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Bikes And Walking
By PocketPete
Wednesday 10th October 2018. What a lovely late Indian Summer Day. Perfect for a mid week bike trip. My hobbit is off on Wednesdays so I thought a trip out to somewhere new, maybe in Wales or perhaps Yorkshire. There is a new Vineyard in Holmfirth that might be worth a visit or possibly to the National Mining Museum.
After a brief and short talk with Paula it is decided that I am once again completely wrong and that we are not going out on the bike but we are going in the car to Bakewell for a walk. I put up some stiff resistance but the hobbit has the ring of power and I am in the car and on our way. We had a great time walking around The River to Ashford In The Water and along to Monsall Head. Then back along the Monsall Trail to Bakewell where we enjoyed a nice vegan lunch (quite strange not eating meat but very nice it was too). I agree that it was the most perfect day a biker or walker could enjoy, 22c with a gentle breeze and warm sun in a cloudless sky.
You might wonder what this has actually got to do with bikes and travels. Well we did travel just not on the bike. We had some time for chatting on our 3 hour walk and the subject of bike avoidance was mentioned by me gently for fear of upsetting she who must be obeyed. Paula's answer did somewhat surprise me.
She said she enjoys the bike and popping around in the fresh air but where ever we go it's always a long ride to a cafe but we don't actually get any exercise. We may bimble about the shops in a local village or pop down to a beach but no long walks. I said we could walk and she said it's just not the same on a nice hot day walking round in several layers with motorbike boots on and sweating away usually carrying jackets or helmets.
Hmm I hadn't thought about biking that way she's quite correct that's what usually happens. So the question that begs to be asked is how can you go hiking after a bike ride? How can you carry your hiking gear and leave your bike gear with the bike for two people. I have panniers but don't think I can get it all in.
The summer is now over and its been a pretty hot and low rain summer for the UK. As can be seen from the photos we had a walk to Bakewell and a walk to Rivington Pike (we waved at your house Ren). Then we went to Dovestones Reservoir which as you can see we travelled via bike. Hence Paula is lying under a tree resting wearing all her bike stuff. I'm the same there is a small pile of bike gear which wouldn't fit in the panniers just on the edge of the shot.
It gets pretty tiresome lugging all this stuff with you. I put my helmet in the top box, Paula's hat I usually chain to the bike. My jacket or Paula's will fit in one pannier, the other will hold gloves and scarves. Then your stuck. Just how do you put decent footwear in to hike for 3 hours?
Does anyone have any ideas how this can be accomplished so I can encourage her to bike again.
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Reader's Comments
Ren - The Ed said :-
Sharon and TOTALLY get this! While I'm not a big hiker my thing is visiting places. Be it an interesting cave or a motorcycle museum it really is a pain in the ass carrying bike kit.
20/11/2018 10:09:22 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
In the pic you'll see I have a huge bag on my back. The helmets are locked to the bike via a chain, in the bag I have BOTH jackets and BOTH pants and Sharon's back protector, I'm wearing mine. It works...but it is not perfect. On a long walk carrying the bag would be tiresome. It's so big it's actually a danger in shops and tight spaces. I still have my bike boots on.
20/11/2018 10:15:47 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
It's a shame when I can't use my own system...
20/11/2018 10:16:30 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
The only other thing would be a trailer, as much discussed on here. You'd have plenty of space then.
20/11/2018 10:23:24 UTC
Upt'North said :-
Pocket Pete,
Lovely piccies of Derbyshire, brings back nice memories. But please refrain using the term "exercise", you brought me out in a sweat.
Now Ed, I've given your and our conundrum some thought, not much, it hurts. Yes carrying jackets, gloves, helmets, spare sprockets and chain isn't all its cracked up to be. Worse as well when you're riding in warmer places. We are fortunate because on day rides we can pretty much store everything away on the bike, but when travelling further afield obviously the bags are already filled to bursting.
