Right

The Birdy is ready for Le Grand Départ tomorrow

Everything cleaned and checked for 5 weeks of #CrossBorderRail adventures ahead!

@jon Didn’t know this brand, but seeing this bike support you throughout your adventures makes me want to have one 😃
I’ve been looking for a folding bike anyway.

@grlodi See https://jonworth.eu/turning-a-2001-riese-und-muller-birdy-into-a-modern-folding-bicycle/ It's an amazing bike, and for the tours I do it's great. But I would not want to use it to commute.

And this is what’s coming with me on 5 weeks of #CrossBorderRail

Being as frugal as I can. No laptop. Clothes for 5 days only (I’ll wash and dry with the burrito technique as I go)

Fingers crossed I’ve not forgotten anything important 🙂

@jon towel and corkscrew?

@jon what's that round thing under the frame? A lock?

@fj Yes, a Litelok. It's a bit large, but it is light and secure, and it's the best lock I have found.

@MarkDW There's a super small towel, and a bottle opener. I am more likely to be buying a beer than a bottle of wine en route 😀 There might even be a few #BeerOnTrains posts 🙂

@jon What’s the burrito technique?

@acb This: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/burrito-method-dries-clothes-five-31103898 Roll damp clothes into a towel, and then jump up and down on the towel. It sounds ridiculous, but it really works.

@jon excellent 🙂👍 well, have a good and safe trip. Oh yes, suncream and a hat?

@MarkDW Sunscreen is in the toiletry bag. And a hat - no. Because the only time I am outdoors for longer periods I am cycling - and then have the bike helmet. When I took a hat on previous trips I never wore it!

@jon I have an excellent tilley hat when camping on the bike which is particularly useful to sit on if it has rained or is a bit damp... but then again I also take a foldable chair and table as a small luxury so maybe... 😵‍💫🤔🤓

@MarkDW I’ve got to cut some corners here. This is essentially a railway project, and it must be a folding bike because I can’t take a regular one in all trains. I’m not really a cycle touring person (yet!)

@jon
Head reisid
Tere Tulemast Eestimaa

@jon Have you ever taken the bike on the European Sleeper from Berlin to Brussels?

@jon @acb as our teacher always said: "don't forget to bring your good mood" (gute Laune)...!

@fj No, although this bike would be easy - folded it could go under a bed in a compartment. But European Sleeper's regular bike carriage is quite generous in terms of space (have been in it albeit when not in service).

@barendkobben @acb oh my mood is good, no fear :-) Let's see how long it stays that way!

@jon Thanks. Thinking about taking the bike to Brussels next month.

@vladcampos this! https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/burrito-method-dries-clothes-five-31103898

@jon Interesting. Have you tried it before? I'm curious about how many t-shirts one can dry with a single towel.

@vladcampos Yes. Done it loads. 2-3 per towel.