Wilderness Design bucket groundsheet.

We’re taking a Boba Air baby carrier, which packs small and weighs 320g – handy for carrying Sage while pitching the tent or walking around.

Sage models a packed Boba Air, a minimal and relatively lightbaby carrier.

Trailer:

Chariot CX, with a hitch on each bike. We’ve added sealant to the inner tubes for goatheads, thorns and cacti.

Disclosure. Bike Shop Hub is an Affiliate of this site, which means I received a small percentage if you purchase a trailer (or anything else) through this link. Right now, they’re offering great sale prices on 2011/2012 Chariot trailers, with 25-35% discounts on all models. We went for the top-of-the-line CX and it’s doing us well (the removable side panels are great for the summer heat). Note the Cougar is cheaper, with the same excellent suspension system and chassis that makes it well suited to dirt road travel. Here’s a preliminary review with our first impressions.

The Chariot CX 1. Not the cheapest trailer on the market by any means, but it’s impressed us with its attention to detail.

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know!

If you enjoyed Issue 1, you’ll be delighted to hear this latest instalment features more of the same vein in storytelling – a diverse and photo-rich collection of 14 tales spanning the globe, from wintry Alaska to jungly Rwanda, handsomely bound together by editor Lucas Wizenberg.

Despite the undeniable elegance and quality of the publication, these are real, honest, down-to-earth stories that will have you reaching for your bicycle and camping gear – as such, they’re a refreshing change from the gloss and glamour of many ‘adventure’ magazines.

And, like last issue, it’s online and free – with the option of downloading a PDF for a just a few greenbacks – a nominal fee that will help ensure this wonderful endeavour continues to flourish.

This issue, I had the pleasure of contributing a short piece on the quandaries of the digital nomad. It joins articles by the likes of Joe Cruz, Glenn Charles, Amaya Williams and many more.

Click here to get reading Bunyan Velo, Issue 2.

Enjoy!

Photo: Alex Dunn

Photo: Glenn Charles.

The last time Tim and I were there, snow restricted play – so we dipped into the ramshackle communities of Vallecitos and Plaza Cañon, north east of El Rito. This time, 6 weeks later and with summer making its entrance, we were able to push further north to quiet and remote high pastures, up at 10 500ft (3200m).

The lower flanks of the Carson National Forest are dusty and arid, straddling the threshhold between junipers and ponderosas.

Further up, it’s a maze of primitive dirt roads…

… and high pastures.

A Skunk Cabbage, so named for its odorous flowers.

The scale of the forest is impressive – as is its network of barely-travelled trails.

The logistics of bikepacking here are easy too, thanks to the abundance of water.

Tim brought along his Steripen Freedom UV filter. Its lithium battery is USB chargeable – a neat little device.

Consultation of the map required.

A spaghetti noodle of possibilities.

And, there’s no shortage of good campsites either. My current setup: a 6 Moon Designs Gatewood cape – just 11oz/312g – with a Tyvek ground sheet and a -1C North Face sleeping bag.

Aspen country. Come autumn, the place will be ablaze with colour.

The kitchen. Cooking over his homemade caldera stove, Tim adds some coconut oil to his porridge – which packs both a tonne of energy for its weight, as well as lending a tasty richness to food.

Jeremy goes for ‘hippy tacos’ – laced with guacamole, hemp seeds and tahini.

Tim…

… and his steed: a faithful Marin Pine Mountain, clad with Revelate bags and shod with 2.4 WTB Mutano Raptors and weighing in at 25lbs. Gear, including food for two days (but no water,) adds another 20lbs.

Jeremy…

… and his Rivendell Hunqapillar. Complete with wire basket and heavyweight wool jacket.

The terrain in the Carson National Forest covers the whole gamut – from rutted trails to off piste singletrack and graded roads.

It makes for idyllic riding, linking one meadow to the next.

Stream crossings provide good excuses to go barefoot.

