I Regret This Set-Up Already!!! Ride Across the Pyrenees Day 2

Super happy to have the following brands support me and my ol' cycling adventures. So you will see some of their products I choose to use in my content :)

[carlcarl]

Just do it 💯 In my mid 30s, I lived in Europe for 3 years ( I’m from Australia). I cycled 10 000 km, fully loaded camping tours, not all at once, 2 months blocks. Then in early 40s got married, had a son, then got ♋️ Non Hodgekins Lymphoma, had a Stem cell transplant. Couple years later, multiple organ failure, in a coma for two weeks and Hospital three months.
I’m still here, and just turned 60, with all the treatment from cancer creeping up on me. Can’t do those big rides anymore, but try and get 4hrs of riding in a week.
So yes, do what you want now! You never know what’s around the corner

[mattjordan]

Totally agree with the sentiments. Years ago my dad retired and was promptly diagnosed with terminal cancer. One of the last things he told me was “don’t wait”. I returned to London, quit my job, and left on a bike ride from London to Kathmandu. Best thing I ever did. I’ve done similar trips a couple times since then. It all works out.

[martinschwartz]

I love your attitude. I love your heart. They say no one is perfect but you are pretty close. I am glad you have this YouTube channel so that those of us not fortunate enough to know you personally can still enjoy the loveliness of you.

[andyblades]

Wholeheartedly agree with that. Go and do big things, and enjoy them. At 32, I couldn’t walk, lost my job and my income, due to a fractured spine. I beat that, and started from scratch. New career, new outlook. Don’t wait. Do stuff. You never know what’s just around the corner ❤

[andygoldensixties]

Thank you for taking the time to edit these beautiful videos after all the fatigue of the day. Gorgeous scenery (of the places around you, not to mention your inner world of courage and determination).

[Chrsflks]

Don’t worry about showing us the views! It’s so heartwarming to see how buzzing you are about them!

[thebikepackingadventurer]

I nearly died in an accident on my bike a few years ago, so now I don’t have a bucket list of things to do. I just do them. Live life with no regrets ever like it’s your last day on earth.

Definitely pack smaller staying in accommodation. I took next to nothing when I cycled back from Switzerland. Tailfin was half packed. Wash gear in a sink at accommodation and dry for the morning 👌🏻

Tip for your tailfin, cross the straps over so looks like a cross on top as it secures better.

[paulcochrane]

In January, I had a health scare. Since then, diet changed, no crap eaten, no alcohol and turned 60. I bought two bikes and have dropped 4 stone while massively improving my cardio. Do it now! Cycled parts of the Pyrenees in 1990, Luz Ardiden. Awesome.

[gerarddriscoll]

So true Katie. We all take our health for granted. I lost my job due to ill health. I've suffered with M. E. for seven years. Live for today enjoy what you have got and don't put things off. Keep up the good work Katie 🚴🚴🚴

[RedHeadAgent]

Gorgeous countryside! The view from the descents are definitely worth the climbs! Wow, what views! I watching from my bed recovering from knee surgery and thinking that I can't wait to get on my bike again and get back in shape. Thanks for your words of wisdom!

[edstorey]

Saved this to watch when I needed a gratitude morning bump, and your words of hope and appreciative attitude have really hit me where it counts. Thank you !

[stefis]

Yup - don’t delay, go do epic sh!t today!

Packing: it takes me about 5 days to pack my bags for an epic adventure: because I put everything I think I want together, then over successive evenings remove things to minimise gear. In essence, you can get away with so few items of clothing on tour so long as you wash them each night which you can do.

As they are a series of day rides, who cares how long the climbs take?!

Your set up is still relatively sweet: in 1992 I first cycled to Alpe d’Huez. As a poor uni student, I used what I had:
Steel frame, rack, ridge tent sticking out the back 2 feet, no sleeping mat and a cotton sleeping bag liner to sleep in. Terrible - yet so memorable! Campag triple chainset and 13-18 block. 😮
How things have changed!
What we both now have is luxury!

[rostislavsvoboda]

From my experience, a robust smartphone for navigation is enough; you don't need a dedicated navigation device. However, I learned the hard way that you need a backup for almost everything. A spare device for navigation (preferably a second smartphone), spare phone charger adapter, spare USB cable(s) for every connector, spare power bank, etc.

Then, bicycle lights. Even when you don't plan to ride at night, your horse may get sick, and you never know if you'll make it to your destination before it gets dark. In such a case, you need transparent protective glasses. You'll need them anyway if it rains.

Instead of Birkenstocks, it's better to bring sneakers. They weigh the same, and you can ride with them if your cycling shoes get wet or break. That happened to me too. For such a case, it's better to have semi clip-in pedals.

Additionally, a couple of pairs of latex gloves come in really handy. They take no space, weigh next to nothing, and save you a lot of time when you don't need to wash your hands that much every time you touch your bike chain.

And then a few strips of waterproof band-aids and some petroleum jelly. Your clothes, helmet, glasses, etc., may cause chafing when riding in the rain. Once you get chafing, it takes days to heal.

Also, lubricant eye drops. Rainwater + sweat + sunscreen in your eyes for hours can make you halfway blind. While you can't do much about it while on the road, except ride with one eye closed, in the evening at the hotel, you'll be glad to have them.

And also, some small mosquito repellent spray. It really sucks to chase mosquitoes around your hotel room at 3 o'clock in the morning or when you're sweaty on a long, steep climb and mosquitoes start to chase you, in revenge for their fallen brothers :-)

[carolinestoddart]

I used the tailfin bag on the back of my gravel bike on our recent trip from London to Paris. I had to be careful with packing it each day other wise I found that it was in my back as I have a small bike and the clearance is tiny. I found some small packing cubes inside it really helped to get me organised!
It was my first bike packing trip and we did it mostly off road on the Avenue Verte. We did it on our own with no support, I was little anxious about it but all went well. I absolutely loved it and am now looking for another adventure but work keeps getting in the way 😂. I’m looking at the Rebellion Way in Norfolk, maybe a ladies ride next year. Good luck with your trip, the views are incredible ❤

[danielakerman]

Great stuff Katie! I think you should stitch all the videos from this tour together into one long video. I’d watch!!

[nickmallett]

Long stops at gas stations and small town shops are some of the best experiences of every one of my tour. Also stopping on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere chatting to random animals while munching on gas station treats is PRICELESS!!
.
stop being such a weight-weenie 🤣

[derekskinner]

Well, I've followed your channel for quite a while and try to watch all of your videos, however, in my humble opinion, this is the best of them all!! Maybe it's the views in the opening shots reminding me of a motorcycle trip there 20 years ago or simply your infectious enthusiasm and raw honesty. Keep on doing what you do 'cos we love it. Keep safe 😎🚲

[darrenrogers]

Thanks for taking us on your adventure Katie. Breathtaking scenery for sure!

[brucebrosius]

Brilliant! Words of Wisdom Katie! Life is truly to short so live every moment to its fullest.
You rock ! ❤❤

[AngusmacTV]

Your 'no-brakes' good cheer is just the best start to the day . Thanks for another great video and enjoy the rest of the trip !