Some notes on the itinerary

We will start our journey the 8th in Nababeeb
The trailor is on the "assembly" line..and the Avalanche on its way from Cape Town....bang!
Gear check in process...

Tandem etiquette (Reference to farting :-))) Especially relevant to the Tandem Pilot



Fire in the hole position!

A question that comes up, but not talked about: "What about FARTING on a tandem"

I will attempt to write up the first recorded protocol to prevent tandem violence in the first degree.

1. Nutrition: Eat right - Search Google
2. If NO 1 fails and a MEE is eminent, follow this drill..

• First warn the stoker - give the stoker time to prepare mentally for what will follows(happy stoker happy ride?)
• Lift your bum - fire in the hole position!
• Aim sideways - remember the stoker is not a target!!! - this protocol make provision for exceptions thou- such as, if you need to enhance stoker performance with autocratic threatening behaviour.........lol
• Instruct the stoker to take a deep breath......
• Yell: "fire in the hole"
• Count down from 3,2,1....
• Present your flatulence as humanely as possible, and with the least noise pollution possible.
• Look back for any signs of life and possible survivors...
• Resuscitate the stoker if necessary...!
• Continue with your ride!

Preparedness for endurance touring

Visualization is one of the key activities I personally do to assess associated risks.  This technique allows you to develop more mobility and flexibility of thought.

Thus basically two things will be extremely important - water and shade!

Using the principle of Pareto 80 % of my outcomes are planned around these two critical issues.
Gear
Food
Survival
Think about it!

Training

The quest for good "tandeming" is not so much in the finding of a rythem but rather finding the right attitude.

Balancing strengths and weaknesses is a basic requirement!..but attitude of both riders will get you to te finishline. (My quote for the day :-)))

Today we do our Sunday morning 100km ride.

Checklist

The Checklist

Important for any crazy outdoor activity is to create some kind of checklist - Okay it is ESSENCIAL!
Here is ours:

Bicycle Accessories (mounted to bike)                  

• Trailer                               

•Handlebar Bag (+ mounting bracket)                   

•Rain Covers and/or Plastic Bags (for non-waterproof panniers)                               

•Trunk (Rack) Bag or PVC Dry Bag* (for rainy tours)                        

•Seat / Frame Bag (good for storing tire repair kit)                          

•Comfortable Saddle (personal choice—not racing seat!)                            

•Handlebar Extensions w/ Paddled Grip Tape                   

•Stem Riser / Adjustable Stem (may need if touring w/ mt. bike)                             

•Water Bottles+Cages and/or Hydration Pack (i.e. Camelbak )                   

•LCD Cycle Computer (w/ new or extra battery)                              

•LED Flashing Tail Light                 

•LED Head Light (or use camping headlamp)                      

•Mirror (mounted on handlebar / helmet)                         

•Air Horn / Bell (i.e. Delta AirZound)                      

•Multi-mount (i.e. Topeak BarXtender / Minora SpaceGrip)                       

•Front + Rear Fenders                  

•Bungie Cords / Webbing Straps (2-3)                   

•Bike Lock (key/combo cable is sufficient; U-Locks=heavy/overkill)                        

•Reflectors (or reflective safety vest or reflective clothes)                          

•Dog / Bear Pepper Spray (attach to bike frame)                             

•Bike Mojo (i.e. mascot/trinket on bike)—don’t ride without one!                         

                               

Camping Gear                   

•Tent (1/2 man)+(rainfly;poles;stakes;stuff sacks;ground sheet) or                        

                          

•Sleeping Bag (Down / Synthetic) + Compression Sack                    

•Sleeping Bag Liner (for mild/cold camping or hostel use)                            

•Air Mattress/Pad+Stuff Sack (i.e.Therm-a-Rest; Insul-Mat; Z-rest)                        

•Air Pillow (or use extra clothes in stuff sack)                    

•Nylon Stuff Sacks (various sizes; for clothes + gear)                      

•Backpacking Stove (in stuff bag or cook pot)                    