Up on the high plateaux – 10500ft and still climbing.

Unfortunately, Jeremy’s back gives in without warning. So bouts of pushing…

… and recovery naps required.

Tim’s lunch stash. Health bars, cranberries, isotonic mixes, baking chocolate, squeezy agave nectar and almonds…

Then it’s back to pushing for Jeremy…

We wend our way through pines, spruce, aspens and ponderosas. It’s easy going riding, but no less enjoyable for it.

The Carson National Forest is a meeting point for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and the Continental Divide Trail . By the time hikers reach El Rito, they’re a month into a half year journey that will take them from Mexico to Canada, along the spine of the Rockies. The equivalent bike route is raced in as quick as 15 days.

Jeremy heads back to the car to recoup. Tim and I go in search of singletrack.

Another thicket of oderous Skunk Cabbages.

A newly finished trail leads us down to the Cajillon lakes, in turn linking up with the El Rito river, which we follow downstream back down to the car.

This is my second trip to the area. A scheme to bus up to Chama and ride back to Santa Fe, via the jigsaw pieces of the Carson National Forest, is brewing…

The Basics:

There’s a good access point to the Carson National Forest from El Rito (6875ft/2100m). You can park at the church, or the Blue Bus runs there from Santa Fe, via Espanola, during the weekdays. There’s space for two bikes onboard.

We drove 5 miles or so north beyond the El Rito, camping inside the boundaries of the forest. Then we climbed due north via Cañon Largo, returning via the Cajilon Lakes and Caño Canyon.

Within this piece of the Carson National Forest (the El Rito and Cajilon districts) there’s everything from well graded dirt roads to primitive, rock strewn affairs, looping up into the higher altitude meadows of the forest – 10 000ft/3 000m plus – and back down again. Plenty of scope for a few days of remote riding. Water is abundant, as are camping spots.

The Rig

No panniers. No backpack. It’s not superlight by any means, but it can get me everywhere I want to go…

Surly Ogre

Porcelain Rocket Single Compartment Custom Framebag

Porcelain Rocket Mission Control Handlebar Setup

Revelate Designs Gas Tank

Carradice Super C Saddlebag

Bagman2 QR with Expedition Support

note: The Bagman2 QR with Expedition Support suits me well, as it allows me to carry my Carradice Saddlebag – a cavernous bag that will fit my DSLR camera. Otherwise, I use a lighter, more minimal and rackless Porcelain Rocket Booster Rocket Seat Pack. 

It’s so called because the crust (spelt, in this case, from Whole Foods) is ready made. Shame on us! And, because it’s super easy to throw together. But that’s ok, because it still tastes delicious, and you can bask in the knowledge that, relatively speaking, it’s not a refined sugar fest. Being in season right now, the strawberries and rhubarb make for a lovely splash of colour.

Warning: it can be kind of gloopy, and won’t win any serving awards. But you’ll forgive it once you take your first gulp.

What you need:

2 pounds/punnets of strawberries

2 rhubarbs

1 cup of date sugar

1 lemon

1 pie crust

What to do:

Preheat oven to 400F. Chop up strawberries and rhubarb, nice and small. Place in a bowl, mix with date sugar and lemon juice. Spoon mix into the pie crust. Cover with foil. Pop in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, reduce the heat to 350F, then pop back in for another 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then serve!

It’s that time of year: plump strawberries and fresh rhubarb a plenty.

Chop strawberries. Done.

Chop rhubarb. Done.

Mix in the date sugar.

Squeeze in a lemon. (get that pip!)

Give it all a good stir, then spoon into crust.

All set.

Into the oven it goes. 20 mins at 400F, then 20 mins at 350F, with the foil removed.

And hey presto. Allow to cool, then devour.

