Lightening the load
I’m still struggling with downsizing what I carry on the bike. The Arkel Tailrider trunk bag was a good idea. For commuting it seems to be just the right size. I had been concerned that it would turn out to be too small, with warmer weather requiring that I carry a change of clothes.
On Saturday morning I took the long way to work again. It extends my two mile commute by an additional 12 miles. It was warm. I wore my cycling shorts, and rolled up a pair of jeans under the outer straps on the top of the Tailrider.
This worked marvelously. There was still plenty of room inside the Tailrider for my lunch, a library book, spare tube, pump and tools. Plus, I bought a big giant cookie on my usual Saturday breakfast stop at Jim’s Restaurant. It slipped right inside on top of the library book.
At the other extreme, although I was really nervous about doing it, on Saturday night I went riding with only a water bottle and the key to my apartment. The key slipped right inside the battery pack for the DiNotte headlight. It’s only now as I write this up that I realize that I didn’t even have bus fare in case I got a flat.
Yesterday, while waiting from my spoke to be replaced, I bought an under-saddle wedge bag. I was able to try it out before buying it to be sure it would hold the recommended minimums with a bit of room left for a cell phone (in case I ever buy another of the accursed devices) and a bar or two. The medium-sized one worked.
I’m not completely sold on the idea. On last night’s ride I could hear stuff bouncing around inside it. Still, I’ll give it a go and see what I think after a few days.
On the other hand, now that I have decent tires on both ends of the bike, maybe I don’t need to carry all that stuff.
