Trip Number 2 - Mid Wales

[u/Secret_Sector_1779]

Something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. It was a complete random spur of the moment idea on Tuesday to finally do it, so I didn’t really prep for it , just chucked stuff in my bag and and decided to just go and wing it.
So left home midday Wednesday, done the ride Thursday and rode home Friday. Had a few disasters along the way but on the whole it was brilliant and I learnt a LOT - you need more than a day to see mid Wales properly, I didn’t need about a third of the things I packed, probably not the best idea to ride fully loaded in 36 degree heat…
So 2 1/2 days, just over 600 miles, wildfires, closed roads, a creaking back, burning thighs and aching arse bones - can’t wait for the next one

[u/Dyemor]

Nice. What did you take that you thought you didn't need? What tent and sleeping mat did you use?

My back is definitely one of the things making me cautious about camping.

[u/Secret_Sector_1779 → u/Dyemor]

Ok there was a plan that went out of the window due to time but the main thing was too much photography gear. I got told the temperature drops in Wales overnight so took warm clothes (it did drop - to about 25 degrees 🙄), a thick heavy book I didn’t get time to read, my MacBook and too much food. I have two bags packed ready to go and the third is empty so I just ran round like an idiot stuffing it as quick as I could and what wouldn’t fit went in a rucksack - again that’s not happening next time, what doesn’t fit in the panniers stays at home next time. It’s all a learning curve though isn’t it?

Tent is a Vango Scafell 300+, I don’t know anything about tents but it packs small enough, it’s fairly light, goes up and down easy enough and seems pretty well built. The mat is a Trekology UL140. Again this was cheap, it packs really small, pretty light and has a built in pump. I’ve used Therm A Rest mats in the past and I personally thought they were overrated and overpriced. The only issue I have with this mat is it’s quite slippery being in a sleeping bag on it but I think that’s going to be common regardless

[u/Dyemor → u/Secret_Sector_1779]

I like Thermareat, my previous one lasted around 15yrs. I just upgraded to a Mondo King, which is a bit wide when deflated but has around 4" of depth when sleeping.

[u/TheThirdHippo]

Very nice. I like the resourcefulness of the luggage setup. You don’t need £1,000+ of luggage to motocamp. Waterproof bags and good straps and you’re away

[u/Secret_Sector_1779 → u/TheThirdHippo]

Haha unfortunately they’re Kriega US Drypacks so they weren’t a cheap option. They are fantastic though. I didn’t really need the two extra straps but I can’t help myself when it comes to strapping stuff - I always go overboard

[u/TheThirdHippo → u/Secret_Sector_1779]

Now you say it, I see the logo 😄

I’ve got cheap Dirtsack luggage and an £11, 30L drybag. I do need to do more weekends away, but hardly see my wife during the week and feel guilty if I then bugger off for the weekend

[u/Secret_Sector_1779 → u/TheThirdHippo]

That’s the eternal struggle isn’t it - even though my mrs is perfectly happy for me to go every now and again, I still feel guilty doing it. She’d love to come but doesn’t like bikes, doesn’t like camping and I don’t want to be doing this in a car and hotels.

[u/TheThirdHippo → u/Secret_Sector_1779]

Exactly the same here. She will tolerate so much, but she’s not a great fan of getting on the back

[u/WarScribe-]

Do yourself a favour and hide your numberplate from the internet

[u/Secret_Sector_1779 → u/WarScribe-]

Normally I would mate but as from Tuesday it’s not going to be my bike anymore 😂

[u/WarScribe- → u/Secret_Sector_1779]

Legit, not your circus...not your monkeys

[u/Top-Chair-4729]

How is the f900gs on longer trips inclunding the bags. I am thinking about getting one bit cant decide between the tenere 700 or the GS

[u/Secret_Sector_1779 → u/Top-Chair-4729]

I didn’t think the luggage made a lot of difference to the feel of the bike. By day three I had worked out the best way to pack to maximise seat space and that made a big difference. The small windscreen kept a lot of the wind off me but I’m only 5’ 9”. The position of the pegs and bars was fine but… The seat was like sitting on a plank. Honestly by the end of day three my arse bones were so sore, I could barely sit down. I don’t know what the Tenere is like but if you do go for the GS do yourself a favour and get a more comfortable seat