This week, I wrote a short piece on Get Britain Cycling - a multi-party enquiry tasked with accessing the measures needed to shift cycling into the mainstream in the UK. Namely, what it would take to make cycling an integral part of life at both transportation and social level. The findings of the report have just been published, detailing a series of 18 far reaching yet realistic recommendations. These include a suggested goal of a 10% cycling modal share by 2025 – which is to say, one in ten journeys to be made by bicycle, upping this to a fifth of the pie by 2050.  Currently, world-leader Netherlands stands at 27%, with Denmark at 17% and Germany at 12%.

As a dad, one of my favourites is the recommendation to bring cycling into the national curriculum, by teaching school children bicycle handling skills – just as kids are taught to swim, they should be taught to ride a bike safely and confidently. Of course, a safe environment and bike-friendly communities are part of the jigsaw too, and there are detailed suggestions for more bicycle paths, and urban speed limit cuts for vehicles. Given cycling’s breadth of benefits – from transportation to health to a happier workplace – there’s some very pertinent ideas on how all this could be funded.

Now is the time to ensure that the political powers that be react to these findings. The Times newspaper has set up an e-petition to bring the report to Parliament: 60,000 people have signed up so far – another 40,000 are needed. As journalist, newsreader and CTC president Jon Snow recently underlined, “the lessons from Europe are that this takes strong political leadership, leadership from all parties.”

Please read the Worldwide Cycling Atlas post, sign the petition and pass the link on (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49196). It’s quick and easy to fill in. This is a very real chance to help initiate a monumental change within the UK, one that will help shape its transportation future over the next few decades – just as the Dutch did so progressively in the early 1970s. It’s inspiring and exciting stuff.

Signing the petition will only take a few moments of your time.

I’ve also now set up a While Out Riding Facebook page, where I hope to promote cycling advocacy issues as well as my own travels. Please ‘like’ it, if you feel so inclined!

Long grasses and wizened oak trees, atop manicured knolls so idyllic I’ll forgive them for their ferociously steep inclines. It could be Middle Earth – I can easily picture hobbit holes burrowed into its perfect hillocks. Or Devon without the rain.

Surprisingly, this is Shell Ridge, just a short BART ride away from San Francisco and Oakland, yet laced with as dense a weave of dirt roads and singletrack as any city dweller could dream for. In fact, I’d have been hard-pressed to even imagine such a beautiful and photogenic haven of open space so close to such a seething mass of metal and people.

I could wax on… It’s a place of gentle, subdued colours that fade from one hue to the next, as early morning sunlight floods into every nook and cranny of its ancient oak groves, before crescendoing into baking midday heat, and then retreating into the golden glow of late afternoon.

So how come I’d never heard of Shell Ridge? Well, I had in a way, but only as the setting to nearby Rivendell, the Grant Peterson-run bicycle builders famed for, amongst other things, their fancy lugwork, wire baskets and pragmatic philosophy of riding. Who knows, the area’s Tolkien-esque echoes may well have played an influence in the naming of the company itself. Hunkered down in a warehouse within Walnut Creek (more suburban that it may sound), this neighbouring patch of land is a fitting backdrop to these purveyors of beautifully crafted bicycles, gleaming Japanese racks and the finest traditional saddlebags.

Watch this video for an insight into the inner workings of Rivendell, crafters of a particular style of cycling poetry – one that, now I’ve visited Shell Ridge, I recognise to be in perfect harmony with their surroundings.

Thanks to the fine folks at Rivendell for showing me round, and those with whom I shared a couple of night’s surreptitious camping amongst the oaks – Jared, Mark, Jake, Colin, Daniel and Olivia.

The basics: 

There are around 31 miles of trails in Shell Ridge – as can be seen on this downloadable map (though we just explored and got lost, which works too). Shell Ridge flanks Mount Diablo, which also offers a rich vein of dirt road exploration potential.

The closest BART stop is Walnut Creek (half an hour from Embarcadero), then it’s a few miles riding through the ‘burbs to one of the Open Space’s various entry points.

Rivendell Bicycle Works is just a few blocks from the station.

