Commuting to school with the physics tome (800+ pages) and the DC Electric text 700+ pages, plus two notebooks, two workbooks, misc other class items, breakfast, lunch, clothes, shoes, water, etc all stuffed into a pack and thrown on my back wasn't good. So I put the rack back on my bike and strapped the backpack to it. Still not adequate.
I couldn't find a decent set of water resistant well made panniers at a good price. So I went to local canvas store and found some poly impregnated water resistant 8 oz canvas and designed on the fly a set of panniers. Stitched them up with a sailing needle which came across country with me, and used whipping twine for thread. They are thick, and easy to work with. Bags are stout and working great so far.
I will probably have to modify the attachments to the rear triangle of the bike, and maybe a few other alterations, like a spot to tuck tubes and pump.
Ready for a little bike touring. The goal for the 4th of July is to head out the morning after the Physics final, head north into the San Juan Mountain range loaded up with tent, sleeping bag, etc. I will see how it goes and modify distance and plans as I go. I know the first 20 miles is a road that goes up and down ALOT, after that the road must tilt uphill in general as I head into higher elevations.
I bought 7 new inner tubes and a new set of heavy weight puncture resistant tires this week. We shall see if the flat tire jinx continues.
Cool bike sculpture / rack at the Aztec library. The economy of NM is booming and they are spending money in good places, like small town libraries.
1 comment:
Not quite as good as your homemade panniers, but check out Sunderlands modified watter bottle carrying device on BKW
http://www.belgiumkneewarmers.com/
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