As always, research and preparation are always integral to making a trip like this flow. It's like salt, some preparation, but not too much, enhances the flavour and adds enjoyment to yours way of travelling. Preparation includes getting bike and gear ready. To this aim, some minor purchases of gear simply must be made and repairing some things in the weeks leading to departure. Specifically, a light bag that can transport my bike and also travel with me will be essential this time, as the trains and buses to Barcelona transport bikes only when sealed in a bag. As my old saddle has had more than 10 years of service, it is time to search for another. I find a barely used, vegan friendly Brooks Cambium C19 on eBay Kleinanzeigen. Another splurge is buying new Ortlieb pro XL Classic bags with increased capacity (38L per bag). I perform a check up of essential components, including chain, brake pads and wires.
By far the lengthiest process before my journey is finding accommodation for the first leg of my journey, from Barcelona to Valencia. This involves sending requests to stay with hosts on various online platforms, including WarmShowers, BeWelcome and CouchSurfing. In my experience finding hosts is more difficult in the lower latitudes of Europe, and especially in the more busy touristic cities.
Options to get to Barcelona from Berlin include bus, train, BlaBla car (car sharing) and plane. In the end I opt for the FlixBus. Although this is the slowest (34 hours) and most uncomfortable way, I am guaranteed a place for my bike, it's the cheapest option (108€) and it is reliable.
When packing bike in bag:
- remove front wheel
- remove pedals
- remove front stem and attach to frame
- remove front light
- use fork eyelet protector
- use cardboard to protect front fork
PACKING LIST
Documents
● Passport
● Driving licence
● European health insurance card
Bike riding equipment
Bike computer (speedometer) Sigma
● Shimano SPD clip shoes
● Sunglasses and case
● Waterproof trousers
● Cycling shorts x 2
● Waterproof jacket
● cycling short sleeve shirt x 2
● 2 x 750ml Nalgene bottle
● 1 x 1500ml Nalgene
● Sun cream (SPF 30)
● Helmet
● ABUS U lock + cable
Cycling gloves
Extra cincher belts
Bike transport material
Ibera BB1 bag
Fork eyelet protector
Cardboard
Clothes
● Light trousers
Warm neck hoop
● 2 short t-shirts
1 long t-shirt
● 3 boxer shorts
Socks x 4
● long arm cycling jacket
● Light runners
Warm waterproof hat
Camping
● 2 man tent (Kielty)
● Thermarest mat
Sea to summit air pillow
● 4 season sleeping bag
● Scarf (to cover eyes at night)
● Ear stoppers
● Head lamp (Petzyl)
● 2 x Tupperware (stainless steel)
● 1 spoon
● Peanuts
● Magnesium effervescent tablets
● 3 x ziplock bags
Large rubber/plastic bands
Bags
● 2 x ortlieb classic XL pro back rollers
● 1 x ortlieb handlebar bag
● 1 x Ikea frakta zipper 76L bag
1 canvas bags
2 x small ziplock/ zipper bags
Tools
● Hummer 2 multitool
● Micra leathermann
● Chain oil
● Puncture repair kit (tiptop)
● Adjustable wrench
● Airik Xtreme pump
● Cable ties
● Insulating tape
● 28" spare tube
● Tyre levers
● Pentagon allen key
● Pliers
Tool pouch
Spare back spokes (attached to bike)
Entertainment
● Ebook reader
● Headphones
● Android phone (with audiobooks)
● Swimming goggles
● Swimming togs
● Phone/ebook charger (USB C and micro USB)
● USB-werk (charges phone from bicycle)
Glasses and case
Journal with pencil
MP3 player (apple nano) + charger
Hygiene
● Tissues
● ToweL
● Disposable razoR
● Toothpaste
● Toothbrush
Miscellaneous
● Presents for hosts
Extra watch
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