[babyjustin]

hi,

Need some advice for D of E cycling gold which is 4days and 3 nights long ...
How much water do you think I should take - was thinking about 2 1litre bottles of water? but we only have one bottle holder?
What sort of shoes should I take? I have normal asics trainers but they are not waterproof. also is there anyway you can strap your shoes onto the bike or use cleats?
What sort of food should I take? Overall what should be the maximum weight.
clothes?

Thanks so much,
lifesavers,
babyjustin

[izzyrose]

Hey
Well, how much water you take depends on if you will be able to fill up or not. I'd suggest one litre of water (in two smaller bottles.) Attach another bottle holder onto the bike frames upright (that goes up to where the seat post is) This will only work if your bike frame is big enough though. If there will be nowhere to fill up the bottles over the 4days you will need to take much more than 1 litre...though share it throughout that group, if you are going in a group that is.
For shoes, I suggest you buy some proper cycling shoes with cleats and new peddles specially for the shoes. Try to get some shoes with a semi waterproof top, so mostly leather/plastic. You can also buy shoe covers that zip over your cycling shoes with a hole in the bottom for the cleat. You might want to try some?
Food, I would suggest those meals you get in pre-packed packets. All you need to do it tip them into a pan to heat them through. Those should be eaten for evening meals. For lunches and snacks I would definitely say, take oatcakes. They are very substantial and light and come in individual packets of 5 or 6 so are great for carrying. Eat a packet each lunch to ensure you are full. Maybe take individually packaged cheeses too? Don't take bread. It will dry out and squash and take up lots of space!
As for weight, that depends how strong a cyclist you are. Obviously not too much weight or it will slow you down massively!
Clothes wise, take the minimum amount. Cycle in cycling shorts or trousers with the pad to keep you comfortable. Take full thermals to sleep in and also to wear whilst cycling if it's cold. Take two spare pairs of socks, another t-shirt, a fleece and a light weight waterproof. Gloves, a buff and a hat too Hope I helped

[babyjustin]

(Original post by izzyrose)
Hope I helped

thanks you have

[izzyrose]

(Original post by babyjustin)
thanks you have

Happy to be of assistance!

[maz :)]

you should get a platypus, its like a plastic pouch and you fill it with water and put it in a rucksack or bag, etc. and it has a tube attached with a nozzle on it that you can clip to your jumper or bag strap and drink as you go along. thats what i took on d of e and one bottle spare with water, its good cos then you drink a lot without realising.

[tc92]

Definitely get a platypus of some variety. Even just on a normal walking expedition, I'd recommend a platypus and a bottle; as with the platypus you (or one of your team-mates) can see how much you're drinking, and that's a good way of keeping an eye out for each others' health. And then the bottle is there for backup. Especially since you're cycling, the platypus means you don't need to stop riding to have a drink.

Bear in mind, 1 litre of water weighs a kilo. So the more water you're carrying, the more weight you've gotta put up with. If there's plenty of opportunities to fill up en route, then don't carry extra weight unnecessarily.

[babyjustin]

(Original post by izzyrose)
Hey
For shoes, I suggest you buy some proper cycling shoes with cleats and new peddles specially for the shoes. Try to get some shoes with a semi waterproof top, so mostly leather/plastic. You can also buy shoe covers that zip over your cycling shoes with a hole in the bottom for the cleat. You might want to try some?

Sorry to ask again but im not too sure about whether to go for cleats or toe clips, as I don't particularly want to buy a new pair of cycling shoes?? Do toe clips or toe straps work okay??