Well here it is, don't tell anyone else, I might patent my thoughts. Why don't you tow a donkey behind you. I don't know how quick a donkey can run so we may need to devise hoof wheels for said equine carrying device. Park up at your destination and load the Ass up. Walk it round, let it eat a bit of FREE grass and then hitch it up again.
Whilst you are parked up you could even sell donkey rides to cover fuel costs.
It's foolproof.
Keep it to yourself and have you got any old castors you don't need. Although I doubt you'd find them unless you've tidied up that garage.
Upt'North.
20/11/2018 11:24:17 UTC
Upt'North said :-
No donkey's, Ass's or mules were hurt in the process of writing this post.
20/11/2018 11:33:07 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
I'm glad to read you're taking this delicate issue as seriously as it deserves Upt'North.
I'm fairly sure the donkey will require wheels. However castors may prove unstable. I have improved on your patent because I've going to use roller skates. This will be a better and more stable attachment to the hoof. My only concern is high speed donkey poop on the motorways.
I do not own a garage to tidy up, chance would be a fine thing. Look don't tell me how manage my shed up and I won't tell you how to write wise-ass (sic) replies to comments in my blog.
No northerner's feelings were hurt in the making of this comment.
20/11/2018 11:44:48 UTC
Ian Soady said :-
Of course, the real answer is not to dress like a spaceman but to wear comfortable boots (I always like the German para boots), ordinary trousers and a textile jacket. The helmet and gloves go in the top box and you're good to go......
20/11/2018 11:53:45 UTC
Ross said :-
As Ian says, not too much bike specific gear. My footwear of choice is a pair of Doc' Martin's...they take a bit of wearing-in but after that I find them comfortable to walk in and they 'should' be robust enough to offer some protection if the worst happens! There's plenty of choice in motorcycle trousers that look like regular jeans but are lined with various materials to offer abrasion resistance in a crash ( I've currently got a pair of Hood jeans that look like regular cargo trousers but are lined with polyaramid and I find them comfortable in all but the warmest of weather...they also have internal pockets for body armour but I've not gone down that route). If you've got a bulky jacket with body armour fitted that can be a problem to stow on the bike...I have seen riders run a long chain through the arms of a jacket and padlock the lot, including helmet's, to the bike but I've not tried that myself!
20/11/2018 12:28:46 UTC
Bill said :-
Judging by your picture Ren, Sharon already has the pack horse sorted :-)
20/11/2018 22:18:17 UTC
Stuart said :-
At the risk of dropping you in it Pete you could get a hotel and leave you're gear in the room ?
21/11/2018 07:34:09 UTC
Borsuk said :-
I ride solo so I could probably manage to stuff my armoured underwear and jacket liner into the panniers on my bike and my helmet in a top box. Wouldn't want to have it hanging as there are worse things than it being nicked that could occour. I wear adventure type boots which have a decent tread pattern and are comfortable enough to walk around all day in. It would have to be really decent weather so I could wear my mesh summer riding jacket or a leather one. I have Hood cargo pants as well which are great for stoating around in but unfortunately they no longer make due to the CE clothing requirements.
It's currently lousy weather in Spain and I brought the bike down for servicing and I'm looking at all my winter gear lying draped around an hotel room drying thinking there no way that lot would fit in panniers.
21/11/2018 09:20:46 UTC
Rod said :-
After reading the posts on this subject, I have decided that motorcycles are totally impractical for just about everything. I have put my bike up for sale and am looking for a car with plenty of storage space.
21/11/2018 14:22:27 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
I purchased (yes, with my own money!) some kevlar or polyamide or whatnot pants. They are a vast vast improvement on thick quilted cordura pants when it's warm. I cannot comment on their effectiveness in a slide and I plan to try my best to keep it that way. A pair of lightweight waterproofs over the top keeps any rain at bay.
Rod - yeah you're right mate. I'm gonna rename this "Vans And Travels".
