I read once, when you pack to go on a trip, take half as much clothing as you think you need, and twice as much money.

I can haz cheeseburger?

I have a two week trip in France planned - not sure how far I will get but from Calais heading towards Switzerland. I plan to do this mostly off road, so everyday is a single track day. And carry a tent and oatmeal. I have toured in France, Italy (very nice), Germany (closed on Sundays and sometimes Saturday afternoon), Switzerland - stunning, bring a credit card, Thailand (north to south)(saved by 7/11s), Cambodia, a bit of Java. We plan to hire a car and drive to see the eclipse in August. I think it will be too hot.

Photos: Italy Switzerland Thailand France

Fair thanks

Perfectly safe. He wears a helmet. And his ike has reflectors front, back and on the wheels, so it all complies with safely standards.

Late to comment I know - I saw this post as I was searching for 1198 no idea why it was in the results. Anyway …I don’t see a flag. I see a bikini with stars and a very pretty girl. I think you might be focussing on the wrong things (not a surprise).

The girls who ride the bikes were all naked. In most countries they added a red bikini bottom on the artwork. I believe in the US they had to add bikini tops too. Good ol’ US. Home to the world’s porn but not able to permit a girl to be seen on TV in bed without a bra on. After all that - not Queens finest hour either of those songs.

Quote “this will probably be my main project”. Yep. Everything that Rubber says plus … tank may be ok. Start by washing it out with petrol and ball bearings (take tap and filter off). Also consider adding an external filter in your new fuel lines before the carb. Gearbox may be the reason it was left to die, or may be straightforward - you will have to get it open. Resist the temptation to turn the engine over again. Post lots of photos. Have fun.

I had a similar child seat and foot rests - but only pedals no batteries. The seat position works really well for riding with small children.

You are going to be delighted when you see a pineapple growing too

This seems unnecessarily cruel?

I voted against Garmin with my wallet. I was nervous to leave the Garmin ecosystem but when I decided what data I actually need, it’s all there on Corus and Suunto. I’m happy not to be in the Garmin upgrade loop and Connect plus world.

Me too. My wife still remembers that. Last year I bought a wastebin and that came with me on the bike too. After living and working in SE Asia you realise there is basically nothing you can’t do with your bike and a few Rokstraps ™

You seem to be a nice person. Don’t give up. I hope you find your people and I’d be happy to have positive people like you around me. Do you read about Buddhism and metta at all? When the whole world can show love and respect to themselves and others it will be a better place, and you seem to be there already.

Source please?

I am skinny - if I am not actively swimming in fresh water I am sinking (sea is different but sea comes with waves which is an added complication). If I am tired or nervous then I have to fight with my subconscious to be calm and stay safe. So I would add mental strength to the list for a first time swimmer. And even then I’d say don’t go out of your depth.

I wanted to avoid Garmins new paywall model. The avoidance of sending money to the US is a bonus. Changed 645 for Suunto Race S. Tip - you can download the Suunto app and use it for an activity or two to see what it does - obv you don’t get much data. There is ecosystem shock when you change from Connect (not connect plus because fuck Garmin) but you get over it. Maps are amazing.

Have a care with Garmin - they are starting to put data behind a subscription so you should assume in future it’s a subscription based hardware purchase. This means a) the hardware may now look overpriced and b) you can look at rideanalyze or strava or training peaks as alternatives to Garmin a connect plus. And they are stronger in some areas.

I was thinking about upgrading my old garmin 645 before I read this on DCRainmaker. Then I looked at Suunto Race S which ticks all the boxes but the change from one ecosystem to another is off putting. Probably I’ll do nothing now until the watch dies then decide. But for now Garmin just lost one sale. Not that that makes any difference.

The answer is always “more wolves”