To me fixed gear bikes are not about fashion, but about DIYODW, pain, and of course that funny zen simplisity that everyone likes to rave on and on about. (DIYODW = Doing It Your Own Dam Way). I am sure many a fashionable hipster will tilt his/her head in wonderment, and to that I say,

FUCK fashion. 

Okay now that my motivation is clearly laid out, lets get on to my next stupid adventure.  If you have been reading this here mess of a blog for the past few years then you know that I have a penchance for doing things that most people will shake their head at, however, its been a while since I have been on any truly insane adventures on my fixed gear bike.  Hmmm, clearly I need to rectify the situation.

Its Reconing Time 

As such I have decided to go on a rather ill concieved adventure, inspired by the fact I have to attend two conferences this summer, one in St. Andrews, Scotland, the other one in Dublin, Ireland.  Therefore I will land in London, make my way up to Scotland for conference number 1, then make my way to Dublin, followed by a riding across Ireland to Cork, taking the Ferry to England and riding back to London to complete the loop.

Oh yeah, and I have about 12 days riding time to do this loop.

So this is rather insane, yes?  But not insane enough so lets up the anti a bit shall we?

Wease's 4 Step Plan for Insane Touring

Step 1.  Tho shall ride at no less than 160 km (100 miles) per day on a fixed gear bike

Step 2. Tho shall attach NOTHING to thy bike (bags, fenders etc) as this only sullies the beautiful simplisity of fixed gear bikes

Step 3. Tho shall travel as light as humanly possible, yet camp.

Step 4. Tho shall ride a rather large gear ratio (80 inches), since steps 1-3 are far too easy. 

The inspiration for this adventure arose over the fact that riding a proper touring bike was far too easy, I know I have one. They are quite lovely. You can put 4 panniers on, load up with all the gear you need (clothing, camping, food) and have a relaxing time crossing the countryside at your own pace.

See the problem? Too easy.

Since I wasn't racing this year (trying to finish the FUD, phenetics for PhD) I needed something rather difficult to do. So I decided on the minimlist approach to touring. Plus I was inspired to think about traveling as light as possible, so I decided I was allowed around 10 lbs of gear MAX.  

The last requirement is the most interesting. You see in that 10 lbs I must have a back pack, camping gear, enough cloths to stay warm at night and clothing so that I look presentable at the conference since I am presenting.

Minimlist indeed

As far as clothing is concerned.  One of everything, with a single change of cloths for night time, with enough clothing to cover cool nights and the odd rain storm, even though its summer it will rain.  Next as far as camping is concerned, I will buy my food leaving me with only a shelter to worry about. At first I was going to take my Hammock (1.2 lbs) to sleep in, but I realized it was bulky and parts of England have no trees so I decided to go with a small tarp and a therma biv sac.

Here is a picture of all I