Posted by Les Faber in Darn! If only one could get on a plane and arrive at a destination and simply get on a bike without any other planning. Oh well…… So – down to business.
Part of planning a bike trip is making sure that you have the right gear (aka equipment). I have done tons of research in this area.
In my opinion, one of the most important pieces of cycle-touring gear is the handlebar bag (okay you need a bike also!). I say this because one always needs ready access to items such as cameras, snacks, personal effects, maps, etc…. Oh yes, and you want those items to be 100% dry!
My friend CyclePig (are you my friend Pete?) did an excellent review on a handlebar bag made by Ortlieb. For those of you who don’t know, these guys make some awesome cycling “baggage”.
To my point… I just bought one today (Happy birthday to me… Happy Birthday to me). It should arrive next week.
Photo courtesy of Cyclepig
Author’s note: Whenever you make an unauthorized purchase, pawn it off as a birthday present to yourself.
I also purchased the map case – which makes good sense as we will have no clue which way to go when we get to Holland.
My commitment to you: I will use, abuse, test, prod, poke, and generally test this puppy out while in Holland. They say it is waterproof. Holland is a great place to test that theory (Pete says it is – waterproof).
Pete, if you read this post, let me know if I can pinch the pic from your site. It’s better then anything that I have found on the net. Otherwise, I’ll snap a shot when mine arrives and post accordingly.
Stay tuned!
You guys must be getting so excited about the trip! Happy packing – or should I say Happy Birthday!
Thanks Nadine. We are really pumped. We were looking at maps last night and realized that 2 weeks is simply not enough – LOL
Hi Les, buying all the stuff for a bike tour is almost as much fun as the cycling
You will love the Ortlieb handlebar bag, it worked great for us.
You are also very welcome to use the photo from CyclePig.
Wow That’s great!
when are you going on the tour?
We leave on September the 11th – gone for 2 weeks – I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
I got enough room in my bike box to carry at least a crate of Heineken (or plenty of wine), your new handle bar bag looks good for all else that suits a nice picnic at the Amstel River
I have not measured the bag yet. But if it is waterproof from the outside in…… I am sure it can handle some Amstels and ice in September!
L