The Dawes Galaxy Touring Bike
A list of Cycle Tours with pictures and comments (warning some are 'veeeery long'). I sure you canna' wait a minute longer to read them!...here
The Dawes Galaxy features a reliably strong, yet light 4130 chromoly frame and forks. The geometry is configured to give enhanced comfort even through those long days in the saddle. It is equipped with 27 speed Shimano STI Alivio gears, Tektro CR-510 cantilever brakes, Alex double wall alloy rims, Shimano hubs and Schwalbe tyres. Dump the Dawes Tour Gel saddle and get yourself a leather B21 Brooks Saddle.
Cycle Kit for a UK Tour (UK)
| BAR BAG | FRAME BAG | PANNIERS | (SLEEPING) | (MISC) | BIKE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small radio/Ear piece | FIRST AID KIT | Gas Stove | Sleeping Bag | Drying Line | Straps |
| Maps/cover | Plasters | Kettle/Pots | Sleeping sheet | Midge Spray | Cycle Computer |
| Glasses | Bandage | Mug | Sleeping Mat | T Shirt | Water Bottles |
| Lock & Key | Antiseptic cream | Cutlery | Inflatable Pillow | Rohan Shirt | Pump |
| Camera | Tweezers | Tin Opener | Ear Plugs | Fleece | Bike shoes |
| Phone & Charger | Emergency Food pack | Torch | Sandals | Helmet | |
| Baby Wipes | TOOLS | Scourers | Kindle | 3 pr pants | |
| Sun Block | Allen Keys | J Cloths | Bed clothes | Floppy Hat | |
| Pen/book/notes | Mulitool | lighter | |||
| Spray hand gel | Cable ties | Spatula | Cycle trousers spare | ||
| WALLET | Spare tubes | Sealable food bags | Cycle top spare | ||
| Bank Card | Puncture repair | Veg Knife | 3 prs socks | ||
| Credit Card | Tyre Levers | Gaz cylinder (CV270) | Waterproof Jacket/Trousers | ||
| Cash | Chain Oil | Salt/pepper | Wind-proof Cycle jacket | ||
| Driving Licence | Brake Blocks | Veg Oil | |||
| YH Card | Spokes | Extra bar bag nibbles | TOILET | ||
| Shifter cable | Muesli | Toothpaste/brush | |||
| NIBBLES | Chain tool | Tea/Coffee | Micro flannel | ||
| Nuts/ Fruit bar etc | Microfibre towel | ||||
| Toilet paper | |||||
| Nail clippers | |||||
| Shower gel |
Odds & Ends
Tips I have picked up over the years most of which I have not tried!
1. Carry a second wallet. Make it look authentic and keep a small amount of cash and out of date bank cards in it. This is what you hand-over should you suffer a robbery
2. Discourage potential unwelcome rummaging through your panniers by keeping a soiled/ dirty underpants on top. Not real smelly ones obviously!!!
3. Use your Kindle to have guide books on. Kindles can also be uploaded with PDF's so it's another place to store important information (contact details).
4. Have a contact on your phone under the heading 'ICE' with 'wife' or other person. This may get your phone back if lost or give emergency services a clue about who your 'first' contact is. ICE stands for 'In Case Of Emergency'.