tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post359142247820141556..comments2024-03-28T14:04:01.556-07:00Comments on Midlife Cycling: Taking Them With YouJustine Valinottihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-44794723610581431272016-04-15T15:03:36.310-07:002016-04-15T15:03:36.310-07:00Leo--Oddly enough, I often carry less with me on l...Leo--Oddly enough, I often carry less with me on longer rides than on local ones. I have had experiences like yours in airports, in which checkers asked where my luggage was. Justine Valinottihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10852069587181432102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908461644259659419.post-75020819159532106022016-04-15T13:39:08.425-07:002016-04-15T13:39:08.425-07:00When I go for a ride (as distinguished from runnin...When I go for a ride (as distinguished from running an errand), I take almost nothing. Nothing to separate me and the bike. A spare inner tube and tire levers in a bundle the size of my fist under the saddle (or a tubular), water in the bottle on the frame, an atm card, period. My vintage road bikes have frame pumps. I would not consider doing anything else on a ride but ride and listen to my body.<br /><br />But I have also cut back on luggage on trips. Two years ago I flew to the US from Europe and carried everything in a medium sized rucksack that went as a cabin a carry-on. And for a two month stay. (Created confusion at airports:"Where is your luggage? What?") And for the last year or so I have carried out a big bag of useless stuff to a local flea market every other month or so. Cutting back. Going minimalist I guess.<br /><br />The bottom line: you don't have to equip yourself as if you were on an expedition to Baffin Island. There is no need to live under the illusion that one needs to be self sufficient in a modern society. Nobody is in any case.<br /><br />Leo<br /><br />Ps: I have been known to stop at a food store in the deep country side and buy one banana with an atm card, taking the bike into the store. No lock...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com