MSR Velo

Garry’s original touring tent was the MSR Velo, the ideal cycle touring tent! It had a large vestibule which was useful for storing panniers overnight; it was even big enough to get a bike inside if needed! And for its time was fairly light! In fact, it was probably made specifically for cycle touring, hence the name Velo! (French for bicycle)

MSR Velo
Garry’s old MSR Velo

Garry’s Velo had sat on the back of his bike for over 35,000 miles and was with him on his world tour. But after countless nights of camping under the stars in wind, rain, hail, snow and usually being packed away wet the following morning It just wore out! It had even survived a tornado! (Spain 2008)

Tent in the woods
Garry’s MSR on tour in Spain

Unfortunately, when Garry went to buy another one, MSR had stopped making them! So Garry had to start looking for an alternative.

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Luggage

Garry’s luggage is fully waterproof omitting the need to pack clothes and gear in separate bags.

Included below is a breakdown of what he carries in each bag.

Luggage cycle panniers
Garry’s bags are nearly all made by Ortlieb

Contents

  • Front Left Pannier; Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and silk liner
  • Front Right Pannier; Cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery
  • Back Right Pannier; Generally odd bits, tool kit, spares, maps, food and usually a can or two of beer just in case!
  • Back Left Pannier; Clothes, laptop, chargers, medical pack and toiletries
  • Bar Bag; Head torch, glasses, ride log, cameras, sun cream, sweets, bottle of coke and headphones. The map case on top has obviously a map in it and also a compass
  • Tent Bag; Believe it or not a tent! But also a Thermarest chair
  • Other Bags x2; Large bag contains waterproofs and sits on top of the tent on the back rack. The smaller bag carries my fleece when I’m not wearing it and sits on top of my back right pannier

 

Creech Barrow Hill Purbeck


A video taken on 30th June, the day I went to Corfe Castle to visit the Fox Inn only to find it shut! I then decided to head for Durdle Door. After a few miles and a steep climb I arrive at the top of Creech Barrow Hill, only to then find that the road at the top is closed, it crosses the military firing ranges and is only open at weekends! So the only thing to do is go all the way back down! Hold on to those handle bars and enjoy the ride!

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