As of 20 Oct 2015, I have begun to update this page.
A word of caution:Our experiences and these "lessons learned" were strongly shaped by several factors which should be reiterated.
1. This trip took place during the Summer.
2. This trip took place in Southern Canada. Language, security, communications, and bicycle shop frequency weren't "much" of a concern.
3. Though Ian was riding a 20+ year old bicycle, it was high quality (ie, it was not entry-level). He had owned the bike for a number of years and was quite familiar with its "ins and outs," having repeatedly disassembled, conditioned, and reassembled it. Some components had also been replaced.
Learned before this trip
- Ian got sunburn/sunrash/insanely itchy bubbles on his hands with short fingered gloves and/or no gloves during a 14 day trip in the UK. Some people have sun-sensitive hands... Long gloves prevent problems.
- Having multiple hand positions allows you to shift body positions more frequently, which is important on longer rides to avoid pain and stiffness.
Use a hand pump with external tube
- A hand pump where the cylinder connects directly to to the bike tube valve can shear off the valve stem if you aren't careful. Use a pump that connects to the valve through an external tube.
Learned during this trip
Know that not all bike paths are useful to long-distance cyclists
- More and more jurisdictions are creating dedicated paths for cyclists. Quebec in particular has a well-marked, well-mapped, province-wide network of shared and dedicated paths that is generally fantastic. Many municipalities, counties and provinces across Canada have created paths for cyclists... but many of them are not geared towards long-distance cyclists - they're poorly marked, follow extremely meandering routes, disappear after 10km, alternate between pavement, gravel and dirt, or are closed and blocked part-way through for maintenance with no warning (which is problematic when this puts you on an old rail path with no exit). Avoiding heavily trafficked roads, such as the TransCanada Highway, makes for a safer, more relaxing and more scenic ride - but often small roads are more dependable than bike paths. A dedicated path can be wonderful, but not if it adds hours and hours to your day. Also, there is no avoiding the TransCanada Highway for much of Northern Ontario.
- Originally for treating chapped cow udders, this ointment can be found at many hardware stores or farm equipment stores. It lubricates, prevents saddle sores, is antiseptic, and OMG does it ever soothe the pain if you happen to get one. I found this part way through my trip, and I wish I had started with it. I now apply this to my sit bones and crotch before I get on my bike each day during a long ride.
Learned after this tripUse a liquid thread locker to secure nuts and bolts
- Ian carried tons of spare nuts and bolt fasteners (for racks and etc) and used a lot of them. Nuts and bolts tended to loosen off during the long trip, and fell off if they weren't noticed and tightened. This could have all been avoided by using thread fastener, a cheap product that you apply to threads to keep them from loosening.
Pending update:
Vent hole plug (water retention)
Grease fittings (seat stem, head stem, pedals, etc) when installing
Axle failure
Gearing
Tyler cassette failure
Tyler seat 'micro' adjustments (casual vs extended rider)
Saddle height adjustment
Spray on sunscreen
Chain watcher
Shifter failure
Pump pressure gauge
Spare tires vs improvised repairs (Southern Canada vs middle of nowhere where everyone speaks a different language, you don't have a cellphone, there is no internet and bicycle shops are extremely rare)
rear rack bracket failure
tent pole repairs
used tubes as cushion between metal fastenings
cone wrench
freewheel removal leverage - pipe handle extension