A healthy, rather delicious dessert: avocado and date chocolate mousse.

What you’ll need.

This is a short and sweet recipe, and one that’s quick to make too (apart from the soaking of the dates). Plus, it’s dairy-free.

You’ll need:

10 plump dates, soaked for 3-4 hours in water

2 ripe avocados

1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

Sprinkle of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

(plus a tablespoon of maple syrup or a dollop of maple cream if you have an especially sweet tooth)

What to do:

Blend everything together in a good processor, with the S blade.

That’s it!

Spoon into glasses and pop it in the fridge for a bit before serving. You should have about 4-5 helpings.

In go the avocados.

And the plump, pre-soaked dates – stones removed.

Pile on the cocoa powder, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Give the blender a blast.

Add the date water to get the consistency of your choice.

If you want to really indulge, sneak in some maple syrup or maple cream.

Et voila. Best served chilly, and with a big spoon…

Dirt roading in the Bay Area proved a good testing ground for the Krampus/Rohloff combo.

It’s doubtful there’s such thing as the perfect bike – at least if you’re attempting to shoehorn everything into one machine, as I always do. But right now, I have to say my current setup feels completely dialled. It’s as good as it’s ever been, fine tuned for the kind of terrain and travels I enjoy most. Above all, it’s a blast to ride.

Still, it’s a perennial habit that I’m always tinkering, refining, experimenting, looking for those elusive last improvements. Perhaps they’re not always improvements – just something different. Anyway, with my trip to Peru/Bolivia/Argentina in mind, I’ve jotted down some random gear thoughts while they’re fresh in my mind. Inevitably, these ponderings won’t suit everyone, and take into account my riding style (dirt, dirt and more dirt) and my destination – namely that it will be cool and mountainous, and at the time of year I’m visiting, predominantly dry. Choices might well be different it was, say, predominantly paved, or jungly, humid and bug-infested.

Bike:

After reverting to derailleurs for much of last year, I’m delighted to be reunited with my Rohloff 14 speed internal hub (thanks GBT for the build!). Despite its few foibles, the Rohloff is ideal for laden, dirt road touring. As omnipresent as derailleurs are, I won’t be leaving home without it again, and definitely recommend one if funds permit. Mine has gone from bike to bike over the last seven years, and has clocked up untold miles in the process.

Rohloff Speedhub: ready to do battle with mud, dust and grime.

The Monkey Bone, from Cycle Monkey, is a neater solution to Rohloff’s Speedbone. Used with non Rohloff-specific frames, it anchors the hub to the disc brake adaptor.

Similarly, the Krampus/Rohloff combination has proved a real success (by way of a nifty Monkey Bone). Previously hamstrung (for touring purposes) by a 1×9/10 limit, it boasts a full range of gears, without any of the chain/tyre rub issues I experienced previously. Although Surly markets the Krampus as a trail bike, now that I’ve made some tweaks to the frame (namely, a proliferation of water bottle cages), it’s morphed into my favoured roughstuff bikepacking machine. Cranked it up to speed and it feels unstoppable, ironing out every ripple in the road. Full report soon…

More bottle. Someone’s been busy with the rivnut gun…

As for tyres – always a topic of debate amongst cyclists – its 3in Knards have impressed too, offering such a plush ride that my body is rarely sore at the end of the day, no matter how harsh the terrain. Without doubt, they make a worthy replacement to suspension for more challenging off road touring. Although the extra weight is undeniable, their heft hasn’t proved to be an issue, more than mitigated by near-limitless grip – both up and down the trail. Still, given their price ($90 for the non-folders) and relatively soft compound, I’m not sure that they’re the sweet spot for my own touring needs – I’m thinking a longer lasting 2.4 would suit me better, adding to valuable mud clearance too. But – there’s no denying that when it comes to babyheads, corrugation and sandy patches, Knards are in their element.

