Gravel Roads Test Run

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Catherine Furnace

I decided to take the new Troll out for a test run with a mix of paved and gravel roads, similar to what the Camino would offer. The bike performed great, and the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 2.15″ tires rolled much better than I expected.

The route followed quiet country roads along the west side of Massanutten Mountain, climbed over the New Market Gap on Rt. 211, and then climbed up into USNF dirt roads between the ridges on the east side of the mountain. After the descent back to asphalt, the temperature really started heating up (105F/41C heat index), and I needed to stop at a gas station for a cold drink/electrolyte refuel.

I loaded the frame bag with repair supplies, snacks and a map, and kept my iPhone in the Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag. The water bottle mounts on the front fork held the 1L bottles tight, even with the fast, bumpy descent down the road.

I was a little worried about the S&S couplers loosening up on the rough roads, but they were still as snug as could be after finishing that section of trail. Overall, the bike was much more comfortable (and faster) than I expected given it’s weight and wide tires.

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Surly World Troller

 

 

 

 

Bikepacking the Camino

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As the Camino is a mix of off-road trails and paved riding, I wanted to try a bicycle travel setup different than traditional racks and panniers.

With a lot of momentum in the bike packing world, I’ve opted for the standard setup of seat pack, frame bag and handlebar bags, which avoid the need to have racks and panniers. Advantages include saving weight (no racks), as well as keeping the bike to a narrow profile, helping cut through head winds, navigate single track trails (and crowed paths of walkers), as well as keeping the weight of the bike closer to the center to improve maneuvering the bike.

More soon…

My search for the best Camino bike

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It’s been quite a process determining the best bike to take on the Camino this September. I’ve done a lot of bike touring over the years and walked the Camino multiple times, so I’ve enjoyed trying to merge the two together into what will offer the best experience.