Tomorrow, I set off for London before flying to Munich. The Trans Alp trip I talked about previously is upon me. I’m feeling pretty fit after six weeks of pretty hardcore training, by my standards at least: Circuit training, spinning classes, gym sessions, swimming and core / back workouts all part of the weekly routine. I never had myself down as a gym person, but with the right motivation, I’ve really made the most of it.
That said, I’m still daunted by the task ahead. Seven days of riding through the Alps with several very fit German Trans Alp veterans will most likely put me in my place, especially given that I’ve done very little in the way of long rides in my training (being away at weekends scuppered that), which in reality was the most important training I could have done.
I’m now packed, and as I learned the hard way before, packing light is the way to go. The following, based on Christian’s advice all crams into Espe’s 34 litre rucksack and weighs in at… ah, bugger, the scales are broken. Weights in at not too much.
- 2 Short sleeved cycle jerseys
- 1 pair of cycle shorts (baggy shorts with padded inner)
- 1 pair of lightweight trousers
- 1 pair of shorts
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 Thermal long sleeved t-shirt
- 4 pairs of sports shorty socks
- 1 pair of warm socks
- SPD cycle shoes
- Thin soled trainers (pack flat)
- Cycle gloves
- Cycle mitts
- Leg warmers
- Arm Warmers
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overshoes
- Waterproof trousers
- Buff
- Cycle helmet
- Wrap around sun glasses with interchangeable lenses.
- Heart rate monitor
- Compass
- Tools & puncture repair kit
- 2 inner tubes
- 2 water bottles
- 1 Hyrdration pack (2 litres)
- Herbalife Protein Bars
- Herbalife H30 Isotonic drink sachets
- Travel Towel
- Toothbrush
- Deodorant
- Vitamins
- Pain killers
- Herbal Chaffing cream
- First aid kit
- Book
- Notepad & pen
- Passport
- Cash cards
- Compact camera
- Phone
- Chargers
Split between us we will carry shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste and sun cream.
I will attempt to update this blog as we go, so you can keep up with how much I’m struggling up those mountains. Hopefully I’ll be able to post a couple of decent entries with photos and all, but failing that, I’ll try to get those twitter updates coming in. They might display on this here blog if some clever electrickery does its stuff… if not, check out www.twitter.com/andyplace for the latest.