21/11/2018 16:51:12 UTC
Pocketpete said :-
I'm very surprised that my little article could elicit such a quantity of helpful stuff. It's clear I'm not the only one who has this problem.
The jeans idea is certainly one to look at. And maybe chaining both helmets to the bike leaving the top box free for jackets to be stored.
The only problem is Paula's helmet is an open face. No real place to attach a chain.
21/11/2018 21:55:10 UTC
Ross said :-
"Pocketpete said :- The only problem is Paula's helmet is an open face. No real place to attach a chain."
Has her helmet got 'D' ring fastening, or a 'D' ring attached to the strap? If so a small chain or helmet cable may help to secure it?
22/11/2018 10:44:09 UTC
Pocketpete said :-
No it's one of those ratchet thingys
22/11/2018 15:56:09 UTC
Christopher said :-
Bikes and walks. Yes, No problem (with some planning). Assuming you do not have a 'thing' about 'Image and Impression' (like (it appears) 95% of people...). Get yourself a 'maxi' scooter. Lots of under seat space, and with a big Givi topcase (E55) gives loads of room for storing/carrying gear. A Burman 400 for example, nice low 710mm seat height, ample 'oomph' for two.....There you go!
Incidentally....I walk solo, and use my CBF125 (with topbox) to travel to my choice of walk start area, My rucksack goes in the box, i park up where the bike will be 'safe', remove rucksack, etc, then put my helmet, gloves, over trousers etc in the topbox, go for my walk on the Pembrokeshire coast path etc,and have a great day, which includes a 'ride out' of perhaps 70 miles in total, and a nice walk of 6-9 miles....lovely, the best of both worlds. I wear the walking boots on the bike, and a fleece/overjacket, which are worn on my walk...(as opposed to heavy/bulky bike gear). I do not walk in the wet/damp, thus, not any issue having to lug 'waterproofs' around. It can be done...Enjoy.
22/11/2018 18:35:35 UTC
Sam said :-
buy a donkey engine.(Sorry,couldn't resist it.)
22/11/2018 20:46:42 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
It is refreshing to read all these ideas and methods. I guess the key is indeed good planning and a little flexibility on what you wear while both riding and walking. I'm sure with a little practice and planning you'll be able to get Paula ON the bike to go FOR a walk.
Christopher, I quite agree, best of both worlds. I'm not an avid walker but I do enjoy a gentle stroll in pretty places as well as the ride to get there.
Sam - Urgh...
24/11/2018 10:22:36 UTC
Tom McQ said :-
Nice story Pete! When my topbox is full (two helmets), I usually feed my (bicycle) security-cable through the sleeves of our jackets and secure them to the bike's grabrails. It's fine as long as you're confident the weather's gonna be okay.
27/11/2018 09:11:46 UTC
Pocketpete said :-
Nice one Tom it had not entered my mind to secure our jackets like that what a good idea. That would free up a lot of space I think I have a suitable chain for that as well.
27/11/2018 19:52:28 UTC
NigelS said :-
The Peak District is my playground but I'd never combine a walk with a bike trip. Firstly, wife and I gave up pillion long ago after my daughter described us as 'two pigs sat on a pencil'! Secondly we are always accompanied by Pepper on our walks and Beagles don't like bikes (doesn't like the car either, come to think of it as she invariably upchucks before we've got as far as Cheadle!). So I'm afraid nowadays its solo to the Peak District, often with my mate Mick on a CM200 which is as fast (?) . . . slow as Benny and we stop for a pub lunch somewhere on the way.
28/11/2018 08:23:19 UTC
Bernard said :-
We carry walking trousers and jackets while already wearing walking boots on the bike - gave up getting ripped off with bike boots years ago.
All the bike gear goes into the panniers, with helmets locked on bike with cable locks.
Car parks, laybyes etc. We get changed and off we go ....
28/11/2018 08:54:40 UTC
Drew said :-
It would be nice if some attractions provided lockers, bring your own lock.
Near the bike parking area. Wouldn't cost the earth.
