Weight problems: looks like a severe diet is called for

I’m currently in a curious arrangement: sharing accommodation with The Chef who whips up huge dinners every night, leftovers, usually considerable, available for lunch. Cream takes a prominent part in upping the deliciousness quotient.

Result: I’m in severe need of a diet. Not to worry, the excess will slowly fade once I’m finally seated in that leather saddle. A couple of months with wheels spinning and I’ll be back to my fighting best.

As for the rest of the load aboard the bike … well, what can you do?

Arrhhh.

2.2 kgs of new solar gear. Ditto for the laptop.

Is that an issue?

Well, starting with a tent, sleeping bag and mat, bike spare parts, clothes, stove, fuel and cooking gear, two spare tyres, (there’s a road set and an off road combination), heavy wheels, thornproof tubes, etc, etc. All stashed in a trailer and a couple of rear panniers, ie, a lot of base weight.

As for the consumables, ie food, there’s not much in the way of retail opportunities from Exmouth to Meekatharra, just a homestead out near Mt Augusta that sells cans of drinks, icecreams and a choice of something excessively greasy for the motorised brigade. That’s the longest gap between any form of grocery restocking, this escapade, about 860 km, or 2 weeks pedalling on gravel roads: 15 breakfasts, 15 dinners and 15 lunches.

860 km? Why am I doing this again?

And then there’s water. On a few stretches coming west I was spending 2 nights out, ie, 56 hours between water supplies, 3 full days riding. Might be a few sections like that in the future, 25 litres, ie, 25 kg, required.

Oh well, lose that 10 kg courtesy of The Chef. Might prove to be the answer. I sense I’m going to need the rest of what’s stashed aboard.