… we’re ready to go!
When we first arrived in Switzerland last year we took a number of weekend rides across the country. We quickly discovered that many trails are not paved, and some are just two dirt tire tracks with grass growing in between. With our wide two-wheeled trailer, this causes us to slow down considerably, and Jon has to continually watch for pot holes for each of the bicycle and trailer wheels.
So we have spent the past year re-outfitting the tandem to use panniers. This is particularly difficult since it is a folding tandem. All the racks must be either foldable or quick release. But it has now paid off. Not only do we leave behind the weight of the trailer, but our load itself is smaller. We are more lightweight, yet still have our full camping gear.
Last weekend we did our final packing and took a test ride – on the first real weekend of Spring (which has arrived over a month late this year). After a visit to friends in the south of France, we will be beginning the tour on May 7th.