Whittling down gear for long distance, pannier-free travel is always a challenge. Still, I’m in no rush back to revert back to racks or a trailer just yet. A combination of a handlebar rollbag, framebag (both from Porcelain Rocket) and a roomy, easy to access saddlebag (Carradice Super C) offers space for gear, food, DLSR and my Macbook Air – without resorting to a backpack. I like the concept of the Bagman2 (with Expedition Support), but I need a tougher version for rock-strewn backcountry riding. I’ve needed to repair the support plate – hopefully the fix will hold out. Otherwise, I might try a small rear platform rack to support the saddlebag.

Finally, I’m about ready to bid adios to my SPD pedals for the next trip. That’s not to say I’m a die-hard convert to flat pedals for all applications, but the current combination of chunky, pin-laced pedals (Performance Bikes Shovels) and Keen hiking shoes is working really well, and rarely leaves me wanting. I’m tempted by a pair of Shimano Saints - of which I’ve heard good things - as my current pedals are on loan.

Clothing:

My full gear list is posted here. These thoughts are related to that list.

Smartwool stuff: undoubtedly comfy, but it’s expensive and I’m just not getting it to last as long as I’d like. For now, I’ve reverted to my old favourite (but sadly no longer made) Ground Effect Robin Hood, a Merino blend hooded top. It’s getting a little threadbare, but hanging onto life. (update: the RHs are back!)

Baggy shorts and merino underwear (Rapha, in my case) work great. No padding required. I don’t miss trousers; I’m fine with shorts, thermals and wool leggings when it gets chilly. As for social occasions, I’ll get by – I don’t mind looking a bit odd.

More trivially, my favourite Indian bobble hat was fatefully shrunk in the wash. I love my hat, so this is a (minor) travesty. I’m on the lookout for a worthy replacement.

Camping:

I’ve been borrowing a 6 Moon Designs Gatewood Cape, a minimal tarp that doubles up as a waterproof cape. Although the cape transformation hasn’t proved relevant to cycling (I always carry a waterproof shell), it’s an excellent tarp in its own right.

I’d buy one of my own, but I’m thinking of investing in its big brother, the Wild Oasis - which, for just an extra 57g, includes a mosquito skirt, and it’s roomier too. The Gatewood Cape packs away into its own pocket, easily tucked into my handlebar roll bag next to sleeping bag and layers. I barely know its there. Inevitably, a single skin tarp isn’t without its compromises – but for where I’m heading, I think I can live with them.

6 Moon Designs’ Gatewood Cape. A paltry 312g in weight, and not much bulkier than an inflatable sleep mat.

My sleeping bag is in need of replacement for the big trip; this will be my chance to try out a quilt, most likely from Jacks ‘R Better. I’ve heard good things about them.

Electronics:

I’m not unaware of the irony of paring back clothing and camping gear to the minimum, only to haul more than their equivalent weight in camera gear.

But… I like taking photos. I’m constantly debating the merits of a lightweight mirrorless camera system versus a higher quality, full sensor DSLR. A DSLR may be brick-like, but I’ve come to really enjoy my Canon 5dMk2 with a simple 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens as a general use camera. It’s quick, robust, and relatively speaking, not too obese. Plus, I really like the 40mm angle of view – it’s the same I had on my Lumix GF1. I’ve so enjoyed this single lens setup that if I could drum up some cash, I’d think seriously about investing in a Fuji X100s (with its fixed 35mm lens) and taking just that. (Similarly, if budget wasn’t tight, other contenders would include an Olympus OM-D, a M4/3 camera that comes highly recommended by cycle tourists). All three of these cameras allow you to separate the focus from the shutter release, which, for one reason or another, is my preferred way of taking pictures. In any case, if you already own a Canon Brick Mk2, check out the 40mm pancake – it’s a relative bargain at $150-200.

