A 120-mile weekend on a fully loaded touring bike

Notes from a slow ride that taught me what I actually need.

I packed too much and rode too slow and had a wonderful time. The first day was twice as hard as I expected. The second was easier than I deserved.

I will not bring the second pair of shoes again. I will bring more chamois cream. The stove was useful exactly once. The book stayed in the pannier the whole weekend.

Next trip is shorter, slower, and somewhere I do not have to drive to. Touring is best when the start line is the front door.