I tend to walk lots from the bike, but bike boot lack this dual capability.
28/11/2018 13:11:59 UTC
Henrik said :-
Forma Adventure is a perfect mix between trekking-boots and mc-boots
I can wear them all day, and take a small trip a few hours in the mountains also, in Norway I used them for 6 days, only these,..
Foavorite touring-boots for this reason, I am no longer looking for anything else
I always bring with me a pair of light running-shoes also, but don't use them much anylonger
www.atomic-moto.com/products/forma-adventure-boots...
28/11/2018 21:43:07 UTC
Henrik said :-
Perfekt :-)
28/11/2018 21:45:47 UTC
Henrik said :-
Love the highland and mountains more and more ,... relatively sure the upcoming trips will be on my feets also ,.. day-trips ,... maybe more some day
28/11/2018 22:09:36 UTC
Borsuk said :-
I have a pair of Richa adventure boots in Spain and a pair of Black's Rebel Adventure boots in UK. The Richa have traditional welted Vibram soles and can be worn all day comfortably including walking up and down mountain tracks. The Black's boots don't have vibram soles but have a good tread pattern and again are all day long comfortable. They also have more protection at the shin than the Richas have. Whether they can be resolved I don't know, find that out at a later date.
The advantage of the Richas is that the sole is replaceable when they wear out by any cobbler that does hill walking boots. The main drawback is the leather itself is is a bit on the delicate side and easily scuffed at the toes. That said enough wax and dubbin on them keeps them waterproof okay, I'm not worried about breathability as good socks cure cure sweaty feet. At work I am wearing leather safety boots 16+ hours a day and good wicking socks keep my athletes foot at bay.
I was after the Forma boots myself but they never seem to have my size in stock when I am out looking for stuff.
29/11/2018 10:40:35 UTC
Steve B said :-
Great idea Tom about the cable lock.
I used that idea when I used to go to bike race meetings.
Cable through sleeves of jacket and legs of trousers. Chain helmet to bike and wrap everything with black bin liners.
Got mine from toolstation 1.8 metres long
30/12/2018 14:23:12 UTC
MikeD said :-
I've used the cable lock through the jacket sleeve/trouser leg/helmet method. My recommended cable lock is the Knog Ring Master 2.2 metre version. There is a cheaper 1.2m version but the longer one gives you more room to tread everything on then have a chance of arranging the clothing over the bike so rain will run off it rather than inside. The cable is silicon covered so is very flexible. I got mine on eBay for £12.99.
Another solution is a Pacsafe backpack protector i.e. a steel mesh you insert your things into then lock to the bike with a padlock. They come in 55, 85,120 and 140 litre sizes. We've got the 140 so readily takes lots of biking gear which we put into a very large dry bag first. We've also got Pacsafe helmet bags i.e. a padded bag lined with steel mesh which cable locks to the bike but unfortunately I don't think there are made now (nor the armoured tank and tail bags we bought a few years ago).
Another approach (especially if you're not intending to walk many miles) is to get really comfy gear. In our experience Altberg boots - made in Richmond in North Yorkshire are a good start. They go up to size 14 and do 5 widths and you get about 10% off the online price if you go to the factory shop to buy them which is a good idea anyway to have a proper fitting. We've got their walking and motorcycling boots. They have a re-soling service too for about £50 so you don't have to throw them away when the soles get thin from all that walking!
25/04/2019 08:51:34 UTC
Pocketpete said :-
Oh I would give my right leg to be able to walk..... lol let alone ride and then walk.
26/04/2019 17:02:28 UTC
Ren - The Ed said :-
Thanks MikeD, there's always options but you need to put the thought into finding a solution that works for you.
Ahhh bugger eh Pocketpete, the irony huh. It really sucks being laid up and with no certain outcome in sight. It's a long road and for now the only way to travel it is with the zimmer frame. I wish I had sage words of advice.
27/04/2019 07:03:15 UTC
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