I’m now joined by an umbilical chord to my iPhone 5 (web browing/reading/music/topo maps/GPS/photos). A downside is it’s insatiable appetite for juice. The Goal Zero solar panel I’ve been borrowing has worked really well. Affixed to my front pouch, it will charge up my iPhone in less then a day, given several hours of New Mexican/Californian sunshine. But… I’m ready for a dynamo, most likely a Schmidt Son, rigged up to a Tout Terrain Plug 2, or similar.

Goal Zero solar panel – does a good job at keeping your electronic gadgets juiced up.

Talking of iPhones, I’ve been experimenting with using mine as a replacement for my Garmin Etrex 20. At $80, Lifeproof cases are hardly cheap, but they’re completely dust and waterproof, and the bike mount works really nicely for onboard navigation. Review soon.

Lifeproof iPhone case and handle bar mount. Handy for both unfamiliar city riding, and following GPX routes.

Future ponderings to include:

Observing how the Rabbit Holes fare (they’re single wall rims) over time, and how such wide rims handle 2.25in inch tyres, like a Schwalbe Big Apple, Schwalbe Smart Sam or WTB Weirwolf. Smart Sams would be seem to be bargain at $30, but unfortunately they’re not folders, which I prefer. Weirwolfs are light, have a great tread and ride really nicely, but may not last as long. Chunky Maxxis 2.4in Ardents are also a contender. We’ll see.

Looking into the viability of going tubeless, at least for an initial portion of the trip. Beyond the South West (mined as it is with goatheads), punctures are rarely a real issue on tour. But perhaps more importantly, tubeless tyres feel great at low pressure, offering a very effective alternative to suspension over even the roughest terrain, while eliminating dastardly pinch flats.

If you have thoughts or experience on any of this gear, I’d welcome any comments!

Here’s just a few photos from the trip. More to come soon…

The early bird gets the worm. Sunrise in the Marin Headlands, just a short ride across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Dirt galore. Jake negotiates the descent down Coastal Trail, south of Pantol Ranger Station.

The biking brotherhood. These well worn shoes and tattooed emblems belong to Jared, fellow dirt lovin’ amigo.

Loose, off camber tracks are the name of the game in the Headlands, as ridden by generations of dirt road riders, since the dawn of modern mountain biking. 

Shell Ridge, rising steeply from the foothills of Mt Diablo, is a sublime open space area. It’s laced with buff singletrack, meandering its way through tunnels of old and wizened oak groves.

Meanwhile, back in the city: Twin Peaks and its switchback descent. There’s all kinds of riding to be had straight from your front door.

The trail along Bolinas Ridge – one of my favourites – is framed by lush foliage and an austere corridor of redwoods.

Spring time – Californian poppies resplendent in all their neon glory.

Did I mention my bike? It’s a Surly Krampus, nicknamed Brutus, and now complete with Rohloff Speedhub and tubeless 3in tyres. Seen here with Colin’s Pugsley and Jake’s Marin Eldridge Grade.

Shirt fluttering in the coastal breeze, Jarod and his Rivendell Hunqapillar let loose, to an oceanic backdrop and distant rocky bluffs.

Dipping tyres and toes in waters at Muir Beach.

Different strokes for different folks: the bicycle basket, surprisingly capable at hauling all your camping gear, on dirt and pavement alike.

Further explorations around the polished hilltops of Shell Ridge.

The Bay Area: a Mountain Biking and Roadie paradise.

Training it:

The train from Oakland, CA to Albuquerque NM, costs $130 (booked a few days in advance, and date changeable for no fee). If you have 28 hours to spare, it’s affordable, relaxing, bike-friendly and scenic.

The segment from Oakland to Bakersfield includes free wifi too, which I’m availing myself of right now, as does the bus link from Bakersfield to Union Station, LA.

The bike travels free and unboxed to LA, then it’s $10 to New Mexico – and a further $15 if you need to purchase a bike box. Amtrak boxes are massive, and require very little disassembling of your steed.