•Fuel Bottle ( liquid gas/alcohol or 8oz butane canister)                

•Cook Pot (1-2 liter pot w/ lid; aluminum / titanium)                      

•Utensils: Spork / Spoon+Fork+Knife set (lexan / titanium)                        

•Insulated Travel Mug (hot coffee in camp/town or to take on bike)                      

•Water Filter/UV Purifier/Aqua Mira (for backcountry or int’l travel)                      

•Water Tank (i.e.Platypus/MSR: for collecting+pre-filtering+shower)                    

•PVC Dry Bag (handy for keeping large items dry on rack)                         

•Portable Camp Chair                

•Light Backpack / Daypack / Hydrationpack (if doing side hikes)                

•Bike Cover (coated nylon / poly tarp—cut to fit your bike & gear                            

•Clothes Pins (6-8; for drying clothes / securing bike cover at night)                        

•Mosquito Head Net (used in buggy areas)                           

                               

Cycling Clothes ( unless you ride naked ;-))                              

•Helmet (proper size & fit) + optional Visor                        

•Cycling Jersey or Synthetic T-Shirt (2-3)                              

•Cycling Shorts (1-2 — maybe 3 for long tours)                 

•Cycling / Synthetic Underwear [Boxer/Briefs + Sports Bras] (2-3)                           

•Cycling Gloves (1 pr. / 2 pair if on long tour)                      

•Cycling Socks (Synthetic / Wool; 2-3 pr. i.e. Coolmax )                  

•Clipless Cycling Shoes (or trail/running shoes if using toe-clips)                               

                               

Bad Weather Cycling Clothes (in nylon stuff sack)                           

•Long-Sleeve Jersey / Light-Mid Synthetic/Wool Zip Shirt (1)                     

•Cycling Long-Tights / Insulated Windpants (1)                 

•Rain Jacket + Pants (1 set — waterproof nylon / Gore-Tex )                     

•Fall/Winter Gloves / Mittens+Liners (1 pr.)                       

•Synthetic Helmet Liner / Sweat Bands / Bandana (1)                    

•Helmet Liner / Skull Cap / Fleece or Wool Hat (1)                           

•Balaclava / Neoprene Face Mask (1)                    

•Arm + Leg Warmers (1+1 pr.)                  

•Waterproof Socks (1pr )                   

•Waterproof Rain Booties / Gaiters (1 pr.)                          

•Helmet Cover (1)                          

                               

Camp + Town Clothes (in nylon stuff sack)                          

•Clean Synthetic / Cotton T-Shirt / Collared Travel Shirt (1)                          

•Fleece Jacket/Vest or Mid/Heavy L/S Pullover (1)                         

•Synthetic Hiking / Running / Swim Shorts (1/1)                               

•Synthetic Pants / Convertable Pants/Shorts w/ elastic+belt (1)                               

•Synthetic Underwear (1 + clean/dry briefs—off the bike)                         

•Base Layer (synthetic long underwear top+bottom—1 set)                      

•Synthetic / Wool (warm!) Socks (1 pr.)                               

•Baseball Cap / Visor / Sun Hat (1)                          

•Sandals / Rubber Clogs / Flip-Flops / Running Shoes (1 pr.)                        

                               

Food Bag (in zip-lock bags inside nylon stuff sack)                            

•50' Nylon Cord (for hanging food; carabiner attached+small sack)                          

•Meals + Snacks                              

•Multi-Spice or Individual Spices (in film canisters or small ziplock bags)                         

•Sports / Energy Drink Mixes (i.e. USN APEX Mannatech powder)                    

                               

Documents (in wallet / travel pouch / handlebar bag)                    

•Drivers License (or other official photo ID)                        

•Passport (if traveling international)                      

•ATM / Debit Card                         

•Credit Card(s) (w/ bank’s hotline # to call if lost / stolen)                            

•Cash (+ extra R50 in R5 coins —for vending / laundry)                                                             

•Photocopies (passport / license; stored in separate place)                        

•Emergency Contact Info (on biz card / journal / wrist band)                      

