we've been talking about it for a while but, tonight we'vew finally set a date. we've nine weeks to get fit as a fiddle and iron out any nuances with the bikes.
i've ridden lots over the past year in the alps but not longer than a day.
anyone want to share their experiences and in particular their preparation?
we are looking at bavaria(anywhere within) over to Lago di Garda.
we are planning on sleeping relatively rough - hillside chapels, benches, tunnels, under bridges - to keep the costs down. i have a decent sleeping bag and mat which i'm thinking to attach to the bike to keep the weight off my back. eating at huts as opposed to having to carry cooking supplies/pots etc.
as for training. i have to admit that i am not in the best shape currently. a combination of good weather and beer gardens doesn't help.
we have a smallish mountain range (350-800m difference) a short train ride away. i'm thinking my best bet is to go there as often as possible and simply grind my way up the hills with a full pack. if i can get in around 1000m ascending in a day it would be good training.
so, experiences. tales of woe. tales of joy. and routes that you would recommend.
what size pack, from experience, do people recommend for long tours?
i've this pack and at 22 litres was wondering if it is enough:
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as said not cooking gear but am carrying sleeping bag & mat.
6-7 days in total.
Drop me a line if you need. I have done it twice & will be doing a third one this year.
www.highbark.co.uk
Chris
Sorry I should have said, maps and stuff that I can send you.
C
wahey! i've plotted my route for the transalp. sticking more or less to the [url= http://www.heckmair.de/transalp/transalp-gardasee.htm ]Heckmair Route[/url].
been flying the route on google earth the past two days. sad, i know.
the start date has been brought forward and is now 5 1/2 weeks away. i need to get fit. infact my mate who is riding with me needs to get even fitter - 4 month old doesn't help much with free time.
yay! i am really quite excited.
