Outback Odyssey is fast approaching! So we decided to do a bit of a test ride away from our well worn routes on Saturday.
We drove out to Tanunda with our 29ers with a plan to do the Mawson trail out to Kapunda, then head back via a series of gravel and dirt roads that i had mapped out. The hope here was that we'd be able to identify any major issues that we might have when the real event starts in about 4 weeks.
Weather was mostly good, save for some strong head and cross winds at one point. The bikes were good, and the bodies got back intact, albeit fairly sore and super dusty. But we learned a few things, so it's better to find them out now rather than on our 900km tour
Probably some info out of this:
1) reduce the tyre pressure. We had it way too high. getting some shock absorption on a hard tail is going to be pretty important
2) go easy. It's not a race. :P
3) I probably need to concentrate on sitting up, rather than crouching over the bar. I reckon this is contributing to lower back pain
4) our bikes are mostly spot on. i might give my saddle position a slight tweak and maybe invest in some touring grips.
5) i might finally have set up my Garmin to conserve enough battery to last the entire day. (and as of today, have bought a mini power bank to bring along on the ride)
6) while Google street view maps may give a good indication of terrain and road conditions, they can't convey the putrid stench of a section of road... I think we found a road where *all* the local animals go to die :/ Fortunately we won't be doing this bit on the Outback Odyssey.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2233022444
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Ambulance guys and girls were outstanding. it was amazing watching them work so calmly under the pressure.