•Health +/– Travel Insurance Card                          

•Student ID Card / Youth Hostel Card                    

•Phone Calling Card                       

•Contacts List (family / friends) + Stamps (for postcards)                             

•Biz Cards (w/ contact info: name/e-mail/website/address/phone)                       

                               

Personal Items (usually wearing and/or in handlebar bag)                           

•Watch (+ alarm; altimeter; barometer; compass— )                               

•Sunglasses (+ case; extra lenses; neck strap; cleaning cloth)                     

•Contact Lenses (+ lens case; lens solution)                       

•Eyeglasses (+ case)                      

•Sunscreen (SPF 30+; sweatproof; spray is more convenient)                    

•Insect Repellent (25% DEET or alternative)                       

•Lip Balm (i.e. Chapstick / Blistex)                           

                               

Gadgets + Travel Items (in handlebar bag)                          

•Cell Phone + Charger                  

•LED Headlamp + Batteries                        

•Digital Camera; Memory Cards; Charger; Case (+ accessories)                  

•Extra Battery; Card Reader; Mini Tripod; Screen Shield; Lens                    

•iPod / mp3 Player (Radio; Recorder + Earphones; Charger)                       

•GPS (+ charger / batteries / bar mount — i.e. Garmin; Magellan )                          

•USB Flash Drive (for photos; maps; waypts; bookmarks; contacts)                         

•USB mini cable (for uploading photos, etc.)                      

•PDA / Pocket-Mail Device (becoming obsolete)                             

•Laptop Computer (+ carry case; charger; accessories, etc.)                        

•NOAA Weather Radio (handy for long/remote tours)                  

•2-Way Radio (i.e. Motorola; handy for group / SAG tours)                         

•Maps (in case/zip-lock)                         

•Guidebook (in zip-lock; i.e. Lonely Planet ; Frommer’s )                              

•Pen (2) + Sharpie (black marker) + Highlighter (for marking maps)                         

•Journal (small notebook—or voice recording device)                   

•Reading Book / Magazine                         

•Small Padlock (for hostel lockers—if using)                       

•Binoculars                        

                               

Bike Tools + Spare Parts (in pouch or zip-lock)                    

•Air Pump (mini / mid size; pack in bag instead of on bike frame)                             

•Patch Kit + Tire Levers                

•Spare Tubes 1-2 (+ 1 spare tube for trailer if using)                       

•Presta / Schrader Valve Adapter (1-2)                 

•Tire Pressure Gauge                   

•Degreaser (Gunk or biodegradable kind)                           

•Chain Lube (Pedros , White Lightning , etc.)                     

•Spokes (3-6; 3 sizes—specific to your wheel)                   

•QR Axle                            

•Trailer QR Axle + Retaining Pins (if using trailer)                              

•Brake Pads (specific to your bike)                         

•Spare Tire (folding bead—for bike or trailer)                    

•Brake/Shift Cable                         

•Nuts + Bolts + Bailing Wire (specifically for racks, brakes, etc.)                 

•Hose Clamps + Carriage Bolts (for repairing blown shocks, etc.)                              

•Replacement Cleats + Hardware (SPD=2 bolt / Look=3 bolt)                     

•Shop Rag (Bandana/Handy Wipes—for cleaning greasy hands)                               

•Bicycle Multi-Tool (i.e. Topeak Alien II )—or indiv tools below:                

•Screwdrivers; Wrenches: 2-10mm Allen; Spoke; Pedal; Cresent)                            

•Chain Tool + Spare Link(s)                         

•Cassette / Freewheel Removal Tool                    

•Basic Knowledge of Bike Repair (or manual / downloaded info)                              

                               

Additional Repair Items (in pouch or zip-lock)                    

•Multi-Tool / Pocket Knife (i.e. Leatherman /Swiss Army /Gerber )                         

•Duct Tape & Electrical Tape (small roll; 1+ yd.)                 

•Plastic Zip Ties (various sizes)                  

•Glue / Liquid Thread Lock (Crazy / Gorilla / Loctite —small tube)                             

•Batteries (AAA: for headlamps; bike LEDs; AA: camera; etc.)                    

