Our bikes

After much deliberation we finally settled on our lovely Thorn Raven Tour bikes. We wanted a steel frame, and nothing that would be likely to go wrong, so no disc brakes, hydraulics or suspension.

The Thorn Ravens have a Rohloff 14 speed gear hub which is said to be very reliable and indestructable, with virtually no maintenance required -we certainly hope so! The frames are designed for carrying heavy loads, with long wheel bases and longer chain stays to keep panniers away from feet.

We got excellent help in St John St Cycles (thank you Adrian) and got some upgrades: the strongest heaviest wheel rims going, Sun Rhinos, and better brakes, Shimano Deore LX. The bikes are certianly lovely to ride so far, with nice predictable handling. Now for the real test!

Camping equipment

Vaude Mark II Ultralight tent
Tent footprint
Thermarest sleeping mat x2
Rab Quantum 400 sleeping bag x2
Silk sleeping bag liner x2
Double mosquito net
Down pillow x2
Primus Omnifuel stove
Cooking spatula
Cooking spoon
Lexan cutlery set x2
Steel plate
Steel mug x2
Vango cook set
Clothes line
Sink plug
Salt and pepper set

Clothing

Cycling attachments

Bike computers, 1 with altimeter
Bike mirror x2
Bell x2
Pump x2
Bungee cords x6

Other bits and bobs

Leatherman
GPS
Head torch x2
Compass
Dog dazer
Mini watercolour set
Camera x2
Whistles x2
Medical kit
Small radio
Zip ties
Zip lock bags
Drawstring bags
Journals
Books
Spanish dictionary

Many thanks to the people at Dog Dazer for very kindly donating a Dog Dazer. It really does seem to work on most of the angry dogs we´ve met so far!