•Plastic Bags: (zip-lock / compactor / garbage—different sizes)                 

•Bite/Flow Valve (for hydration bladder—if using)                          

•Air Mattress Patch Kit (or use bike patch kit)                    

•Sewing Kit (needle; thread; buttons; small safety pins, etc.)                     

•Folding Sewing Scissors (or use multi-tool / knife)                         

•Safety Pins (4-5; large)                               

•Shoe Laces (or cut pieces from nylon cord)                       

•Zipper Pulls (can substitute w/ small zip ties)                   

•Rubber Bands (4-5; heavy-duty)                            

•Seam Sealer (small tube)                          

                               

Toiletries (in travel pouch or zip-lock)                    

•Travel Towel (i.e. MSR Pack/Towl or chamois)                 

•Washcloth (i.e. bandana or www.ultralighttowels.com)                             

•Soap / Shampoo; (i.e. Mtn/Camp Suds / Dr. Bonner’s )                               

•Deodorant (travel size)                              

•Toothbrush + Toothpaste + Floss or Floss-Sticks                             

•Toilet Paper (small roll in zip-lock) or Handy/Baby Wipes                            

•Hand Sanitizer (i.e. Purell )                       

•Skin Cream (i.e. Noxema or Aloe Vera)—good for wind/sunburn                          

•Nail Clippers + Nail File                               

•Tweezers                         

•Hair Brush / Comb                        

•Hair Ties ‘Scrunchies’ (for long hair)                     

•Disposible Razor (+ shaving cream)—or substitute                        

•Compact Mirror (for contact lens wearers)—or use bike mirror                              

•Woman’s Hygiene Products                    

•Ear Plugs (for sound sleeping in woods, hostels, etc.)                  

•Prophylactic (i.e. condoms)—maybe you’ll get lucky!                  

•Prescription Medication                            

•Multi-Vitamins                              

                               

First-Aid / Other Toiletries (in pouch or zip-lock)                  

•Band-Aids (assorted sizes & shapes)                   

•First-Aid Ointment (i.e. Neosporin )                     

•Adhesive First-Aid Tape                            

•Moleskin / Blister Bandages                    

•Alcohol Wipes                

•Cotton Swabs                

•Compress / Gause Pads (med / large size)                        

•Ibroprophen (i.e. Advil ) / Aspirin (i.e. Bayer )                 

•Anti-Chafing Balm (i.e. Vaseline —for saddle sores)                     

•Anti-Itch Cream (i.e. Hydrocortisone)                 

•Muscle Relief Cream (i.e. Icy-Hot, Sports Cream )                          

•Foot Powder (i.e. Gold Bond )                

•Anti-Diahearreal Tabs (i.e. Imodium AD )                           

•Antihistimine Tablets (i.e. Benadryl )                   

•Zinc Tablets (i.e. Airborne )—cold prevention                 

•Sports Injury Cloth Bandage                    

•Neoprene Knee / Ankle Wrap  

                                            

Survival Items (in pouch or zip-lock)                       

•Lighter (butane / disposible) + Storm Matches                               

•Compass (on handlebar / watch / hand)                            

•Whistle                             

•Emergency Space Blanket                         

•Personal Locator Beacon

Tandem through the Richtersveld 2015 on a Avalanche Envi 29 er

With that bike I will divorce my wife!...
My opinion?...she needs to get a new tandem partner!!..Yep





What nonsence!..c'mon guys and girls.  A tandem has its place?!..and it's not in the garage.
Now if things goes according to plan you will be able to follow me and my partner Anina through the Northern Cape, a desert region in South Africa where we will test inter alia tandem relationship theory..haha, but also ride the extreme conditions of the Namaqua desert.

Furthermore a few comments on the technical performance of the Envi itself,  but you will also get a chance to meet Camel, my humble bike tag :-))

Taming the outdoors with the Avalanche ENVI 29er Tandem

2015-12-08 Until 2015-12-23

The route